Annual Heroes Breakfast for the American Red Cross Heart of Tennessee Chapter Announced for May 10

Sponsors needed to help fund local disaster relief services 

MURFREESBORO, Tenn., April 29, 2022 - The American Red Cross, Heart of Tennessee Chapter will host the annual Heart of Tennessee Heroes Breakfast on Tuesday, May 10 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the Middle Tennessee State Student Union on the campus of MTSU. This event is one of the critical fundraisers for the chapter. Funds raised from the luncheon will help the Red Cross deliver critical services to the community. 

The chapter will honor Bart Walker with the 2022 Heart of Tennessee American Red Cross Heroes Award. Mr. Walker is a pillar in Murfreesboro and long-time champion of the Red Cross. He is being recognized as a hero because of his decades long commitment to bring much needed information and resources to the entire community during times of disaster. 

 

“We are thrilled to honor Mr. Walker,” said John Mitchell, executive director for the Red Cross Heart of Tennessee Chapter. “Our organization operate because of our incredible volunteers who dedicate their time to their communities each and every day and it is an honor to bestow this Heroes’ recognition on Bart who has been an advocate and partner to the Red Cross and given so much back to his home community.” 

 

As part of the breakfast the chapter will celebrate their local volunteers and highlight the Red Cross mission in the community. 

 

Also being recognized is chapter volunteer, Sandy Hughes. Hughes has been volunteering with the Red Cross since 2018.  Currently, she is the Volunteer Partner for Jon Taylor in the Heart of Tennessee, Regional Government Operations Lead, Interim Regional Recovery Program Lead.  

 

“When a disaster strikes in Tennessee normally you will find Sandy in the State Emergency Operations Center ready to help,” said Mitchell. “She has been deployed to serve in 17 disasters nationwide. Her time was spent serving communities during hurricanes in Florida, wildfires in Oregon, to flooding and tornadoes in Tennessee. Her dedication to the mission of the Red Cross exemplary.” 

 

If you are interested in sponsoring a table for this event contact John Mitchell, executive director at 615-651-3405. 

 

For additional information go to redcross.org/heartoftnheroes. 

 

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. 

 

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Nashville Predators and American Red Cross work to make blood donation goals with multi-city blood drives April 25 - April 29

 

All presenting donors will receive a Nashville Predators Foam puck and will be entered into a drawing for an American Red Cross logo puck signed by current Nashville Predators player for each drive

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 18, 2022 — The American Red Cross is continuing the partnership with the Nashville Predators Foundation to host a multi-city blood drive April 25 – April 29.

 

All presenting donors will receive a Predators foam hockey puck while supplies last. All presenting donors will be automatically entered into a drawing to win an official American Red Cross logo puck signed by a current Nashville Predators player from each blood drive location. All who come to give blood April 19 - May 19 at blood drives or blood collection centers will also receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice and automatically be entered to win a new travel trailer camper that sleeps eight, thanks to Suburban Propane. Details available at rcblood.org/camper. 

 

The Red Cross is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Plasma from donations that meet the Food and Drug Administration’s criteria for convalescent plasma may be used to treat immunocompromised patients battling COVID-19. 

 

“We are urging all who can to come to donate at these Predator donation sites to help us continue to replenish the blood supply on hospital shelves,” said Clif Redish, interim regional donor services executive with the Red Cross Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region. “As we go into summer travel season, we expect to see donations decline, so it is important to have our donors show up every 56 days to donate whole blood. We are thankful that our partners, the Nashville Predators, are always there to help our community when called upon.” Eighty percent of blood donated to the Red Cross is acquired from blood donations made at blood drives. The organization supplies 40 percent of blood across the nation.

 

How to donate blood

Simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code: PREDS19 or 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 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.

 

Donors with sickle cell trait

April is also National Minority Health Month — a time to raise awareness about health disparities that disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minority populations. It’s also a time to encourage action through access to care, health education and control of disease complications through blood donation.

 

At a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is also 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. 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.

 

Blood drive safety

The American Red Cross continues to assess COVID-19 safety protocols and are will remove mask requirements at blood drives and donation centers effective April 25 for employees, volunteers, blood drive hosts and blood donors. 

 

If a blood drive host has a mask requirement at their facility, that requirement will be honored. Red Cross will also graciously accommodate mask requests from donors where close interaction occurs. Safety remains the top priority during out blood drives.

 

Of course, individuals may choose to continue to wear a mask for any reason and masks will be available for those in attendance at blood drives and donation centers. The Red Cross will also continue to socially distance wherever possible at blood drives, donation centers and facilities in alignment with CDC guidance.

 

Individuals who have received a COVID-19 vaccine are still eligible to donate blood and platelets. Knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they receive is important in determining blood donation eligibility.

 

Nashville Predators Foundation blood donation opportunities April 25 – April 29:

Monday, April 25, 2022

The Livery Stables Event Hall

1104 Main Street

Pleasant View, TN 37146

1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

 

Sumner Regional Medical Center

555 Hartsville Pike

Gallatin, TN 37066

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 

Courtyard by Marriott

1980 Providence Parkway

Mount Juliet, TN 37122

11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

 

Clarksville American Red Cross

1760 Madison Street

Clarksville, TN 37043

10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

 

Nashville Predators -Spring Hill Community

125 Stephen P. Yokich Pkwy

Spring Hill, TN 37174

12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

 

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Light Hall

2215 Garland Avenue

Nashville, TN 37232

8:00 a.m. - 02:00 p.m.

 

City of Brentwood

Brentwood Library

8109 Concord Rd.

Brentwood, TN 37027

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

 

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

First Baptist Church

613 South Main Street

Goodlettsville, TN 37072

12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

 

Celebration Lutheran Church

3425 N Mount Juliet Road

Mount Juliet, TN 37122

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 

Gold's Gym Smyrna

567 S. Lowry St.

Smyrna, TN 37167

11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

 

Ford Ice Center Bellevue

7638 B Highway 70 S

Nashville, TN 37221

12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

 

Nashville Predators Galleria

1800 Galleria Blvd.

Suite 2075

Franklin, TN 37067

12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

 

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Light Hall 2215 Garland Ave

Nashville, TN 37232

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

 

City of Brentwood

Brentwood Library

8109 Concord Rd.

Brentwood, TN 37027

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

 

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Collinwood Freewill Baptist

1st Ave North

Collinwood, TN 38450

2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

 

Clarksville American Red Cross

1760 Madison Street

Clarksville, TN 37043

10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

 

Nashville Predators World Outreach Church

1921 New Salem Highway

Murfreesboro, TN 37129

1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

 

Sumner Station

225 Big Station Camp Blvd

Gallatin, TN 37066

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 

The Element Nashville

2825 Elm Hill Pike

Nashville, TN 37214

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 

Holiday Inn University Plaza & Sloan Convention Center

1021 Wilkinson Trace

Bowling Green, KY 42103

10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

 

Thursday, April 28, 2022

Ridgetop First Baptist Church

1757 Highway 41 South

Ridgetop, TN 37152

12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

 

Nashville Predators - Columbia Community

1106 Nashville Hwy

Columbia, TN 38401

11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

 

Faith Lutheran Church

1655 Main Street

Lebanon, TN 37087

12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

 

Ford Ice Center

5264 Hickory Hollow Parkway

Antioch, TN 37013

1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

 

Natchez Trace American Red Cross Chapter

129 West Fowlkes St, Ste 100

Franklin, TN 37064

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 

Huntsville Red Cross Donation Center

1015 Airport Rd. SW

Huntsville, AL 35802

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 

Friday, April 29, 2022

Hendersonville Community Church

381 West Main

Hendersonville, TN 37075

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 

Holiday Inn University Plaza & Sloan Convention Center

1021 Wilkinson Trace

Bowling Green, KY 42103

10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

 

Nashville Predators Winchester Community

1230 South College Street

Winchester, TN 37398

1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

 

East Tennessee American Red Cross Blood Drive

6921 Middlebrook Pike

Knoxville, TN 37909

1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Resiliency Workshops Give Military Kids Tools for Success

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 15, 2022 — All members of a military family serve, including military children. That’s why in April during Month of the Military Child, the Red Cross focuses on the unique needs of military children. According to the Department of Defense, there are 1.6 million U.S. military children worldwide and on average they move locations three times more than non-military children.   

When a U.S. service member takes the oath to enlist, their entire family is affected. Being a military kid is not always easy, they experience the challenges of frequent moves, multiple schools, making new friends, parental separation and, in some cases, loss of a parent. For a military child, understanding how to cope with these unique life changes and building natural resiliency is key. 

  

“Without focused support and resources, military children could face social and emotional challenges,” said Travis Burchett, Regional Service to the Armed Forces and International Services officer for the Tennessee Region. “They may experience difficulty understanding and adjusting. Military kids also report elevated stressors and often experience depression and anxiety making it essential to provide them support.” 

  

At the American Red Cross, we know support for military families as a whole develops strong, resilient military kids.  

 

·   The American Red Cross offerings free, confidential mental wellness classes led by mental health professionals for the whole military family. Classes for children are broken out by age and offered to children from ages 5 to 17.  Offerings include child reconnection workshops specifically designed to ease the challenges of family reintegration after deployments.   

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·    Two other popular workshops are “Roger That! Communication Counts,” which focuses on self-confidence and communication strategies, and “Operation 10-4: Confident Coping,” a session that includes hands-on activities designed to combat stress.   

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·   Other classes help military families connect, including tips for service members on how to smoothly reconnect with their children when they return from deployments and planning for how to manage extended periods of separation.   

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·    Visit here to find out more about our resiliency programs. To learn more about other Red Cross SAF (Service to the Armed Forces) (Service to Armed Forces) programs to support members of the military and our veterans, contact your local Red Cross chapter. 

  

WHAT YOU CAN DO   

If you are a military mom or dad that is seeking support for your family, we encourage you to connect with us by visiting our website at redcross.org or by calling us at 1-800-RED CROSS. You can also learn more by downloading the Red Cross Hero Care App, available for all devices.  

  

If you would like to volunteer to help support military kids and parents in need, please visit redcross.org/volunteer to sign up.

Spring Storm Season Is Here

 

Red Cross has tips for staying safe during storm season 

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 12, 2022 – In the next 24 hours, Tennesseans need to be very weather aware. Much of the state is under a threat of strong spring storms on Wednesday into Thursday morning. This time of year is known as 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: 

• Tornadoes can happen anywhere, at any time of day but are most likely to occur between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. 
• The United States averages more than 1,250 tornadoes every year. 
• Most tornadoes occur east of the Rocky Mountains. 
• The areas where we see the most tornadoes seem to be moving from the Plains states to the Southeast and Midwest, especially to states along the Mississippi River.  

 

Given that a widespread severe weather event is expected April 13-14, the American Red Cross of Tennessee Region has tips to keep your family safe during spring storm season: 

• KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY’S WARNING SYSTEM. There are different ways to notify people about tornadoes. Many communities use sirens intended for outdoor warning purposes. 
•  IDENTIFY A SAFE PLACE IN YOUR HOME where you can gather your family – a basement, storm cellar or interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. In a high rise, pick a hallway in the center of the building as you may not have enough time to get to the lowest floor. 
• MAKE SURE ALL CELL PHONES ARE FULLY CHARGED. 
• SECURE ITEMS OUTSIDE that can be picked up by the wind. 
• If you live in a mobile home, find a safe place in a nearby sturdy building. NO MOBILE HOME IS SAFE IN A TORNADO. 
• KNOW THE WARNINGS. A tornado watch means a tornado is possible. A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted, on the ground, or indicated by weather radar. IMMEDIATELY GO TO YOUR SAFE PLACE. 
• WATCH FOR TORNADO DANGER SIGNS: dark, often greenish clouds, wall cloud, cloud of debris. 
• BRING YOUR ANIMALS INDOORS and maintain direct control of them. 
• IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE, look for the closest option to seek safe shelter in a basement, storm shelter or sturdy building. 
• IF YOU CAN’T WALK TO SHELTER, get into a vehicle, and try to drive to a safe shelter. 
• IF STRONG WINDS AND DEBRIS ARE OCCURRING, pull over and put your vehicle in park. Keep your seat belt on and engine running. Protect your head by leaning down below the windows, covering your head with your hands and a blanket or jacket. 
• STAY AWAY FROM BRIDGES AND HIGHWAY OVERPASSES. 

 

AFTER A TORNADO: 

• Keep listening to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, and local authorities for updated information. 
• If you are trapped, cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust. Try to send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of shouting. 
• Stay clear of fallen power lines or broken utility lines. 
• Do not enter damaged buildings until you are told that they are safe. 
• Save your phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messaging or social media to communicate with family and friends. 
• Be careful during clean-up. Wear thick-soled shoes, long pants, and work gloves.  

 

“The American Red Cross always encourages preparedness for spring storms,” 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 ahead of time with enough supplies for three days of non-perishable food and water and having a well-stocked First-aid kit, with medications and medical items for everyone in the family.” 

 

OTHER ITEMS TO INCLUDE IN AN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS KIT: 

• Flashlight and extra batteries 
• Battery-powered or hand crank radios on hand 
• Copies of important documents (proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies) 
• Extra cash  

 

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. 

National Volunteer Week: American Red Cross Recognizes the Crucial Support of Its Volunteers

Join us and help provide hope to those in need

Red Cross Volunteer comforts a family following December 2021 tornadoes in Tennessee.

Photo courtesy: John Brown, Mid-South Chapter

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 12, 2022 — National Volunteer Week is April 17-23 and the American Red Cross, Tennessee Region honors the work of its volunteers who give their time to help people in need.

 

Across the country, more than 300,000 Red Cross volunteers serve their communities by responding to thousands of disasters; supporting the collection of blood to help patients receive the critical care they need; aiding members of the military and their families; helping communities prepare for emergencies around the globe and much more.

 

Here in the volunteer state of Tennessee, our volunteers help their community. “National Volunteer Week is time to honor all of our volunteers for their constant service and support,” said Joel Sullivan, Red Cross regional executive director. “They are true heroes who give their time day and night to help their local community.”

 

Last year, Tennessee Region Red Cross volunteers provided food, shelter, comfort and hope to 1,375 local families who faced emergency situations. They trained 35,439 people in lifesaving skills and provided 8,482 services to military members, veterans and their families.

 

TOP 3 MOST NEEDED VOLUNTEER POSITIONS The need for volunteers has never been greater as we experience larger and more intense disasters across the country. Please consider becoming a Red Cross volunteer to help families in need. We’ll provide all of the training you need, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to learn more.

1.       Shelter Support Team: During large disasters, these volunteers support the day-to-day activities such as welcoming and registering residents, helping with meal service, distributing cots, blankets and hygiene supplies, and providing information and other assistance within a shelter. If the need arises, volunteers are asked to commit to multiple local shifts of 4-12 hours each. For those able to travel, a commitment of at least 14 consecutive days, working 8- or 12-hour shifts is required.

2.       Disaster Health Services Team: These volunteers use their professional skills as a licensed healthcare provider to deliver hands on care and education to shelter residents during a large disaster. Our free online training can count towards nursing continuing education units. If the need arises, volunteers are asked to commit to multiple local shifts of 4-12 hours each. For those able to travel, a commitment of at least 10-14 consecutive days, working 8- or 12-hour shifts is required. Qualified licenses include RN, LPN, LVN, EMT, Paramedic, MD, DO, PA, NP, APRN. Only RNs have full scope of practice.

3.       Disaster Action Team: While big hurricanes and wildfires get the most news coverage, smaller disasters such as home fires are no less devastating to those affected. That’s why we need volunteers to help comfort and support local families in need by providing food, shelter, clothing or supplies, and connecting families to recovery assistance.

 

Just as disasters happen every day, the need for blood is constant. The Red Cross is also recruiting for critical volunteers to support our work to ensure hospital patients have access to safe, lifesaving blood.

 

You can help save countless lives as a blood donor ambassador. These volunteers check blood donors into their appointments, answer questions and give out post donation snacks. Got a bit more time? How about joining the team of volunteers who drive the blood from donors to the patients in hospitals? Transportation specialists support hospital patients by delivering blood from Red Cross facilities to local hospitals.

Annual Heroes Luncheon for the American Red Cross Mid-West Tennessee Chapter Announced for April 27

Sponsors needed to help fund local disaster relief services 

JACKSON, Tenn., April 11, 2022 - The American Red Cross, Mid-West Chapter will host the 8^th annual Heroes Luncheon on Wednesday, April 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Carl Grant Events Center on the campus of Union University in Jackson.

This event is one of the critical fundraisers for the chapter. Funds raised from the luncheon will help the Red Cross deliver critical services to the community.

 

The Keynote speaker for the luncheon will be Keith Carver, the University of Tennessee at Martin Chancellor. Carver will highlight the work that the University did in partnership with the local Red Cross chapter while aiding counties of West Tennessee impacted by the devastating tornadoes in early December 2021.

 

As part of the luncheon, the local chapter will honor local heroes who have made a significant impact for their communities. This year’s honorees include:

• Uniformed Hero of the Year - Jason Hypes (Weakley County)
• 20 Year Distinguished Service Recipient- Dave Brumley (Madison County)
• Volunteer of the Year - Lenora McMeekin (Gibson County) 

“We are excited to celebrate all of our Heroes and to highlight their work,” said David Hicks, executive director for the Red Cross Mid-West Tennessee Chapter. “Our organization relies on volunteers who dedicate their time to their communities each and every day and it is an honor to bestow this recognition on these local heroes.”

 

If you are interested in sponsoring a table for this event contact David Hicks, executive director at 901-208-0152.

 

For additional information go to redcross.org/midwesttnheroes.

 

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.