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News of interest to ARCRA members

  • 02/27/2022 8:34 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    February 25, 2022

    As the fighting intensifies in Ukraine and conflict roils the region, the Red Cross remains committed to assisting those in need. The American Red Cross, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Ukrainian Red Cross and others are chipping in to help families impacted by the conflict.

    Over the past eight years, the hostilities in Ukraine have regularly left towns, villages and rural communities on either side of the line of contact without essential water, gas or power for days or weeks on end. As fighting intensifies, the delivery of key essential services remains a concern. 

    Q: Is the Red Cross in Ukraine?
    A: The American Red Cross does not have team members in Ukraine. Instead, international Red Cross teams are on the ground in Ukraine delivering urgent assistance — food, fuel for heating, medical supplies and support for housing — to those living close to or on the line of contact (the eastern border of Ukraine with Russia). These team members are from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Ukrainian Red Cross.  

    Q: How are the international Red Cross teams helping those in need?
    A: The combination of cold temperatures, COVID-19 and chronic uncertainty make basic needs in Ukraine a challenge. And for hundreds of thousands of people living in this area, their key needs continue to be water, gas and electricity. So far, the ICRC has helped over 35,000  people to heat their homes and over 37,000 people have received food and hygiene items. The Red Cross has provided water to over 870,000 people.  

    Q: How is the American Red Cross helping? 
    A: Recently, U.S. military troops deployed to neighboring countries in Europe. In line with our Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) mission, the American Red Cross is deploying specially trained SAF staff to support service members’ emergency communication needs. To be clear, American Red Cross staff are not in Ukraine; they are deployed instead to nearby countries.

    Q: Is the American Red Cross doing anything else?
    A: Red Crossers are also distributing comfort kits, containing hygiene items and other necessities, to service members and U.S. State Department staff. Red Crossers in this role remain at the ready to assist U.S. service members as the needs in Ukraine may evolve.  

    Q: How many American Red Crossers are being deployed?
    A: A total of 30 SAF staff will deploy in support of this endeavor. These trained staff members are coming from all over the U.S. and from bases abroad.

    Q: Is the Red Cross sending blood products internationally to the Ukraine to help those impacted by the conflict there? 
    A: At this time, the American Red Cross is not shipping blood products to Ukraine. The American Red Cross does not ship blood products outside the U.S. without a specific request from the U. S. State Department for U.S. citizens overseas, from the United Nations, or unless we have request from the affected Red Cross or Red Crescent society abroad. Learn more about the Red Cross response to the devastating situation in the Ukraine.

    Q: Can I donate blood <platelets or plasma> to help those impacted by the conflict in the Ukraine?
    A: No - The American Red Cross does not ship blood products outside the U.S. without a specific request from the U. S. State Department for U.S. citizens overseas, from the United Nations, or unless we have request from the affected Red Cross or Red Crescent society abroad. Learn more about the Red Cross response to the devastating situation in Ukraine.

    Q: How can I help provide humanitarian relief in response to the Ukraine crisis? 
    A: For those interested in helping provide humanitarian relief in response to the Ukraine crisis, we ask that they write “Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis” in the memo line of a check and mail it to their local Red Cross chapter with the completed donation form at redcross.org/donate.

    Q: How can I find out more information?
    A: For the latest updates, please visit Ukraine: How the Red Cross is Helping.


  • 02/11/2022 5:17 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    IFRC ALUMNI was launched at the end of 2019, linked to the 100th anniversary of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), to re-establishing friendships with former colleagues. 

    IFRC ALUMNI membership is free, reflecting the vast history of volunteerism in the Movement. Membership is open to all those who have worked with the Federation: IFRC Staff, and Delegates on Federation or National Society contracts and national ("local") staff who have worked with Delegations worldwide.  Currently, there are alumni from 81 different countries and includes the last five available Secretary Generals.

    Each week, Alumni members receive articles relating to the work of IFRC and humanitarianism e.g.,Important IFRC Information, Key Movement News; Areas of IFRC History; Interviews with Key Humanitarians, Special Contributions from Alumni, Humanitarian Book Reviews, Academic Research Requests; IFRC Consultancies; and Volunteer Requests.

    For free membership, please enter IFRC ALUMNI in the web or go to the website for further details and an Application Form:     https://www.ifrc.org/alumni-association


  • 02/11/2022 4:16 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Blood transfusion would not be possible without the contributions of Dr. Charles R. Drew, an African American surgeon who became the medical director of the first Red Cross blood bank in 1941. Drew’s research about the storage and shipment of blood plasma proved that blood could be stored for transfusions.

    And, if you've ever been to a blood drive in your community, you've seen another of Dr. Drew's innovations at work. He is well known for the introduction of bloodmobiles, which were trucks containing refrigerators to store blood that improved reach and accessibility to potential donors in the community.

    During #BlackHistoryMonth, learn more about the impact of Dr. Drew and other Black Americans on the Red Cross at rcblood.org/3swAu8P

    The Red Cross is experiencing the worst blood shortage in over a decade. The dangerously low blood supply levels have forced some hospitals to defer patients from major surgery, including organ transplants. Your donation is desperately needed. Please schedule a donation appointment today.  https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive


  • 02/03/2022 4:41 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    February is National Heart Month and the perfect time to take an American Red Cross course to learn what to do if someone is having a heart attack, how to perform CPR, use an automated external defibrillator (AED) and help save lives.

    • TAKE A CLASS - Online, in-person and blended courses are available. If you are taking a course to fulfill a job requirement, check with your employer so you know exactly which course you need.
    • DOWNLOAD the free Red Cross First Aid app - Get instant access to information on handling the most common first aid emergencies, including how to perform CPR and use an AED. Those with Alexa-enabled devices can also activate the Red Cross First Aid skill.
    • STOCK UP - Be prepared for emergencies at home, at work and on the go. First aid kits, emergency preparedness kits and supplies are available through the Red Cross online store.
    • KEEP UP TO DATE - Connect with American Red Cross Training Services Facebook and LinkedIn accounts.
    • NOMINATE A HERO - If you know someone who has helped save or sustain a life, you can nominate them for a national lifesaving award.

    Learn more at the American Red Cross

  • 01/19/2022 1:31 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    If you haven't yet subscribed to the " Chasing Life”  podcast with Dr. Sanjay Gupta from CNN, think about signing up for this new season.  Dr. Gupta explores the mysteries of the brain and why it makes us who we are.  the season will follow how the brain impacts not only our mental health but our physical health.  Learn how the memory works, why we experience burnout, what goes on chemically when we fall in love, and the benefits of spending time in nature for example. 

    The first episode which is available now, is on the expectation effect and how our assumptions can actually impact our health outcomes and the science that proves it.  Check out Season 3 to help us live better and healthier lives through science. Subscribe by clicking this link or wherever you get podcasts.



  • 01/16/2022 12:09 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The American Red Cross is facing a national blood crisis – its worst blood shortage in over a decade, posing a concerning risk to patient care. Blood and platelet donations are critically needed to help prevent further delays in vital medical treatments. Please schedule your blood donation today.

    Harold Brooks, President of the American Red Cross Retiree Association, urges all eligible members to roll up their sleeves during this unprecedented time and to spread the word to others. Noting information sent to media around the country, Harold emphasizes that many businesses and organizations are experiencing pandemic challenges, and the Red Cross is no different. He suggests going to  Red Cross National Blood Supply Shortage Crisis (redcrossblood.org) to learn more about the blood crisis and to link to appointments available in your region..

    Mary Buszuwski, a newly elected ARCRA board member, shares her experience. “I have donated blood to Red Cross since my days in college. I did it because donating blood was the right thing to do. It never occurred to me that someone in my own family would have their life saved by blood transfusions.”

    Ms. Buszuwski says that 15 years ago her younger sister needed surgery, and during the procedure she bled out on the operating table. “The doctors and nurses didn’t think she was going to survive. She was given one and half times her total blood volume in transfusions. It saved her life, and she is still with us today."

    "My family will never be able to thank the many anonymous blood donors who saved my sister’s life, but it’s good to know that people donated blood because it was the right thing to do.”  

    Please schedule your blood donation today.

  • 12/23/2021 3:40 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The American Red Cross orchestrated a surprise reunion between a service member stationed overseas and his stateside family at the Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, Texas. On the field, the Army Knights narrowly defeated the Missouri Tigers 24-22. But all eyes were on the heartfelt reunion just before halftime between Air Force SSgt. Jared Lenamon and his family, including his eight-year-old daughter.

    “The opportunity to surprise my family and come home for Christmas is just amazing,” said Jared, who is currently stationed in the United Kingdom. Due to back-to-back overseas assignments, he hasn’t seen much of his family since 2017.  

    According to event organizers, reuniting a service member and family is an annual tradition and is often the highlight of the game. The Red Cross, in conjunction with ESPN and American Airlines, selected the service member and orchestrated the logistics to make the reunion happen.

    Read more and see pictures at redcross.org

  • 12/12/2021 11:43 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Most of us are walking around with lots of stuff in our wallet but we think we are keeping our identity safe.  AARP and cybersecurity expert Jon Clay, of Trend Micro, suggest removing ten items from your wallet.  They suggest storing them in a safe place like a fireproof lock box or a safe deposit box. The first five are obvious:

    • Social Security card
    • COVID-19 vaccination record card, which carries your date of birth 
    • Birth certificate
    • List of your passwords
    • Passport or passport card

    But most of us carry some or all of the following items in our wallet, pocket or the black hole that we women refer to as our handbag, pocketbook, or purse:

    • Work ID card
    • Checkbook, or even one blank check
    • Gift card not fully redeemed
    • Multiple credit cards and credit-card receipts
    • Library card

    Read more at AARP

  • 12/11/2021 9:40 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The American Red Cross and partners are working around the clock across multiple states to help those in need and make sure everyone has a safe place to stay, food to eat, critical relief supplies, emotional support and comfort in the face of one of the most devastating tornado outbreaks in years.

    At least 24 tornadoes ripped across six states in the dark of night, impacting people in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee. Initial reports show that some communities have suffered significant damage with homes and buildings destroyed, and hundreds of thousands of people left without power.

    Several emergency shelters are open to provide comfort for people who can’t return home. As the weather clears, Red Cross volunteers will be out in affected communities assessing the damage left behind to help determine the types of support people may need in the coming days and weeks.

    THREAT NOT OVER The National Weather Service reports the severe weather continues today from the Ohio and Tennessee valleys to the northern Gulf States. As Red Cross workers respond to last night’s tornadoes, we urge everyone who remains in the path of this ongoing severe weather system to listen to the advice of local officials and be ready to get to a safe place quickly in case of a tornado warning. Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for access to real-time information and safety tips. The Emergency app is available in app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

    PLEASE GIVE BLOOD The Red Cross has provided more than 160 blood products to hospitals in response to these devastating tornadoes. We remain in touch with our hospital partners throughout affected areas and stand ready to provide additional blood products as needed. We also anticipate Red Cross blood drives in affected communities may be canceled or experience lower donor turnout in the coming days, further challenging an already historically low blood supply.

    YOU CAN HELP people affected by disasters like storms, home fires and countless other crises by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Those in areas unaffected by this tornado outbreak are urged to make an appointment today to give blood and ensure blood products are available for patients wherever the need arises.

    Your donation is a commitment to helping people in need, and every single contribution matters, enabling the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. To make a financial donation or schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets, visit redcross.org or call 800-RED CROSS. You can also use the Red Cross Blood Donor app or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 gift today.

    Read more at RedCross.org

  • 12/11/2021 9:37 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Clara Barton’s inspiration for starting the American Red Cross was cultivated while caring for the sick and wounded on Civil War battlefields. As a unique artifact from her time, her trunk bed is a great reminder to appreciate stories told through any medium – whether it’s on paper, through a photograph or even a foldaway bed.

    WHY THIS BED? Barton was determined to carry out the work she saw as necessary to help get supplies and medical care to the Civil War battlefields – so determined that she convinced the government and the Army to give her passes to go behind military lines.

    According to Red Cross records, Barton’s situation led to a firm in Philadelphia for a trunk bed so it could be used on the battlefield as she tends to wounded soldiers.

    CONSTRUCTION AND HISTORY Also called a camp bed, the piece is constructed to fold into a traveling trunk, complete with a wooden frame and tooled leather. To use the bed, Barton would have opened up the trunk into three sections – hinged on the short sides of the trunk as it opens – to reveal heavy canvas attached to the frame with nails

    Read more and view photos on the Red Cross Blog

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