American Heart Month: Get Trained and Help Save Lives

February is American 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. Red Cross CPR/AED classes take just a few hours and are recommended for everyone including parents, grandparents, teachers and frontline workers.

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.

Red Cross Helps U.S. Navy Sailor Come Home for Mother's Surgery

By Kayla Beamon, Red Cross volunteer

MANAMA, Bahrain - “Reveille, reveille, all hands heave out and trice up. Give a clean sweep down fore and aft. The smoking lamp is lit aboard the ship”. It was around the mid of November and the cool air from outside was a nice break from the scorching temperatures that had been in the Persian Gulf for the last five months. It had been 212 days since I saw home. The rough waves against the ship's hull and the sways of the ship were a part of the daily routine. My days started promptly at 0600 (6:00 a.m.) and I’d retire to my rack around 2100 (9:00 p.m.). Long days meant for good sleep - at least until I got a call from back home. 

My mom had been diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer about nine months before I left for basic training. It was a difficult situation for my family and even more difficult for me as I was away on my first deployment. The American Red Cross sent a message to my ship’s captain informing him of the surgery my mom would be having in the next couple of days to remove the cancer from her body. The anxiety I felt not knowing if I would be able to make it home put knots in my stomach. My dad, at this time the sole provider for the family, had already been missing work to care for my mom right after she was diagnosed. 

I had been there serving my country as a sailor and now it was time to serve my family as a daughter.

After the Red Cross notified my command, a swift process was put in place to get me off the ship in a timely manner to make it back home before my mom was out of surgery. The smile on her face when she woke up and saw me was priceless. I am so thankful for the work the Red Cross does for its service members. I truly believe if it weren’t for the dedicated work of the Red Cross, I would not have been able to be present for such a milestone in my mom’s cancer journey.

Tennessee Family Fighting Pediatric Cancer Explains How the National Blood Donation Crisis Affects their Child’s Care

Thousands await blood donation daily during historic blood donation decline

By Briana Phillips, Red Cross volunteer

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 19, 2022 - The Red Cross is experiencing a historic blood donation crisis. Blood donations are at their lowest in over a decade. Donations are crucial in helping people make swift recoveries in the hospital from various illnesses and surgeries. For patients like Charley Chance, an infant battling leukemia, having blood donations available is truly the key to her survival.

 

Charley has been battling leukemia since her diagnosis in August 2021 when she was 6 months old. Sarah Chance, Charley’s mother, noticed that around the same time Charley started daycare, she was constantly sick. Charley’s doctors assured Sarah that it was just a virus and would go away as Charley got acclimated to the daycare environment. However, her symptoms continued. After some more tests, she was eventually diagnosed with leukemia.

 

Ever since her diagnosis, Charley has been in and out of the hospital frequently for chemotherapy treatments and receiving several blood transfusions. She had been doing well until recently she started vomiting blood for four days in a row. Charley’s doctors recommended Charley have platelet transfusion, but the blood supply at the hospital was very scarce. “They said that there were only 9 bags left between the adult and children's hospitals,” Sarah recalled. “They had to prioritize those that were actively bleeding, so Charley would have to wait to get a transfusion.”

 

Charley’s condition did not improve, and she continued to vomit blood. Sarah stated that she’ll never forget that stressful day. “I had no idea if Charley was going to get the help she needed,” she said. “It opened my eyes to the great need to give blood so it’s available when others desperately need it. You just don’t think about the scarcity until it happens right in front of you.”

 

Charley was moved up on the priority list as she continued to worsen and was given the platelet transfusion that she needed to recover. But that day left an impression on Sarah.

 

“Charley’s situation has inspired me not only to donate blood, but to also encourage others to give blood as well,” Sarah said. To help increase blood donations, the family plans to host two blood drives with Charley’s daycare and Vanderbilt in the coming months. “My hope is for something positive to come out of Charley’s illness and to help other families who might be struggling with a similar situation. Having these blood drives will hopefully bring about something good from all of this.”

 

Charley is almost a year old and is recovering from a recent stem cell transplant. Her 3-year-old brother, Aidan, was her donor match, which is very rare. The Chance family is hopeful that Charley will make full recovery. If you’d like to follow Charley’s journey, please visit her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CharleyStrong2/.

 

Like so many other critical patients, Charley could not have survived this last year without blood donations. The process to give is simple. Blood donors of all blood types – especially type O − are urged to make an appointment now to give in the weeks ahead.

 

Volunteers needed

In addition to blood donors, the Red Cross also needs the help of volunteers to support critical blood collections across the country. Blood drive volunteers play an important role by greeting, registering, answering questions, and providing information to blood donors throughout the donation process. Blood transportation specialists are especially needed in the Nashville Area Chapter. These volunteers provide a critical link between blood donors and blood recipients by delivering blood to hospitals in communities across the country. To volunteer to support the Red Cross blood collections, visit RedCross.org/VolunteerToday.

 

Blood drive safety 

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – 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. 

 

Save time during donation

Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

 

To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that 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.

 

Health insights for donors 

At a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is screening all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease who require trait-negative blood. Blood transfusion is an essential treatment for those with sickle cell disease, and blood donations from individuals of the same race, ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help patients fighting sickle cell disease.    

 

Donors can expect to receive sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.

 

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, 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 deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.  

East Tennessee Red Cross Volunteers Open Shelter and Provide Relief to Summit Towers Residents

Knoxville, Tennessee

Friday, Jan. 14, Summit Towers residents spent the night in a Red Cross shelter after their building was affected by a fire.

One of the affected residents was Cherry Bradshaw, a retired special education teacher from Houston. She said she felt blessed to be at the shelter and that the Red Cross calmed fear and anxiety for residents of Summit Towers.

Cherry also appreciated the comfort food served at mealtime. She noted that everything was so thoughtful and compassionate. A volunteer described her as "a ray of sunshine for volunteers and other residents."

Pictured here, Summit Towers residents Jerry Green and Raymond Piety get some fresh air and conversation with Red Cross volunteer Thomas Anderson. 

Summit Towers resident Dennis Brooks is pictured here with Red Cross volunteer Lisa Daisey. 

Captions and photos by Teresa Walker/American Red Cross.

Titans, American Red Cross Partner on Playoff Week Blood Drive

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Jan. 14, 2022) – The Tennessee Titans and American Red Cross today announced the Titans Playoff Week Blood Drive, encouraging Titans fans across Tennessee and the country to celebrate the week leading up to the Titan’s NFL Divisional Round matchup by giving back to their communities’ blood banks.

The drive will run from Jan. 17-21, with a collection site at Nissan Stadium on Tuesday, Jan. 18 from noon to 6 p.m. Fans wishing to donate can visit www.redcrossblood.org/donate and type in their zip code to select an available site and appointment time. Those wishing to donate at Nissan Stadium can use sponsor code TNTITANS to select that location.

“I think we’ve all seen the news recently that our communities are in the middle of a nationwide blood shortage – a ten-year low for blood donations,” said Josh Corey, Titans Director of Youth and Community Engagement. “As an organization, we want to do what we can to help with this critical issue, and we couldn’t think of a better time to get involved than when our fans are looking for more ways to support the team ahead of next weekend’s game. We hope all Titans fans, regardless of where they live, will join us in making an appointment next week.”

“From mothers experiencing childbirth complications to those facing trauma situations in the emergency room, many of us may be connected to someone who has relied on lifesaving blood products,” said Garry Allison, Regional Donor Services Executive with the Tennessee Valley Red Cross Region. “The Red Cross is pleased to offer donors this great opportunity with the Titans to help provide hope, healing and access to treatment for patients in need during this national blood donation crisis.”  

At the Nissan Stadium drive, pre-registration is strongly encouraged as walk-up appointments will be limited and subject to wait times. The team will be handing out Titans giveaways at the drive, which will also feature visits from Titans cheerleaders and mascot T-Rac. Upon check-in, those who arrive for their appointment can enter to win a signed A.J. Brown replica helmet. 104.5 the Zone will broadcast live from the drive from 1-3 p.m.

Fans are encouraged to sign up at any collection site near their location. A few of the locations currently available in Middle Tennessee include, but are not limited to:

·         Monday – 1/17/22 – Clarksville American Red Cross

o    Sponsor Code: CARC

·         Tuesday – 1/18/22 – St. Thomas West Hospital (Nashville)

o    Sponsor Code: SaintThomasWest

·         Tuesday – 1/18/22 – Nissan Stadium (Nashville)

o    Sponsor Code: TNTITANS

·         Tuesday – 1/18/22 – Volunteer State Community College (Gallatin)

o    Sponsor Code: VolState

·         Wednesday – 1/19/22 – Clarksville American Red Cross

o    Sponsor Code: CARC

·         Friday – 1/21/22 – Inglewood Neighborhood (Nashville)

o    Sponsor Code: Inglewood

·         Friday – Alvin C. York Medical Center (Murfreesboro)

o    Sponsor Code: ACYORK

 

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 have to meet certain height and weight requirements. 

 

Blood 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. 

 

Blood donation safety precautions 

To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, individuals who do not feel well or who believe they may be ill with COVID-19 should postpone their 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 masks 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 mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.

 

About the American Red Cross 

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% 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.  

Red Cross: National blood crisis may put patients at risk

The American Red Cross is facing a national blood crisis – its worst blood shortage in more than a decade. Dangerously low blood inventory levels are posing a concerning risk to patient care and forcing doctors to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who must wait until more blood products become available. The Red Cross has issued a plea for blood and platelet donors to give now to help prevent further delays in vital medical treatments. 

In recent weeks, the Red Cross had less than a one-day supply of critical blood types and has had to limit blood product distributions to hospitals as a result of the shortage. At times, as much as one-quarter of hospital blood needs are not being met. 

When there’s not enough blood

Kala Breder knows all too well how dire a blood shortage can be. In July 2020, hours after the birth of her son by emergency Cesarean section, Kala developed a complication and began hemorrhaging. As doctors fought to control her bleeding, the blood supply was exhausted at the hospital and those within a 45-mile radius. Ultimately, she was air lifted to another hospital because there wasn’t enough blood locally. 

Kala credits the 58 different blood products she received with helping save her life. “Without one of those, I probably wouldn’t be here,” she said. “I needed every last unit.” 

Don’t wait – make your appointment to donate!  

Please schedule an appointment now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). If there is not an immediate opportunity to donate, please make an appointment in the days and weeks ahead to ensure the Red Cross can replenish and then maintain a sufficient blood supply. 

Rush in to give blood or platelets Jan. 1-31 and you’ll automatically get a chance to score an exciting Super Bowl LVI getaway in LA for you and a guest! Plus, the Red Cross will give you a shot at a home theater package and $500 e-gift card in January. Terms apply; visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for more information.

Winter Weather Preparedness for Tennesseans

By Janae' Daniels, Red Cross volunteer

Winter has welcomed the new year in with a generous amount of snow and ice the last week. This fickle time of year in Tennessee can wreak havoc on your home, your vehicle, and even your life. It’s important to be prepared.

Before the next winter event occurs make sure you have a plan in place.

If you are stuck at home, here a few tips for heating safety:

• Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.
• Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
• Have furnaces, chimneys, fireplaces, wood and coal stoves inspected and cleaned seasonally.
• Develop a fire escape plan and practice it with everyone who lives in the home.
• Portable heaters and fireplaces should not be left unattended. Turn off space heaters and make sure any embers in the fireplace are extinguished before going to bed or leaving home.

It is recommended you stay home during a winter storm, but if you must get out here a few tips for winter driving:

• Keep an emergency supply kit including warm clothing, water and snacks.
• Keep a windshield scraper and small broom.
• Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full so you can leave right away in an emergency. This also keeps the fuel line from freezing.
• When driving, don’t follow other vehicles too closely. Sudden stops are difficult on snowy roadways.
• Don’t pass road crews or snow equipment. 
• Remember, ramps, bridges and overpasses freeze before roadways.

Here are more general winter safety tips:

• Learn how to protect pipes from freezing.
• Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out.
• Make sure you have enough heating fuel on hand.
• Stay indoors and wear warm clothes. Layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing will keep you warmer than a bulky sweater.
• Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks. Slips and falls occur frequently in winter weather, resulting in painful and sometimes disabling injuries.

To protect your family, animals, and neighbors, consider the following tips to ensure safety around you:

• Assemble an emergency preparedness kit. You can find more information about the kits at redcross.org.
• Keep a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, water-resistant boots, and extra blankets and warm clothing for everyone in your household.
• Listen to local area radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates. You can also purchase a NOAA Weather Radio. 
• Be prepared to evacuate if you lose power or heat and know your routes and destinations. Find a local emergency shelter from redcross.org.  
• Safely check on relatives, neighbors, and friends, particularly if they are elderly or if they live alone.

The few first days of January 2022 are breaking winter weather records all over the Middle Tennessee area. Don’t become a statistic and be prepared for winter weather events.  

Visit www.redcross.org for more information, including more winter safety tips. You can also download the free Red Cross Emergency app by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in app stores or visiting redcross.org/apps.

Passport to Preparedness: Virtual Preparedness Webinar Series

Join us for a five-week virtual preparedness series.

We'll virtually travel around the United States of America each week to visit a new location, learn about the hazards most typical for the area, and how we can prepare and cope as travelers away from home.

Weekly prizes will be given and one lucky grand prize winner will receive a three-day Red Cross emergency kit.

Dates:

• Friday, Jan. 21, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. CST/12:30 p.m. EST
• Friday, Jan. 28, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. CST/12:30 p.m. EST
• Friday, Feb. 4, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. CST/12:30 p.m. EST
• Friday, Feb. 11, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. CST/12:30 p.m. EST
• Friday, Feb. 18, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. CST/12:30 p.m. EST

Register at http://tiny.cc/TNprepare22.