What a Difference You Made

 

by Regional Executive, Joel Sullivan

From ice storms to polar air to multiple inches of snow, communities across the state have endured a relentless series of extreme weather conditions.  The areas on the northern Cumberland Plateau were hardest hit. Many looked like a tornado had come through. 

Volunteers at a shelter in Sevier county.

You were there!  Across Tennessee, the Red Cross opened 31 shelters, provided overnight stays for 1,572 individuals and served more than 24,000 meals and snacks for those seeking warmth and shelter following winter storms in the last month. Many of our shelter residents had medical needs which made sheltering a bit more difficult. We ensured those needs were met. 

While we were responding to the storms that were occurring, home fires did not stop. Winter is the worst time of year for home fires.  As our volunteers were serving those in the storms, we continued to serve those who suffered a home fire.  At the most heartbreaking point in a person’s life, when they have lost everything, you were there!

Each year, the Red Cross responds to an average of nearly 70,000 disasters, from single-family and apartment home fires to severe storms, floods and wildfires. People in need turn to us in their darkest hours because they know they can depend on us for immediate relief and help through their recovery.

You were there with your time, talent and treasure.  Your donation of those three essential resources made it possible for our teams to brave the harsh winter elements to ensure those in need were served.  I encourage you and your family to take steps now to prepare for any disaster you may face. You can visit the Red Cross website at redcross.org/prepare/disaster to learn more about what your family can do to be prepared.

Thanks to YOU, we were there!

Regional Executive Corner with Joel Sullivan - March 2015

What a Difference You Made

From ice storms to polar air to multiple inches of snow, communities across the state have endured a relentless series of extreme weather conditions.  The areas on the northern Cumberland Plateau were hardest hit. Many looked like a tornado had come through. 

You were there!  Across Tennessee, the Red Cross opened 31 shelters, provided overnight stays for 1,572 individuals and served more than 24,000 meals and snacks for those seeking warmth and shelter following winter storms in the last month. Many of our shelter residents had medical needs which made sheltering a bit more difficult. We ensured those needs were met. 

While we were responding to the storms that were occurring, home fires did not stop. Winter is the worst time of year for home fires.  As our volunteers were serving those in the storms, we continued to serve those who suffered a home fire.  At the most heartbreaking point in a person’s life, when they have lost everything, you were there!

Each year, the Red Cross responds to an average of nearly 70,000 disasters, from single-family and apartment home fires to severe storms, floods and wildfires. People in need turn to us in their darkest hours because they know they can depend on us for immediate relief and help through their recovery.

You were there with your time, talent and treasure.  Your donation of those three essential resources made it possible for our teams to brave the harsh winter elements to ensure those in need were served.  I encourage you and your family to take steps now to prepare for any disaster you may face. You can visit the Red Cross website at redcross.org/prepare/disaster to learn more about what your family can do to be prepared.

Thanks to YOU, we were there!

Letter from Heart of Tennessee Executive Director, Mike Cowles - March 2015

March was first proclaimed as Red Cross Month over 70 years ago by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.  Since 1943 every president has designated this month to commemorate our service.  When you think of the Red Cross you think of volunteers who are willing to sacrifice so much of their time and energy to help others.

The Heart of Tennessee Chapter has been helping our community since 1917.  Even though the world has changed the Red Cross still is charged to carry out the duties of helping others in times of need.

Spring is near and you know what that means…. The chance of storms becomes greater.  Are you prepared?  Since it is “Red Cross Month” and while it is fresh on your mind, make sure you are prepared in the event of an emergency.  Does your flashlight work?  Do you have enough food and water stocked up?  Are your plans up to date in case you have to evacuate your home?  These are just a few of the steps you need to take to be ready.  Stop by and see us and we can help you put a  plan together

On another note, we are very blessed to live in a state that is so giving.  The citizens of the state of Tennessee are so giving financially and even more important, giving of their time.  This last month we honored a person who fits this mold very well, Gordon Ferguson was chosen as the Heart of Tennessee Chapter’s “Hero of the Year 2015”.  Over 320 guests were in attendance and we raised $85,000 to support the many services we provide to the public at no charge.  Thank you to all of those in attendance and for the many sponsors who made this event possible.

Gordon is just one of thousands who make a difference in the lives of others every day.  If you are willing to keep a smile on your face and have a giving spirit, I urge you at some point to stop by our office and find out where you fit in among the best volunteers in Tennessee.  Thanks for all you do!

Mike

Letter from East Tennessee Executive Director Michelle Hankes, March 2015

March might be Red Cross Month, but last month, the Red Cross volunteers truly stepped up to challenges after ice storm after ice storm battered East Tennessee. 

As the executive director of the East Tennessee Chapter, I am so proud of the American Red Cross volunteers and staff who have given so much time and effort over the past month, helping those who needed shelter or lost their homes during the Tennessee winter storms.

Snow and bitter temperatures took hold of the Southern regions of the United States this winter. In Tennessee alone, the Red Cross opened more thank 30 shelters, provided overnight stays for more than 1,500 individuals and served nearly 19,000 meals and snacks for those seeking warmth and shelter following winter storms in February. From ice storms to polar air to multiple inches of snow, communities across the state have endured a relentless series of extreme weather conditions.

 

Hundreds of volunteers and community partners worked together to serve these communities, from Maryville to Crossville and from Jellico to Sweetwater. The past few weeks have served to remind us the importance of training, relationships, and our mission.

March is a month to thank those who have served others. It’s a time to educate the community on Red Cross programs. It’s a time to think about the future.

Thank you for all you do!

Letter from Northeast Tennessee Executive Director, Glenda Bobalik - March 2015

March is Red Cross month. This is a time to recognize our everyday heroes- the special people that give their time and talent to make lives better.

Everyday heroes help those in need throughout Northeast Tennessee. These heroes are our volunteers, our blood donors, people who take our classes or those who make a financial contribution to help us help others. You are our heroes. Thank you.

March has been recognized as Red Cross Month for more than 70 years. All of our presidents, including President Barack Obama, have designated March as Red Cross Month to recognize how the American Red Cross helps people across the country and around the world.

The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters big and small in this country every year. We provide 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families at home and around the world, collect and distribute about 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply, and train millions of people in first aid, water safety and other life-saving skills.

Here in the Northeast Tennessee area, volunteers responded to 319 local emergencies providing help to  821 families, assisted 288 military families, facilitated preparedness presentations to 25,814 individuals and trained 12,346 people in lifesaving skills such as CPR and First Aid. Our volunteers and donors who make this service possible are truly amazing.

This month is a great time for people to become part of the Red Cross.  They can become a Red Cross volunteer, work on a preparedness plan for their household, give blood, or take a Red Cross class. Take the time this month to talk to your friends and neighbors about what you do for the Red Cross and invite them to join our team.

The Red Cross is not a government agency and relies on donations of time, money and blood to do its work. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. We are able to provide that level of value due to the dedication of our volunteers.  Everyday heroes serving our community.  You.

Thank you for all that you do for the American Red Cross of Northeast Tennessee and the communities we serve.

Letter from Southeast Tennessee Executive Director, Julia Wright - March 2015

In Southeast Tennessee, fire impacts on average over 337 families every year.  Fire displaces families, creates stress and puts lives at risk.  However, Red Cross workers are there to offer support, comfort, and hope.  These scenes are repeated again and again, every day, sometimes with dire consequences.  Across America, every eight minutes, fire takes something. Seven times a day someone in this country dies in a home fire.

This March, the American Red Cross encourages you to take steps to make sure yourr household is prepared for emergencies.  As part of the Home Fire Preparedness Campaign, The American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee in coordination with the City of Chattanooga Fire Department visited the Avondale Community to teach people how to be prepared for home fires and install smoke alarms where needed.

To support home fire survivors across the country, the Red Cross has launched a new social media campaign this month called #GIVEWHATFIRETAKES in conjunction with the Home Fire Preparedness Campaign. You can help by taking part in the #GIVEWHATFIRETAKES campaign and make a donation that could support families after a home fire and other disasters.

You can purchase symbolic items like these and help the thousands of people affected by disasters like home fires every year:

·         Help provide two blankets for $10

·         Help install 2 smoke alarms for those who need them for as little as $30

·         Help provide clothing and shoes for a family for $100

·         Help provide financial assistance to a family after a fire destroys their home for $550

You can help people affected by disasters like home fires and countless other crises by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Letter from Mid-West Tennessee Executive Director, Debra Roberson - March 2015

March Is Red Cross Month. Our canister drive is taking place at this time and we’d love your support! If you have space for a canister and would like to take donations, stop by the chapter office or give us a call at 731-427-5543. Also, please save the date, April 23rd, and plan to attend our Heroes Luncheon as we honor four local heroes for their exceptional community service.

We are now hosting regular monthly volunteer meetings.  Please come and join us for fun and fellowship, and get involved in our plans to grow together.   We greatly appreciate all of our volunteers and the hard work you do for the Red Cross. 

Last month we dealt with winter storms, snow, ice and many complications across the state.  I want to thank every volunteer who stepped up to assist during this difficult time.  In addition to the winter storms there was an increase in the number of residential fires.  During these disasters assistance was given in several ways to the victims.  Special thanks go to everyone who assisted us in fulfilling the mission of the Red Cross.
Debra Roberson
Executive Director
Mid-West TN Chapter

Letter from Tennessee River Executive Director, Faye Anderson - March 2015

Did you ever think we would be talking and planning for the year 2020?  What do we see our chapter evolving into in a short five year period?  What will we look like? How will we plan to continue the mission of the American Red Cross?  What role will we play in making sure our communities are prepared when we are called upon as an organization for help when thousands need us?

As we plan for our five year vision, I believe that in order for us to be successful in the long term, it will involve sharing our vision with a younger generation.   It is up to us to teach and instill our love for the Red Cross and all it stands for.  If we can teach our children to give back to others it will ensure that the next generation will carry this mission forward.

I have a perfect example of a young volunteer spirit!  Madeline Thompson called me to set up an appointment for an interview.  Madeline is a middle school student who was doing an exhibit for “National History Day.” She had chosen Clara Barton and the American Red Cross as her subject and was eager to find out what role we played in this community.  She left with a greater knowledge and a different way to look at helping others.

The next day Madeline came back to visit me with a huge smile on her face!  She had something that she wanted to show me…her metal!  She had won third place in the contest and barely missed being able to go on to the state level.  Her dad said she wanted to come straight to the chapter to show me her award.   It took time out of my day to answer Madeline’s questions but when she said… “I just wanted you to know that I will never forget what I learned here.  I will continue to learn more about this organization and will someday come back to volunteer,”  it was definitely worth my time! 

Mentoring our youth should be at the forefront of our goals for the future.  Whether it will entail welcoming interns into our chapter, or starting a Red Cross club in our high schools and colleges, it will be time well spent. 

As I sit down with our board to make our five year plan for this chapter, at the top of our list will be to increase our presence into schools.  Sharing the time with Madeline opened up a realization that our future, the future of our mission, lies in the hearts and the hands of our youth.  Sharing the Red Cross story with Madeline that day was great….seeing her understanding and excitement of the mission….priceless!

Faye

American Red Cross Rescheduled HCA/TriStar Health Lifesaver Breakfast for May 14

The HCA/TriStar Health Lifesaver Breakfast originally planned for Thursday, March 5, has been rescheduled for Thursday, May 14 due to winter weather.

Each year, the Lifesaver Breakfast hosts Nashville’s most influential business and community leaders, sharing the mission of the American Red Cross and raising the financial funding resources necessary to provide their core humanitarian services. The event is typically held in March in collaboration with Red Cross Month, a month long celebration of everyday heroes who help those in need.

 

“We are so thankful for the generous support of HCA/TriStar Health, Nissan and all of our wonderful sponsors and community partners this year,” said Harry Jacobson, event Chairperson. “The Lifesaver Breakfast would not happen without the support of our community, and we look forward to celebrating with them in May.”

The HCA/TriStar Health Lifesaver Breakfast will be held on Thursday, May 14 at 7:30 a.m. at the Omni Hotel in downtown Nashville. Steve Forbes, Chairman & Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Media, will be this year’s keynote speaker.
 

For more information on the HCA/TriStar Health Lifesaver Breakfast, please contact Mandy Peebles at 615-290-6804 or visit www.lifesaverbreakfast.org. To make a donation, visit www.crowdrise.com/NashvilleLifesaverBreakfast.

March Proclaimed Red Cross Month

President Barack Obama has proclaimed March as Red Cross Month across the country, a tradition upheld by each of our nation’s leaders since President Franklin D. Roosevelt first recognized Red Cross Month in 1943.

“For more than 130 years, the devoted women and men of the American Red Cross have responded to challenges at home and abroad with compassion and generosity. In times of conflict and great tragedy, they deliver humanitarian relief, save lives, and offer hope for a brighter tomorrow,” the proclamation reads. “Their service has meant so much to so many, and it reflects a fundamental American truth: we look out for one another and we do not leave anyone behind. This month, we renew our sense of common purpose and honor all those whose sacrifices have made our society more prepared, resilient, and united.” Read the entire proclamation here.

The Red Cross has a long-standing relationship with the White House dating back to 1913 and President Woodrow Wilson. In 1906 a largely ceremonial office of president was added to the Red Cross leadership. In 1913, President Wilson agreed to serve in this role. This began a tradition that continues today whereby the president of the United States serves as honorary chairman of the American Red Cross. The Red Cross is not a government agency and does not receive a regular appropriation from Congress.

The American Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters every year. It provides 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families at home and around the world; collects and distributes about 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply and trains millions of people in first aid, water safety and other life-saving skills.

During Red Cross Month, the American Red Cross is recognizing the country’s everyday heroes – heroes who reach out to help people in need. These are the people who -

Help disaster victims get on the road to recovery.

Give blood to help a hospital patient

Brighten the day of an injured service member who is in a hospital far from home.

Take one of our lifesaving classes and step forward to assist someone having a heart attack or to save a drowning child.

Red Cross Month is a great time to become part of the Red Cross. You can work on a preparedness plan with members of your household so you are ready for emergencies. You can become a Red Cross volunteer. Or you can give blood or a financial donation. Visit redcross.org to learn more.

Suite of Apps Available For Valuable Info

 

During Red Cross Month, you can become part of the American Red Cross. Be ready for the next emergency by working on a preparedness plan for your household.

The Red Cross has received several national and international awards for the apps they’ve developed including the recent “Best Mobile App During Times of Disaster” award from Global Brands Magazine for the Hurricane App. The First Aid app was also mentioned recently on a well-respected news outlet.

Red Cross natural disaster apps provide expert, emergency information when and where you need it. They include the following:

FIRST AID APP The First Aid App features step-by-step instructions, videos and animations for everyday first aid scenarios and prioritized steps to take in an emergency with a 9-1-1 call button.

BLOOD APP The Blood Donor App allows users to schedule blood donations, track their total donations, earn rewards and invite friends to join them on a lifesaving team. The app is free and available for download now in app stores.

TEAM RED CROSS allows people to learn about Red Cross volunteer opportunities in their community, to sign up to help those in need and receive an overview on basic tasks to be able to go to work quickly helping others.

MONSTER GUARD: Prepare for Emergencies App helps children between the ages of 7 and 11 learn emergency preparedness while playing a game as monster characters. It’s a fun, interactive game to learn how to prevent emergencies, such as home fires, and what to do if severe weather or natural disasters occur.

HURRICANE APP People can download the Red Cross Hurricane App to have real time hurricane safety information at their fingertips. They can use the app to receive weather alerts and get information on Red Cross shelters. The app also features a toolkit with a flashlight, strobe light and alarm, and the one-touch “I’m Safe” button lets someone use social media outlets to tell family and friends they are okay.

FLOOD APP Download this app to have step-by-step instructions on what to do if flooding threatens, even if the cell towers and television are out. Find Red Cross shelters and know what to pack in your family emergency kit.

TORNADO APP This app includes features like a high-pitched siren and tornado warning alert that signals when a NOAA tornado warning has been issued. This feature allows users to make critical decisions and to take actions to help keep themselves and their loved ones safe even in the middle of the night. An all -alert lets users know when a tornado warning has expired or has been cancelled

EARTHQUAKE APP Be ready for an earthquake with the Red Cross Earthquake App. Receive alerts and notifications when an earthquake occurs, prepare your family and home, find help and let others know you are safe even if the power is out – a must have for anyone who lives in an earthquake-prone area or has loved ones who do.

WILDFIRE APP Wildfires often begin unnoticed and spread quickly so it’s vital that people know what to do to help protect themselves, their loved ones and their property. The Red Cross Wildfire App features preloaded content gives users instant access to information on what to do before, during and after wildfires – even without mobile connectivity.

The Red Cross also has apps that feature safety tools, tips and preparedness information you need every day. They include:

PET FIRST AID APP Dog and cat owners can also download the Red Cross Pet First Aid App and have advice for everyday pet emergencies on hand. The 99 cent app also has an animal hospital locator.

SWIM APP Get the most out of Red Cross swim lessons with the Swim App. Created as a companion to the newly-updated Learn-to-Swim program (including Preschool Aquatics), this app will help you keep your swimmer motivated, while providing you the latest in water safety guidance to help ensure your family stays safe in, on and around the water

SPANISH APPS Many of the Red Cross apps have an English- and Spanish-language toggle. These include First Aid as well as Hurricane, Tornado, Earthquake, Wildfire and Flood apps.

All of these Red Cross apps can be found in your app store by searching for American Red Cross.

Home Fires Are the Most Common Emergency in U.S.

Home fires are fast, hot, dark and deadly, according to Ready.gov, the federal preparedness web site. The American Red Cross responds to about 70,000 disasters every year and most of them are home fires. The fires happen all over the country, at all times of the day and night, in all kinds of weather.

To help avoid a fire in your home, follow these Red Cross fire prevention tips:

1. Keep flammable items at least three feet away from anything that gets hot, such as space heaters.

2. Never smoke in bed.

3. Keep matches and lighters out of your little ones’ reach.

4. Turn portable heaters off when you go to sleep or leave the room.

5. Stay in the kitchen when cooking. If you leave the kitchen, even for a little while, turn off the stove.

6. Keep anything flammable – pot holders, towels, clothing – away from the stove.

7. Keep your pets off the cooking surface and countertop.

8. Keep your barbecue grill at least 10 feet away from siding and decks and don’t locate it under eaves or overhanging branches.

9. Avoid using candles.

10. Never use a generator indoors, including a garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area.

HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN The Red Cross Home Fire Campaign was launched in October to teach people about fire safety in neighborhoods at high risk for fires and install smoke alarms in some of these communities. The campaign goal is to reduce the number of deaths and injuries from home fires in this country by as much as 25 percent over the next five years.

Working with fire departments and community groups nationwide, hundreds of Red Cross employees and volunteers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico have gone door-to-door to talk to people about fire safety and installed thousands of smoke alarms in communities across the country.

#GIVEWHATFIRETAKES To support home fire survivors across the country, the Red Cross has launched a new social media campaign called #GiveWhatFireTakes, in conjunction with the Home Fire Campaign. You can help by taking part in #GiveWhatFireTakes and making a donation that could support families after a home fire and other disasters.

TWO WAYS TO DONATE

SET GOALS AND FUNDRAISE WITH CROWDRISE Whether you form a team or fundraise as an individual, Crowdrise puts you on the front lines of fundraising for home fire prevention and recovery. We even helped provide easy goals to help fundraise through your networks.

CHOOSE YOUR OWN AMOUNT A new donation page on redcross.org allows you to choose a support amount based on how much you can give. Donation levels represent a range of items that the Red Cross typically provides after a fire.

Visit our Crowdrise campaign page, make a direct donation on redcross.org and share what moved you to join the campaign on social media with #GiveWhatFireTakes.

Williamson County Red Cross Awareness Day - Saturday, March 28, 2015

Join us for Red Cross Awareness Day in celebration of March is Red Cross Month! Learn about the five key service areas of the Red Cross, participate in safety training and disaster preparedness activities, sign up to become a Red Cross volunteer, and more! The event is free and open to the public.

Saturday, March 28, 2015
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
The People's Church
828 Murfreesboro Rd
Franklin, TN 37064

Visit our event website: redcross.org/awarenessday2015
Visit our facebook event page: facebook.com/events/721384014626165/

For more information, call Devry Dennis at 615-250-4326 or email devry.dennis@redcross.org.

Thank you to our event sponsors!

Winter Safety Tips

Wear layers of clothing to stay warm, along with a hat, mittens and waterproof, insulated boots. This video offers more information on how to dress for the cold.

If the power is out, do not use a generator indoors, even in a garage, carport, basement or crawlspace. More steps to take while the power is out are available here.

Avoid frozen pipes - run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent them from freezing. Visit here for more information.

Be extremely careful if you have to shovel snow. Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated.

Watch for hypothermia and frostbite. Hypothermia symptoms include confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Frostbite symptoms include numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, or waxy feeling skin.

Don’t forget your pets – bring them indoors. If they can’t come inside, make sure they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to unfrozen water. We have additional information available here.

Check on your neighbors, especially elderly people living alone, people with disabilities and children.

Avoid driving on snow-covered roads if possible. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle. If your car breaks down, do not try to walk to safety. Tie a bright cloth to the antenna. Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour, making sure the exhaust pipe is clear. Keep one window away from the wind slightly open.

Download the American Red Cross First Aid App for quick, expert advice on what to do in case of an emergency. This free app is available in your app store. See all Red Cross apps at redcross.org/mobileapps

HOW TO HELP

You can help people affected by disasters like winter storms and countless other crises by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

American Red Cross to Postpone HCA/TriStar Health Lifesaver Breakfast Due to Impending Winter Weather

Fundraiser event rescheduled for May 14

…………………

The Nashville Area Chapter of the American Red Cross has postponed the HCA/TriStar Health Lifesaver Breakfast due to winter weather expected in the area this evening through tomorrow morning. The breakfast, originally planned for Thursday, March 5, has been rescheduled for Thursday, May 14.

“Due to anticipated inclement weather in the area, we feel it is best to reschedule this event,” said Joel Sullivan, Regional CEO. “The safety of our guests, staff and volunteers is our number one priority, and we plan to focus our efforts on being prepared for and responding to the impending winter storm.”

Each year, the Lifesaver Breakfast hosts Nashville’s most influential business and community leaders, sharing the mission of the American Red Cross and raising the financial funding resources necessary to provide their core humanitarian services. The event is typically held in March in collaboration with Red Cross Month, a month long celebration of everyday heroes who help those in need.

“We are so thankful for the generous support of HCA/TriStar Health, Nissan and all of our wonderful sponsors and community partners this year,” said Harry Jacobson, event Chairperson. “The Lifesaver Breakfast would not happen without the support of our community, and we look forward to celebrating with them in May.”

The HCA/TriStar Health Lifesaver Breakfast will be held on Thursday, May 14 at 7:30 a.m. at the Omni Hotel in downtown Nashville. Steve Forbes, Chairman & Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Media, will be this year’s keynote speaker.

For more information on the HCA/TriStar Health Lifesaver Breakfast, please contact Mandy Peebles at 615-290-6804 or visit www.lifesaverbreakfast.org. To make a donation, visit www.crowdrise.com/NashvilleLifesaverBreakfast.