Red Cross calls for healthy blood donors following severe weather

NASHVILLE, TN, Feb. 22, 2021 — Following record-breaking cold and winter storms that forced the cancellation of more than 10,000 blood and platelet donations in parts of the U.S. in February, the American Red Cross is urging healthy individuals, especially those with type O blood, to give now to ensure blood products are available for patient emergencies when help cannot wait. 

Everyday thousands of patients rely on lifesaving blood donations. The need for blood is constant, even during ice and snowstorms and the COVID-19 pandemic. To help ensure lifesaving patient care is not impacted, individuals are urged to make appointments to donate in the coming days and weeks by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

 

Tina Rocco knows firsthand how important it is to have blood on hospital shelves. After welcoming baby Gemma by cesarean section, she began hemorrhaging badly and was rushed back into the operating room. “I was later told it was several pints of blood and an amazing doctor that saved my life,” Rocco said. “That allowed me to hold my first daughter and go home all together as a family of three.”

 

Before that day, Rocco had not known anyone who needed blood transfusions. Now, this grateful mother says, “You truly never know when you, or someone you love, might need it.”

 

Important COVID-19 information for donors

The Red Cross is testing blood, platelet, and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. The test may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether an individual developed COVID-19 symptoms. Red Cross antibody tests will be helpful to identify individuals who have COVID-19 antibodies and may now help current coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma transfusions. Convalescent plasma is a type of blood donation collected from COVID-19 survivors that have antibodies that may help patients who are actively fighting the virus. Plasma from whole blood donations that test positive for high levels of COVID-19 antibodies may be used to help COVID-19 patients. 

 

COVID-19 antibody test results will be available within one to two weeks in the Red Cross Blood Donor App or donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org. A positive antibody test result does not confirm infection or immunity. The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, referred to as a diagnostic test. To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, it is important that individuals who do not feel well or believe they may be ill with COVID-19 postpone donation.

 

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.

 

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Feb. 22-March 15 can be found online at RedCrossBlood.org.

 

About blood donation

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit  RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

 

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass^® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Tennessee Shelters

Shelters are now closed. For assistance, please call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Previously: The American Red Cross and our community partners have opened shelters in response to severe winter weather and power outages. 

Be Winter Ready with these Safety Tips

 

Be Winter Ready with these Safety Tips from the American Red Cross of Tennessee Region

 

Feb. 16, 2021 - As Tennessee residents deal with the latest blast of winter storm weather temperatures are beginning to drop into the teens. Snow is forecasted in the next 24 hours and temperatures are not expected to warm up enough to melt the icy conditions until the weekend.

 

The American Red Cross of the Tennessee Region offers several safety tips to help you prepare and deal with the latest winter blast.

·         Wind chill: Avoid staying outdoors for long and wear layers of clothing to stay war. This include mittens or gloves as extremities can get frost bite easily. Make sure to wear waterproof insulated boots and keep feet dry. Get out of the cold if signs for hypothermia or frostbite appear.

·         Shoveling: Take caution when shoveling in temperatures that are in the teens. Take frequent breaks and be careful not to overexert yourself.

·         Stay hydrated: Be sure to keep hydrated, especially with warm drinks while avoiding caffeine and alcohol.

·         Check-Ins: Be sure to check on elderly, disabled or homebound neighbors and family.

·         Pets: Do not leave your furry friends outdoors! Family pets need to be brought in the home during these frigid temperatures. If that is not possible, be sure to provide them with warm shelter that keeps the cold air and wet conditions out.

·         Protect your pipes: Prevent frozen pipes in the home by opening cabinet doors and keeping a slow cold-water drip from faucets.

·         Heating: Do not use ovens or stoves to heat a home. Always keep fireplaces covered with screens and never leave them unattended.

·         Space heaters: Use these heaters only on level and non-flammable surfaces. Do not place them on carpet, or near bedding or drapes. Keep pets and children away from any heat source. Do not dry clothes on space heaters. Do not plug them into extension cords, only directly into outlets. Never leave the room or go to sleep with a space heater on.

·         Generators: Never operate a generator indoors. This will cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Follow the manufactures directions for safe setup for your generator.

·         Driving: Stay off the roads, if possible. Ice is covered by snow and will not be seen easily. Be sure to have a full gas tank for emergency use and to keep your fuel line from freezing. Always carry an emergency preparedness kit in the trunk. Do not pass snowplows and know that overpasses and bridges freeze first.

 

For more winter weather safety steps, you can download the Red Cross Emergency App for free in app stores or at redcross.org/apps.

Winter Weather Preparedness

 American Red Cross on Alert for Winter Weather in Northwest and Western Tennessee

Residents are urged to follow safety advice

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 9, 2021—The American Red Cross Tennessee Region has teams across northwest and western Tennessee on standby in case of severe winter weather this Wednesday, Feb. 10 into Thursday, Feb. 11.

 

Residents in the path of freezing rain and winter conditions are urged to follow these safety tips:

 

• 
  Assemble an emergency preparedness kit. Full details here.
• Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out. Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside to provide an extra layer of insulation to keep cold air out.
• Make sure you have enough heating fuel on hand. Conserve fuel. Winter storms can last for several days, placing great demand on electric, gas, and other fuel distribution systems (fuel oil, propane, etc.).
• Stay indoors and wear warm clothes. Layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing will keep you warmer than a bulky sweater. If you feel too warm, remove layers to avoid sweating; if you feel chilled, add layers.
• Check on relatives, neighbors and friends, particularly if they are elderly or if they live alone.
• Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full to keep the fuel line from freezing.

FROSTBITE AND HYPOTHERMIA

Frostbite and hypothermia are cold-related emergencies that may quickly become life or limb threatening.

• Be aware of the wind chill. Dress appropriately and avoid staying in the cold too long. Wear a hat and gloves when appropriate with layers of clothing. Avoid unnecessary exposure of any part of the body to the cold.
• Drink plenty of warm fluids or warm water but avoid caffeine and alcohol. Stay active to maintain body heat.
• Take frequent breaks from the cold.
• Get out of the cold immediately if the signs of hypothermia or frostbite appear.

PREVENT FROZEN PIPES

• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
• Let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night.
• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes

• If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
• Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
• Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
• Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
• Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

STAY SAFE OUTSIDE

• Wear layered clothing, mittens or gloves, and a hat. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Mittens or gloves and a hat will prevent the loss of body heat.
• Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from severely cold air. Avoid taking deep breaths; minimize talking.
• Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses much of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly away from the body.
• Stretch before you go out. If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm up your body. This will reduce your chances of muscle injury.
• Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a vehicle, or walking in deep snow. The strain from the cold and the hard labor may cause a heart attack. Sweating could lead to a chill and hypothermia.
• Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks. Slips and falls occur frequently in winter weather, resulting in painful and sometimes disabling injuries.
• If you must go out during a winter storm, use public transportation if possible. About 70 percent of winter deaths related to ice and snow occur in automobiles

HOME HEATING SAFETY

Heating fires are the second leading cause of home fires and tend to spike during cold weather.

• Keep all potential sources of fuel like paper, clothing, bedding or rugs at least three feet away from space heaters, stoves, or fireplaces.
• Portable heaters and fireplaces should never be left unattended. Turn off space heaters and make sure any embers in the fireplace are extinguished before going to bed or leaving home.
• Place space heaters on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes. Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
• Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.
• Keep fire in your fireplace by using a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs. 

DOWNLOAD APPS People can download the Red Cross Emergency App for instant access to weather alerts for their area and where loved ones live. Expert medical guidance and a hospital locator are included in the First Aid App in case travelers encounter any mishaps. Both apps are available to download for free in app stores or at redcross.org/apps.

 

Share your big heart: Give blood

The American Red Cross typically has a tough time keeping the blood supply strong during the winter months when inclement weather and seasonal illnesses can impact donors. This year the pandemic adds another challenge in meeting the constant need for blood products. You can help! Share your good health and big heart by giving blood, platelets or plasma this month. 

A special need for help from those who’ve recovered from COVID-19

As COVID-19 cases have risen across the U.S., so has the need for convalescent plasma – creating a shortage for those still fighting the virus. You may have antibodies in your plasma that could provide a patient’s immune system the boost it needs to beat the virus.

There are two ways COVID-19 survivors can help – through a convalescent plasma donation or by simply giving whole blood. Plasma from whole blood donations that test positive for COVID-19 antibodies may be used to help COVID-19 patients. 

One heartwarming gesture deserves another

As a thank-you for helping ensure a stable blood supply, those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma this February will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Amazon. (Restrictions apply. Additional information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.)

 

Make your appointment to give blood, platelets or plasma with the Red Cross by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Thanks for sharing your big heart and good health!

Take Time to Train to Save a Life

February is National Heart Month – American Red Cross CPR and AED Training Offered

February is National Heart Month and the perfect time to take training from the American Red Cross. You can learn how to perform CPR, use an automated external defibrillator (AED) and help save lives.

 

“Cardiac arrest claims thousands of lives every year, so it’s important to know how to recognize and what do during a cardiac emergency,” said Joel Sullivan, regional executive director for the American Red Cross Tennessee Region. “Red Cross CPR/AED classes take just a few hours and are recommended for everyone including parents, grandparents, teachers and frontline workers. What you learn can save a life. It is time well spent.”

 

TAKE A CLASS A variety of courses are available. Provisional certification courses in First Aid/CPR/AED let you go through the online content now and then an in-person skills test within one year. Online-only options are also available if you don’t need certification for a job requirement. If you are taking a course to fulfill a job requirement, check with your employer so you know exactly which course you need.

 

DOWNLOAD OUR APP Download the free Red Cross First Aid app for 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 road. First aid kits, emergency preparedness kits and supplies are available through our online store.

 

ENGAGE WITH US Keep up to date with our American Red Cross Training Services Facebook and LinkedIn accounts.