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Hurricane Irene Update – Donate to your local RED CROSS

stacy — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:25:10 +0000

North Carolina Update

August 31, 2011

New Bern/Jacksonville NC, August 30, 2011 — With communities from North Carolina to New England suffering from significant flooding, wind damage and widespread power outages from Hurricane Irene, the American Red Cross is responding with shelter, food and other assistance. “The storm may be over, but our work is far from done,” said Gail McGovern, Red Cross president and CEO. “We expect this disaster relief operation to be a very large operation that will continue for several weeks. ”Saturday night, the Red Cross was operating in more than 500 shelters, providing shelter for more than 27,000 people, and still had 300 shelters open for 8,000 people Sunday night. Since Friday, the Red Cross has provided more than 48,000 overnight shelter stays.

In North Carolina, three N.C. Baptist kitchens were set-up on Monday in New Bern, Manteo and Williamston, with the first hot meals planned for today. These kitchens have the capacity to serve approximately 30,000 meals each day. The Red Cross has also arranged to procure approximately 1.3 million meals through various vendors in North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey and New York. The kitchens in New Bern distributed about 1500 meals in Craven and Pamlico Counties yesterday and have planned to distribute about 8,000 meals today.

“The American Red Cross and NC Baptists have a history of working together to feed people after a disaster,” states Joy Branham, Executive Director, an First Baptist Church of New Bern graciously offered their site and many of the church members are volunteering their time and skills to organize the kitchen and prepare meals for lunch and dinner. The American Red Cross volunteers help load the trucks and then deliver the meals to locations across Eastern North Carolina.

McGovern and Charley Shimanski, Senior Vice President of Disaster Services, spoke about the Red Cross response and its plans during an afternoon media briefing. Both cited the need for donations for the Red Cross relief operation, which will likely cost millions. “We’re still caring for thousands of people in our shelters, and we’re incurring costs every day,” McGovern said, noting that the Red Cross has active operations in more than a dozen coastal states. Both McGovern and Shimanski emphasized that flood relief operations typically extend for weeks, citing the example of Minot, N.D., where a Red Cross shelter remains open months after severe flooding overtook the city.

In Irene’s wake, thousands of people have turned to the Red Cross for help, and Red Cross workers are responding. The Red Cross has more than 250 feeding vehicles—or more than two-thirds its entire fleet—ready to go into neighborhoods to provide hot meals. Every Red Cross feeding truck east of the Rocky Mountains has been mobilized for this relief effort.

In addition to noting the need for financial donations to the Red Cross for the disaster operation, McGovern also noted that the Red Cross was in need of another kind of donation as well: blood donations are needed now.

“Supplies before the storm were already tight, as they are every summer, and Irene caused the cancellation of 60 blood drives along the East Coast, resulting in a shortfall of more than 2,100 units of blood,” McGovern said. “We’re expecting these numbers to go up due to storm damage in many locations, which will cause more canceled blood drives.”

Donations can be made by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-REDCROSS, or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions can also be sent to local Red Cross chapters or mailed to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

Donate to your local Red Cross at: https://american.redcross.org/site/SPageServer?s_subsrc=ONR_MainDonateButton&pagename=ntld_main&s_src=RSG00100E013

American Red Cross Funds Critical Medical Care in Haiti

stacy — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 17:00:13 +0000

American Red Cross Funds Critical Medical Care in Haiti

Local NW Washington Region Donates More Than $340,000;

Haiti’s Only Critical Care and Trauma Center Now Open until June 2011

EVERETT WA – Nov 4, 2010 – The American Red Cross has committed $2.76 million to underwrite operating expenses at Hospital Bernard Mevs Project Medishare Critical Care Trauma and Rehabilitation Program in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, allowing the facility to remain open until the middle of next year.

The hospital operates 24/7 for the general public, providing the only critical care and trauma services for all of Haiti. Funding from this agreement will support essential medical services, including operating expenses, payroll and administrative fees.

Local northwest Washington Red Cross chapter Haiti donations included: Snohomish County Chapter, more than $256,000; more than $40,000 was sent from the Islands Chapter; and more than $48,700 was sent from the Mt Baker Chapter.

Northwest Washington Region Red Cross Operations Director Chuck Morrison announced today that “donations from each of our chapters here helped the American Red Cross pay for and deliver the first of 5,000 cots sent to Haiti this week in support of the medical response to the outbreak of cholera in that country.”

The American Red Cross is supporting a number of other health initiatives in Haiti. It has already provided $3.8 million to Partners in Health in order to support expenses at Haiti’s University hospital in Port-au-Prince. The American Red Cross is also helping to fund the Red Cross field hospital in Carrefour with a grant of $1.8 million; as well as supporting the International Committee of the Red Cross with $1.4 million to help build a prosthetics and rehab center for Haitians injured in the quake.

“Had it not been for extremely decisive action by the American Red Cross, this significant trauma hospital in Port au Prince would have closed,” said actor Sean Penn, the founder of the J/P Haitian Relief Organization. “I applaud them.”

“After the catastrophic earthquake in January, we treated tens of thousands of Haitians; and continue today to treat as many critically ill and injured patients as any major metropolitan medical center in the United States,” said Dr. Barth Green, the Co-Founder and President of Project Medishare. “Thanks to the American Red Cross and its generous support, we are now able to continue to provide this crucial medical safety net for the people of Haiti.”

The Hospital Bernard Mevs Project Medishare employs 160 Haitian staff members of which approximately 147 are healthcare professionals. They are joined by more than a dozen full time international staff providing specialized services, including an on-the-job mentoring program.

This one-of-a-kind facility in Haiti offers critical care treatment for adults and children in well-equipped intensive care units and operating rooms supported by a modern medical laboratory and a well-supplied pharmacy as well as advanced imaging technology.

“To meet the greatest needs after the Haiti devastating earthquake, we have done our best to support meaningful projects and programs, some of which are outside the scope of our traditional response and recovery work,” said David Meltzer, Senior Vice President of International Services for the American Red Cross. “Through our partnership with Project Medishare, we expect to provide treatment to an estimated 27,600 critically ill and injured patients over the course of the next year.”

While Project Medishare continues its life-saving work, the Haitian Ministry of Health and the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission are working to develop a sustainable national critical care, trauma and rehabilitation plan and facilities to serve the long-term needs of the people of Haiti.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people. The Red Cross is not a government agency. To help the victims of these and other disasters, you can contribute to your local Snohomish County Chapter at 2530 Lombard Avenue, Everett, WA 98201, The Islands Chapter at 1150 SE Dock St. Oak Harbor, 360-675-2912 and 2900 T Avenue Anacortes, (360) 293-2911 or the Mt Baker Chapter at 2111 King St., Bellingham or Burlington Chapter Office, 160 Cascade Place #208, Burlington, (360)733-3290 X1017.

Red Cross Encourages People & Pet Safety During Days of Excessive Heat Buildup.

stacy — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 05:03:49 +0000

Red Cross Encourages People & Pet Safety

During Days of Excessive Heat Buildup

NORTHWEST REGION - With temperatures expected to rise this week, the American Red Cross encourages individuals and families to take the necessary precautions. The very young and the elderly are especially vulnerable to the heat, so it is important that families and friends check on them regularly. People with chronic health issues are also at greater risk and need to take special care to stay healthy in the heat.

Prevent Heat-Related Illness

Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing (light colors reflect away some of the sun’s energy) and plenty of sunscreen. Wear a hat or use an umbrella to help shield you from the sun.
Carry water or juice and drink frequently, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. Make sure to check on youth and elderly to make sure they have enough fluids.
Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increases metabolic heat.
Avoid using salt tablets unless directed by a physician.
Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do something physically demanding, try to do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Take regular breaks to cool off.
Stay indoors as much as possible.
Be vigilant about water safety if headed to a pool or beach.
Never leave a child unattended near water and keep lifesaving gear handy.
Watch for signs of life-threatening heat stroke. The person’s temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.
Signals of heat stroke include hot, red, and usually dry skin, changes in consciousness, rapid, weak pulse and rapid, shallow breathing.
If you or someone you know experience symptoms, call 9-1-1 or your local EMS number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body by wrapping wet sheets around the body and fan it. If you have ice packs or cold packs, place them on each of the victim’s wrists and ankles, in the armpits and on the neck to cool the large blood vessels. Watch for signals of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. Keep the person lying down.

Don’t forget to protect your pets:

Limit exercise to the coolest part of the day, typically early in the morning. Even in the coolest part of the day, watch for signs of trouble. Glassy eyes and frantic panting indicate a dog needs help.
Make sure your pet has constant access to shade and an endless supply of cool, clean water.
Never leave a pet (or a child) in a car on a hot day – even for a few minutes. It takes only minutes for the car to heat to 110 degrees or more—even with windows cracked.
Be vigilant for signs of heat stroke, which is deadly for pets.
Symptoms include sluggish and non-responsive demeanor, bright red and/or dry tongue and gums, vomiting or diarrhea and/or unusual breathing patter, heavy panting, or high heart rate. If your pet displays these symptoms, get emergency medical attention.

Red Cross releases $50,000 to China Earthquake Victims

stacy — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 15:39:33 +0000

Red Cross releases $50,000 to China Earthquake Victims

Ninety percent of houses in Yushu County destroyed; numbers of people affected may rise

Wednesday, April 14, Beijing, China – The American Red Cross has pledged an initial $50,000 to help families affected by Wednesday’s earthquake in China’s Qinghai Province, and is prepared to offer more assistance as local responders assess the situation and if international assistance is requested.

“Initial reports indicate extensive damage in Yushu County, with continuing aftershocks,” says Alex Mahoney, regional manager for the American Red Cross programs in Asia. “When earthquakes happen, we expect to see immediate needs for food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support, as well as for warm clothing and quilts due to the location of this quake.”

The epicenter of the 7.1 magnitude earthquake was about 30 miles away from Jiegu Township, which has a population of 250,000 in and around the town. According to the Ministry of Civil Affairs, early estimates are that more than 400 people have been killed and at least 10,000 injured.

The American Red Cross has staff on the ground in China who provide ongoing disaster recovery support following the Sichuan earthquake in May 2008. According to Red Cross Regional Operations Manager Chuck Morrison, no local personnel are scheduled to be sent to the area at this time.

The Red Cross Society of China, the primary disaster response organization in China and a sister society to the American Red Cross, has immediately released relief supplies from their regional warehouse, including 500 winter tents, 1,000 winter coats and clothing, 1,000 quilts and nearly $15,000 to go towards providing food and non-food items locally in Qinghai.

The Red Cross Society of China has six regional warehouses strategically located across China with pre-positioned relief supplies. Each provincial Red Cross office has response teams which are able to respond quickly and provide first aid and basic health care.

For more information and to schedule interviews, please contact media@usa.redcross.org or 202-303-5551.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people. The Red Cross is not a government agency. To help the victims of these and other disasters, you can contribute to the Disaster Relief Fund by sending a check to your local Snohomish County Chapter at 2530 Lombard Avenue, Everett, WA 98201, Islands County Chapter at 1150 SE Dock St. Oak Harbor, 360-675-2912 and 2900 T Avenue Anacortes, (360) 293-2911 or the Mt Baker Chapter at 2111 King St., Bellingham or Burlington Chapter Office, 160 Cascade Place #208, Burlington, (360)733-3290 X1017.

April is Earthquake Preparedness Month – Red Cross

stacy — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 14:40:53 +0000

April is Earthquake Preparedness Month;

Red Cross Says Plan Ahead! Be Ready!

NW REGION RED CROSS (April 2010) — The American Red Cross reminds Western Washington residents that April is Earthquake Preparedness month and a good time to plan for disasters.

“Washington is not only known for its beautiful landscape, but for its earthquakes which can create widespread damage and extended power outages,” says Chuck Morrison, NW Region operations director. “This year we have seen catastrophic earthquakes in Haiti and Chile that will affect those countries for years. We are really encouraging our community to take steps now to ready their families should a strong earthquake strike the Pacific Northwest.

Steps To Prepare:

Become aware of fire evacuation and earthquake plans for all of the buildings you occupy regularly.
Pick safe places in each room of your home, workplace and/or school. A safe place could be under a piece of furniture or against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases or tall furniture that could fall on you.
Practice drop, cover and hold on in each safe place. If you do not have sturdy furniture to hold on to, sit on the floor next to an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your arms.
Keep a flashlight and sturdy shoes by each person’s bed.
Bolt and brace water heaters and gas appliances to wall studs.
Bolt bookcases, china cabinets and other tall furniture to wall studs.
Hang heavy items, such as pictures and mirrors, away from beds, couches and anywhere people sleep or sit.
Install strong latches or bolts on cabinets. Large or heavy items should be closest to the floor.
Learn how to shut off the gas valves in your home and keep a wrench handy for that purpose.
Keep and maintain an emergency supplies kit in an easy to access location.
Have an out of state contact because local lines can be difficult to access during a disaster. During a disaster, family members can call the contact person from out of state to report on their own status and check on others. A SMS text messages from a wireless communication device will often work if even if a cellular signal is not strong enough to make a voice call.

For more information or to set up a disaster preparedness presentation for a community group, contact your local Red Cross Chapter.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people. The Red Cross is not a government agency. To help the victims of these and other disasters, you can contribute to the Disaster Relief Fund by sending a check to your local Snohomish County Chapter at 2530 Lombard Avenue, Everett, WA 98201, Islands County Chapter at 1150 SE Dock St. Oak Harbor, 360-675-2912 and 2900 T Avenue Anacortes, (360) 293-2911 or the Mt Baker Chapter at 2111 King St., Bellingham or Burlington Chapter Office, 160 Cascade Place #208, Burlington, (360)733-3290 X1017.

Red Cross Haitian relief update – One month later

stacy — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 23:06:06 +0000

Haiti earthquake Update:

In just over one month since the earthquake in Haiti, the Red Cross has helped more than 1.3 million people and will continue to aid hundreds of thousands more in the months ahead until the last donated dollar is spent.

Due to the many complexities of this disaster – and the extraordinary needs of the Haitian people – the emergency relief phase could last for up to 12 months. And because of its permanent presence in Haiti, the Red Cross expects to be involved in recovery efforts for much longer than that.

Food & Relief Supplies:

Volunteers from around the world, including those from the American Red Cross, are actively distributing food and other supplies, like tarps, rope, hygiene kits, water containers and cooking items. So far, at least 1.3 million people have received these basic, yet life-sustaining items. Distributions continue regularly throughout urban settlements and in surrounding areas reaching approximately 12,500 people each day.

Water & Sanitation:

The Red Cross has delivered more than 25 million liters of safe drinking water in 110 different settlements since the earthquake. That translates to approximately 1.25 million liters per day – enough for 320,000 people.

To address sanitation needs and prevent the spread of disease, 450 latrines have also been installed.

Read more about Haitian relief at www.asjiredcross.org

Red Cross Islands Chapter -Receives an ambulance from Guemes Island Fire Dept.

stacy — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 21:40:49 +0000

Red Cross receives an ambulance from Guemes Island Fire Department.

Friday morning was a great day at the Red Cross Islands Chapter in Anacortes. Thanks to the generosity of the Guemes Island Fire Department, Commissioner Jim Dugan, and Felix Edmunds delivered a beautiful ambulance to Brian Geer recently named the Director of the Red Cross Islands Chapter . This newer ambulance, a 1989 model and is quite an upgrade from the 1985 vehicle the Chapter currently has. The newer vehicle has a diesel engine and is much more fuel efficient than the gas engine the older one has.

“The goal is to have one emergency response vehicle at every location in the Islands Chapter.” Geer said. Currently the Anacortes Location is the only one with a vehicle. The older response vehicle will more than likely go out to the San Juan Islands. Geer also said ”We will be looking for local businesses to help sponsor the maintenance of the vehicles. Currently Anacortes Automotive gives us discounts to help with the service maintenance of the vehicles but there is a lot that needs to be done before this vehicle is equipped to go into service.” The new vehicle will need to have the emergency lights changed from the original red flashing lights to yellow, and also needs new decals with the Red Cross logo. Inside the ambulance shelves will need to be put up, and it will need to be fully stocked with the basics needs in case of a local disaster. Geer also stated ” I think it’s important for those that donate know where there donation has gone and they get the credit they deserve.” Therefore any business that donates to help with these vehicles will be acknowledged with their business name decals on the back.

The local Red Cross is the first assistance families receive after a home fire. The Red Cross provides the family with basic home comforts, and help aid in finding temporary housing until they can get back on their feet. If you would like to help donate to the maintenance of the Red Cross vehicles, donate a vehicle , or sponsor a vehicle please contact Brian Geer at the local Red Cross Islands Chapter here in Anacortes www.ASJIRedCross.org

American Red Cross
Islands chapter
P.O. Box 249

Anacortes, WA 98221
or call the Chapter office at 1-360-293-2911 for further information on how to donate.Volunteer Chad Renslow, Commissioner Jim Dugan, Director Brian Geer, and Felix Edmunds with the Guemes Island Fire Department pose for a picture in front of the donated vehicle.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year – Red Cross

stacy — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 02:10:18 +0000

The ASJI Red Cross wants to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

This year the ASJI Red Cross Responded to 25 calls for service! A Call for service is your donated dollar at work in your community.

Thank you for a great year of support and I hope we can count on you in 2010!

Thank you!

ASJI Red Cross responds to house fire.

stacy — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 04:40:37 +0000

ASJI Red Cross responded to a house fire last night on West 2nd. With Temps in the 20′s we made sure that the famiy was taken care of and that the emergency workers had something warm to drink. The family was allowed to re-enter the house around 1 AM in the morning.

The ASJI Red Cross is supported 100% by local donations from businesses like yours. www.asjiredcross.org.

CPR/First Aid training – Anacortes Red Cross

stacy — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 04:37:13 +0000

The ASJI Red Cross will be starting the new year with a bang. If your a business that wants to have your employees trained in CPR/First Aid then give us a call to find out about our business rates!