The Greater Washington/Baltimore Group Fall Meeting consisted of two presentations of interest to Red Cross retirees:

How American Red Cross Blood Services has evolved through the Pandemic, and – in the Process – Become Part of the War against COVID-19

Todd Cahill, Regional Donor Services Executive for the American Red Cross Virginia Region, shared experiences on the evolution of blood banking through the pandemic. Red Cross has experienced significant changes and challenges over the past year and a half. The Red Cross team has shown great determination and flexibility in adapting to market conditions and donor presentation. Many lessons learned have contributed to Red Cross success and strategy moving forward.

Todd began his career in the medical device industry and transitioned into blood banking as the Vice President of Lifesource Blood Services in Illinois. Prior to joining the American Red Cross in 2018, he served as the Executive Director for Vitalant with responsibility for Virginia Blood Services, Central Blood Bank in Pittsburgh, and Geisinger Blood Center.  Todd is also the past Board Chair for The Foundation for America’s Blood Centers. 

Yoga for a Healthy Body, Mind, and Spirit: Life is All About Being Flexible
Cheryl Kravitz, certified Yoga instructor, ARCRA member.

We have all been there, feeling stressed and tired. Yoga can help. Cheryl led a brief seated class – for men and women. Numerous studies have shown that yoga programs that include regulated breathing, controlled movement, and mindfulness practices can have far-ranging benefits for any participant. Improvements have been shown in mental health (self-regulation, self-esteem) and physical health (better sleep, reduced gastric and arthritic symptoms, and many other positive outcomes).  Cheryl took the group through a series of yoga poses and meditations all while seated in a straight-back chair.  Download the session and use it as a daily yoga program.

Cheryl shared that research produced by the Alzheimer's Research and Prevention Foundation has shown that the Kirtan Kriya is a formidable way to prevent Alzheimer's. There is a lot of great information on the site. Kirtan Kriya Yoga Singing Exercise - Alzheimer's Research & Prevention Foundation (alzheimersprevention.org)

Cheryl Kravitz, APR, CFRE, RYT200, worked with the American Red Cross for almost two decades. Cheryl graduated from the Willow Street Yoga Teacher Training Program and received additional certification to teach trauma-informed yoga and yoga for brain health to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. She teaches at two studios and conducts specialized workshops.  Cheryl has written about the benefits of yoga for local and national publications.

Click on this link to watch the recording of the programs that comprised the Fall meeting of the Greater Washington/Baltimore Group. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Xupo2Db_iG6x2rzHO7cr46KP-5KszLSE/view?usp=sharing