March 31, 2021
Kelly Vaughn went to bed after putting her toddler to sleep knowing the rain was coming down hard around her South Nashville home. The mid-century ranch home is located near Sevenmile Creek. A normally small waterway, by early morning hours on March 27, became swollen as a swift river flowing around her home. Currents so strong, it swept large SUVs into trees like toy cars.
“My husband and I grabbed my 3-year-old and I carried him out the front door to get to higher ground,” she said. “It was all good until after we started walking down our sidewalk, then I lost my footing. My child and I were floating away until my husband grabbed my foot and a good Samaritan rescued us all from the water.”
When the waters receded, the evidence of what water can do to a family home was all to visible. Their beautiful 1960s home, that has stood strong for almost five decades, was completely flooded. Water marks as high as two feet saturated dry wall. The worst part, Vaughn did not have flood insurance. “We really didn’t think it was needed it,” she said. “This repair will be all on us.”
The American Red Cross came by her home the next day. Vaughn and family friends were clearing out possessions ruined by mucky mud waters and ripping out soaked dry wall were taking a break on the front lawn. Red Cross volunteers brought cleaning supplies, rakes, shovels, and hope to the young family. “This means so much to us right now,” Vaughn said. “It is so needed, not just for us, but for this whole community.” Her information, like so many others, taken down by disaster volunteers, so that Red Cross case workers could come by and provide some assistance to the young family soon.
If you would like to help families like the Vaughn’s in middle Tennessee, please consider donating to the American Red Cross, so we can continue our mission of helping people when they need it the most. Please click, text or call to donate. Your gift is a commitment to helping people affected by disasters big and small. Every single donation will make a difference in someone’s life. Visit redcross.org/Tennessee, call 1-800-HELP-NOW, or text the word “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
March 29, 2021
American Red Cross disaster responders from across Tennessee continue to provide relief items and comfort for people impacted by spring storms and flooding last week. The flooding on March 27 added to the issues caused by the March 25 high winds and tornado damage to middle Tennessee. The Red Cross is providing services to 10 counties.
“Our volunteers and staff are continuing to assess the needs of each community we are serving following these storms,” said Joel Sullivan, regional executive director for Red Cross of Tennessee. “We continue to work with our local partners and government officials to ensure that recovery services are provided to help folks get back on their feet as quickly as we can.”
Disaster Recovery Updates:
“The safety of the disaster workforce and the people we serve is our top priority,” Sullivan added. “We are working under strict COVID protocols for safety of both our clients and our volunteers.”
Safety Tips:
Disasters are upsetting experiences for everyone involved. Children, senior citizens, people with disabilities and people for whom English is not their first language are especially at risk and are likely to need extra care and help.
To reach out for free 24/7 counseling or support, contact the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746.
Emergency App: Download the Red Cross Emergency App for real-time weather alerts, open shelters, and expert advice on what to do after a disaster. The Emergency App is available for free in-app stores by searching “American Red Cross” or going to redcross.org/apps.
If you are interested in learning about volunteering with the Red Cross, or to make a financial donation, check out RedCross.org/Tennessee or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
American Red Cross disaster responders from across Tennessee continue to support recovery efforts for residents impacted by a fire at Patten Towers on March 27.
The three-alarm blaze caused the entire apartment building to be evacuated. The fire started on the seventh floor, but water and smoke damage has left the building unsafe for entry at this time.
The American Red Cross has been assisting residents since Saturday providing more than 500 meals and will continue to shelter more than 130 residents in non-congregant shelters at area hotels in the coming days. Originally, the property management company had placed residents in hotels, and handed over the sheltering to Red Cross as of Monday.
“Our team of volunteers and staff are continuing to provide assistance, safe shelter and food for fire victims and will help to get all returned into their homes,” said Julia Wright, chapter director for the Southeast Chapter of the Red Cross. “We continue to work with our local partners and government officials to ensure that each person receives the recovery services they need.”
Disaster Recovery Updates:
• Red Cross is providing temporary lodging in hotels to more than 132 individuals
• Volunteers are continuing to work closely with local officials and Emergency Management Agencies to assess community needs
“The safety of our disaster workforce and the people we serve is our priority,” Wright added. “We are working under strict COVID protocols for safety of both our clients and our volunteers.”
Safety Tips:
Disasters are upsetting experiences for everyone involved. Children, senior citizens, people with disabilities and people for whom English is not their first language are especially at risk and are likely to need extra care and help.
To reach out for free 24/7 counseling or support, contact the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs’ to 66746.
If you are interested in learning about volunteering with the Red Cross, or to make a financial donation, check out RedCross.org/Tennessee or call 1-800-Red Cross.
2021-respuesta a las inundaciones y daños causados por tormentas de primavera
Los socorristas de la Cruz Roja Americana de Tennessee continúan proporcionando artículos de asistencia a las personas afectadas por las tormentas de primavera y las inundaciones de la semana pasada. La inundación del 27 de marzo se sumó a los problemas causados por los fuertes vientos del 25 de marzo y los daños causados por los tornados en el centro de Tennessee. La Cruz Roja está prestando servicios a 10 condados.
"Nuestros voluntarios y el personal continúan evaluando las necesidades de cada comunidad a la que servimos después de estas tormentas", dijo Joel Sullivan, director ejecutivo regional de la Cruz Roja de Tennessee. "Continuamos trabajando con nuestros socios comunitarios y funcionarios gubernamentales para garantizar que se proporcionen servicios de recuperación para ayudar a las personas a recuperarse lo más rápido posible.”
Datos recientes de la Recuperación Ante el Desastre:
Los voluntarios de la Cruz Roja están en el área brindando apoyo a las personas afectadas
La Cruz Roja ha proporcionado estadía a más de 130 personas cuyas viviendas fueron dañadas o destruidas
La Cruz Roja está trabajando estrechamente con funcionarios locales, socios comunitarios y agencias de gestión de Emergencias para evaluar las necesidades de la comunidad
Cruz Roja estará mañana en los vecindarios afectados con suministros de emergencia
"La seguridad de la fuerza laboral de desastres y de las personas a las que servimos es nuestra prioridad", agregó Sullivan. "Estamos trabajando bajo estrictos protocolos de COVID-19 para la seguridad tanto de nuestros clientes como de nuestros voluntarios.”
Consejos de Seguridad:
Los desastres son experiencias perturbadoras para todos los involucrados. Los niños, las personas mayores, las personas con discapacidades y las personas para las que el inglés no es su lengua materna están especialmente en riesgo y es probable que necesiten atención y ayuda adicionales.
Para conseguir de forma gratuita 24/7 asesoramiento o apoyo, póngase en contacto con la línea de Ayuda de Stress por el Desastre al 1-800-985-5990 o envié un texto "TalkWithUs" al 66746.
App de Emergencias: descargue la aplicación de emergencia de la Cruz Roja para obtener alertas del clima en tiempo real, refugios abiertos y consejos de expertos sobre qué hacer después de un desastre. La aplicación está disponible de forma gratuita en las tiendas de aplicaciones buscando "Cruz Roja Americana" o yendo a redcross.org/apps.
Si usted está interesado en aprender sobre el voluntariado con la Cruz Roja, o para hacer una donación financiera, echa un vistazo RedCross.org/Tennessee o llame al 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767)
“Without the blood I needed, I may not have survived,” said Bryan. “I’m grateful to blood donors for ensuring there was blood on the shelves when my life was on the line.”
Five years later, Bryan spends little time thinking about the accident or that the vehicle driver has never been found. He chooses to focus on his health, family and replenishing the blood supply that was used to save his life. Bryan and his wife, Shauna, are both advocates for blood donations.
“It’s important to me to help pay it forward. I’m living proof that blood helps save lives, and I urge anyone who is able to donate to join us,” said Bryan.
NASHVILLE,
Tenn., March 16, 2021 – As spring approaches and the days begin to warm, the
threat of strong spring storms is very real across Tennessee. March marks the
beginning of spring storm and tornado season. These storms can happen at any
time of the year, but we usually see an increased threat during the spring.
Here’s
what we know about Tornadoes:
Given
that a widespread severe weather event is expected this week beginning March 16
through March 18 across southern states, the American Red Cross of Tennessee
Region has tips to keep your family safe during spring storm season:
AFTER A TORNADO:
“We
want to make sure Tennesseans are Red Cross Ready to weather any storm,” said
Joel Sullivan, regional executive director for the Tennessee Region. “There are
simple steps you can take to prepare before a storm strikes. This includes
making an emergency kit with enough supplies for three days of non-perishable
food and water and having a First aid kit, with medications and medical items
for everyone in the family.”
OTHER
ITEMS TO INCLUDE IN AN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS KIT:
BE
INFORMED. Know
the risks where you live, work, learn and play. Information is key and can
save a life. Learn first aid skills and take a CPR/AED class. A variety of
online, in-classroom and blended (part online and part in the classroom)
training courses are available at redcross.org/takeaclass.
DOWNLOAD
RED CROSS APPS. People
can download the Red Cross Emergency App and the First Aid App. Both
apps are available to download for free in app stores or at redcross.org/apps.
Know the difference!
Where's your safe place?
Thunderstorms produce lightning, which unfortunately kills more people each year than tornadoes or hurricanes. Their heavy rains can cause flash flooding and their strong winds can damage homes and cause power outages.
Tornadoes are more common in the Plains states but can occur anywhere. They are violent and capable of destroying homes and businesses and leaving people with nothing.
Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Flooding often occurs following a hurricane, thawing snow, or several days of sustained rain. Flash floods occur suddenly, due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying area.
You can find safety information about all different kinds of emergencies in the Red Cross preparedness section of this web site. Information is available on what to do before, during and after the storm or other emergency.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO There are steps people should take now to be ready if a weather emergency threatens their community. Planning is the key. They need to know what emergencies are most likely to happen where they live, learn, work and play. Being prepared is just a few short steps away:
1. GET A KIT. If you’ve ever fumbled to find a flashlight during a blackout, you know what it feels like to not be prepared. You should include:
2. MAKE A PLAN. Talk with household members about what you would do during emergencies. Plan what to do in case you are separated, and choose two places to meet - one right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency such as a fire, and another outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate.
3. BE INFORMED. Know the risks where you live, work, learn and play.
DOWNLOAD OUR APPS. The Red Cross app “Emergency” can help keep you and your loved ones safe with real-time alerts, shelter locations and safety advice. The Red Cross First Aid and Pet First Aid apps provide instant access to information on handling the most common emergencies. Download these apps for free by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in your app store or at redcross.org/apps. Parents can also download the Red Cross Monster Guard App for a fun way to teach children what to do in case of a flood, hurricane and other emergencies.
Last month's inclement weather and the ongoing pandemic have impacted the American Red Cross blood supply. The Red Cross continues to need healthy donors, especially those with type O blood, to help ensure that patients have lifesaving blood products for emergency and everyday medical treatments.
Your help is needed now. If
you are eligible and feeling well, please make a blood or platelet donation
appointment 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.
In appreciation for being a vital part of
the Red Cross team, those who come to give March 15-26 will receive an
exclusive Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
Celebrate with Dunkin'
During March is Red Cross Month
Dunkin’ of Tennessee and the
Tennessee Region of the American Red Cross to give out 13,000 vouchers for a free Classic Donut
to blood and platelet donors
NASHVILLE,
TN (February 24, 2021) – Throughout the winter months, the
American Red Cross faces the challenge of collecting lifesaving blood
products during this critical time of the year. To help recognize the
importance of giving blood and platelets and honoring those who roll up a
sleeve, Dunkin’ of Tennessee is teaming up with the American Red Cross to
provide 13,000 vouchers valid for a free Classic Donut from Dunkin’ for Red
Cross donors throughout Tennessee.
On
Monday, March 1 at 10:00 AM, Dunkin’ and the American Red Cross will kick off
the partnership at the Nashville Red Cross Blood and Platelet Donation Center
located at 2201 Charlotte Ave. Throughout March, presenting American Red Cross
donors will receive a voucher for a free Classic Donut, redeemable at
participating Dunkin’ restaurants in the Tennessee region, while supplies
last.
As COVID-19
continues to affect everyday life, people may not be thinking about blood
donation. However, blood and platelets are needed each day to help patients
battling disease and facing the unexpected. Donating blood is an easy way to
care for each other and ensure hospitals have the blood products patients rely
on.
“During
these challenging times, Dunkin’ and our local franchisees want to do all we
can to support those who are giving back to our community,” said Katie Gaston,
Field Marketing Manager, Dunkin’. “This program is a wonderful opportunity to
encourage blood donations and ultimately help save lives. The need for blood
remains constant and we’re excited that Dunkin’ can aid the American Red Cross’
collection efforts through this wonderful partnership.”
“We
are very excited for this partnership with Dunkin’ of Tennessee,” said Garry
Allison, Regional Donor Services Executive for the Red Cross, “Our community
always steps up to respond when there are times of need. There is no greater
need than now as we continue our fight against this pandemic. Your gift of
blood can help a patient fighting COVID-19. It can help a child battling
cancer. Simply put, your blood donation saves lives here in Tennessee and
across this nation.”
To schedule an appointment to donate blood, download the free 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 learn more about Dunkin’, visit http://www.dunkindonuts.com/ or follow us on Facebook @DunkinUS, Twitter @dunkindonuts, or Instagram @Dunkin.
*OFFER NOT VALID ON MOBILE APP ORDERS. Limit one per customer per visit. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred or sold and where prohibited or restricted by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1 cent. Good at participating Dunkin’ locations in Chattanooga, Jackson, Knoxville, Memphis, Nashville & Tri-Cities, TN.
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
they developed symptoms. Red Cross antibody
tests will be helpful to identify individuals who have COVID-19 antibodies and
may qualify to be convalescent plasma donors. 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. Donors can expect to
receive the results of their antibody test within 7 to 10 days through the Red
Cross Blood Donor App or the donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.
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.
How to donate blood
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 must 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.
About
Dunkin’
Founded in 1950, Dunkin' is America's favorite all-day, everyday stop for
coffee and baked goods. Dunkin' is a market leader in the hot
regular/decaf/flavored coffee, iced regular/decaf/flavored coffee, donut, bagel
and muffin categories. Dunkin' has earned a No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty
in the coffee category by Brand Keys for 14 years running. The company has more
than 12,600 restaurants in 40 countries worldwide. Dunkin' is part of the
Inspire Brands family of restaurants. For more information, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com.
About
the American Red Cross
The
American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of
disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that
save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military
members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that
depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its
mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on
Twitter at @RedCross.
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 26, 2021 — One year since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, people have stepped up to address the emotional needs of families reeling from the coronavirus and 2020’s record-breaking disasters.
In the Tennessee Region and across the country, trained American Red Cross disaster mental health and spiritual care volunteers have had more than 53,000 conversations to provide emotional support to people in 2020 — which had the greatest number of billion-dollar disasters in a single year. In addition, trained volunteers have provided free crisis counseling through the Red Cross Virtual Family Assistance Center for grieving families during COVID-19.
"The past year has been overwhelming for many in our community, and yet through it all, people are caring for one another,” said Joel Sullivan, regional executive for the American Red Cross Tennessee Region. “When help can’t wait, they provide families with the support they need during emergencies. During Red Cross Month in March, we honor this humanitarian spirit and ask you to join us by giving your time, talent or treasure to keep our mission going.”
WHAT IS RED CROSS MONTH
For nearly 80 years, U.S. presidents have proclaimed March as Red Cross Month to recognize people giving back through its lifesaving mission — which is powered by more than 90% volunteers.
They include people like Debra Alexander, owner of Alexander and Associates, Inc., who has volunteered with the Nashville Area Chapter of the Red Cross after assisting with disaster recovery following Hurricane Katrina. Alexander, who works both as a disaster cycle services volunteer and with the public affairs team in Tennessee helps with case work, and works closely with elected officials following disasters.
“I have seen first-hand the devastation left following a hurricane and more recently the tornado that swept through middle-Tennessee last year,” Alexander said. “People are looking for someone to help them put the pieces of their lives back together and I am so proud to volunteer with this organization that does that for our community every single day. It has been such an honor helping those when they need it most.”
A GROWING DESIRE TO GIVE BACK
A 2020 study on a rise in volunteer experiences added to LinkedIn profiles shows that more people want to help others during this unprecedented time. Last year, more than 70,000 people across the country became new Red Cross volunteers largely to support urgent disaster and essential blood donation needs. In addition, thousands of COVID-19 survivors — many new to blood donation — rolled up a sleeve to give convalescent plasma and help patients battling COVID-19.
In the United States, blood is needed by someone every two seconds. This need was impacted even greater with the pandemic and Tennesseans stepped up in 2020 to donate more 86,690 units of blood last year. Your American Red Cross provides 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply and 80 percent of the blood donated comes from local blood drives.
HOW TO HELP
You can help ensure that families don’t face emergencies alone — especially during a pandemic:
DONATE: Support our Disaster Relief efforts at redcross.org/GivingDay. A gift of any size makes a difference to provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support and other assistance. Your donation will be part of our annual Giving Day on March 24 to aid families in need across the country.
VOLUNTEER: Visit redcross.org/VolunteerToday for most-needed positions and local opportunities.
GIVE
BLOOD: If you’re healthy and feeling well, make an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org.
Your donation can make a lifesaving difference for a patient in need. As a
thank you, those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma on March 15-26 will receive a Red Cross
T-shirt, while supplies last.
LEARN
LIFESAVING SKILLS: Take a class in skills like CPR and first aid to help in
an emergency at redcross.org/TakeAClass.
Online options include our Psychological First Aid for COVID-19 course, which
covers how to manage stress and support yourself and others.