The American Red Cross of Ventura County has been named one of the highest performing chapters in the country by the National American Red Cross headquartered in Washington, D.C.

The Ventura County Chapter was one of only three chapters in California and the first in Southern California to receive the recognition. Only 45 chapters throughout the entire United States were honored out of more than 800 chapters nationally.

To receive the honor, the chapter had to meet or exceed a comprehensive set of performance standards completed by Red Cross chapters nationwide. Chapters are judged on performance standards including service quality, effectiveness, fundraising efficiency, volunteer satisfaction, readiness and responses, preparedness and health safety, and financial management. The evaluations are obtained through quarterly and annual reporting.

"We received this recognition from a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our staff, volunteers, board members, donors, community partners and others who help us carry out the mission of the American Red Cross," said Chris Johnson, CEO of the Ventura County chapter. "This award is an achievement for the whole community in helping us create an efficiently run, effective and responsible Red Cross chapter that is ready to meet the needs of our local community. We hope that in these tough economic times, individuals will continue to support us so we can be there for the community when the need arises."

The American Red Cross isn't a government agency.