Grai Named Executive Director for Mid-South Red Cross Chapter

Sarah Grai, Executive Director for the Mid-South Chapter of the American Red Cross

 

MEMPHIS, Tenn., June 30, 2022 - The Tennessee Region of the American Red Cross is pleased to announce that Sarah Grai has been named the Executive Director with the Mid-South Chapter of the American Red Cross in Memphis. The Mid-South Chapter serves Dyer, Fayette, Lake, Lauderdale, Obion, Shelby, and Tipton counties in Tennessee as well as Crittenden County in Arkansas and Desoto and Tunica counties in Mississippi. 

 

Grai previously served as the director of One Family Memphis from 2020 until taking the position at Red Cross. She also brings a strong fundraising background from her career as a district executive director with the YMCA of Greater Houston. 

 

“We are very pleased to welcome Sarah to the American Red Cross leadership in Memphis and we know she will bring a great deal of experience of service and development to the chapter there,” said Joel Sullivan, Regional Executive Director for the American Red Cross of Tennessee. “Her experience with fundraising, marketing, and working with community partners will be a huge boost for this position.” 

 

Prior to coming to the Red Cross, Sarah also worked at various YMCA organizations as executive director and program director. She has a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degrees from Louisiana State University and is currently working to obtain her PhD in Organizational Leadership from Southeastern University.  

 

“Sarah’s educational experience is such a benefit to help the 10 counties she will serve as chapter director,” Sullivan said. “I am positive that she will bring great organizational skills, collaboration, and energy to help the Mid-South chapter.” 

 

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 nonprofit 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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Red Cross Volunteers Help to Keep Knoxville Residents Safe Following Back-to-Back Multi-Family Fires

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., June 29, 2022 - American Red Cross volunteers respond to thousands of home fires a year in Tennessee. In fact, in the last 12 months, Red Cross has responded to more than 2,100 home fires throughout the region. Multi-family fires, like apartment fires, are always a huge challenge.  

From November 2021 to January 2022, Summit Towers, a 276-apartment unit building in Knoxville experienced three multi-family fires. Two of the fires, the Red Cross responded to and worked cases to help residents recover from their loss. Following one of the fires, the entire building had to be evacuated. Working with Knoxville's Community Development Corporation, 167 residents were sheltered while both water and all fire damages were repaired.  

“These fires were a month apart each time,” recalled Kristin Rice, disaster program manager with the East Tennessee Chapter of the American Red Cross in Knoxville. “Because of these repeated calls for fires at Summit Towers, we knew the hardships this was causing the residents. These were people who live independently but were older and had mobility issues. We saw an opportunity to educate the residents about fire safety. An inability or lack of knowledge for fire safety could lead to fatalities if not addressed.” 

Rice gathered as many disaster action team volunteers as possible and went to work. The team went back to the apartments when residents returned and educated the individual clients by educating them on fire safety checklists for the Homes Made Safer campaign. “We had information to each and every resident that we could access in the apartment building,” she said. “We went door to door and met clients in public access areas of the building to do group education sessions.”  

"People were really appreciative and thankful,” Rice added. “They were so moved by our shelter response and case work during one of the fires, but to give them the tools to prevent fires and have an escape plan was critical, and honestly could be lifesaving.”  

In all, ten volunteers worked with Red Cross staff to do the Homes Made Safer educational presentations. Today, the Red Cross is now part of a partner committee in Knox County, with city and county government partners, public safety, and medical responders to work through safety measures to help in fire rescues and to make solid plans for what happens after people are vacated in a multi-family fire call. 

To find out more about how you can become involved as a volunteer with the American Red Cross, or to find out more information on the Homes Made Safer campaign go to RedCross.org. 

Red Cross Volunteers Install Smoke Alarm in Johnson County Home and Save Lives

By Briana Phillips, Red Cross volunteer 

MOUNTAIN CITY, Tenn., June 29, 2022 - While this year’s Sound the Alarm Campaign is complete, the impact of the campaign is still reaching communities in Tennessee every day. Lives like Nina and Eric Mann’s are continuing to be changed because of the free smoke alarm installation provided by the Red Cross. 

Nina and Eric Mann experienced firsthand the life-saving effects of the campaign this last March when they had a house fire. On the day of the fire, Nina recalled it being a very normal day for the retired couple. Following lunch, she decided to take a nap. Eric went to the living room, but he got up when he heard the smoke alarm beeping from the upstairs bedroom. He immediately woke Nina up and they rushed out of their home safely. 

“It all happened very quickly,” Nina said. “I did not even have time to change out of my PJs. We grabbed the dog and got out of there as quickly as we could.” Once they were out of the house, all they could do was watch their home be consumed by flames. 

Their house sustained severe damage before the fire department could put out the fire. A third of the home was destroyed. But despite the circumstances, Nina was thankful to be alive. “One of my friends recently died in a house fire with her two dogs, so I know how lucky we were to get out safely,” she said. 

Nina also realized the pivotal role the smoke alarms had. Her husband hardly goes upstairs due to physical limitations, so if it were not for the alarms, they might not have noticed the fire before it was too late. “I really think that the fire alarms from the Red Cross saved our lives,” Nina said. “They were installed a couple years ago by some volunteers, but they still did their job very well.” 

While the fire alarms saved Nina and Eric’s lives, there are still many homes that are not prepared for fire safety. If you would like to find out more about how you can have your home made safer, contact your local Red Cross chapter. You can find out more at RedCross.org/Tennessee or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.  

Antioch Apartment Fire Response Update - June 23, 2022

Yesterday afternoon, 20 apartment units at Foxcroft Apartments in Antioch were destroyed by a fire. Red Cross volunteers responded to help those affected and opened a shelter at Crievewood Baptist Church. Eleven displaced residents are staying at the shelter this morning. 

Affected residents that need assistance have been speaking with Red Cross disaster volunteers as a recovery plan begins. We are continuing to work with the Office of Emergency Management, fire department and apartment management in serving these families.

American Red Cross Response to Foxcroft Apartment Fire

NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 22, 2022 – This afternoon 20 apartment units at the Foxcroft Apartments in Antioch caught on fire. The fire destroyed one of the buildings at the complex, leaving several families displaced.   

The Red Cross has set up an overnight shelter location for Foxcroft Apartments residents who are now displaced by the fire. The location is at Crievewood Baptist Church, 480 Hogan Rd, Nashville, TN 37220. 

Affected residents that need assistance have been speaking with Red Cross disaster volunteers as a recovery plan begins for these families.    

To find out the latest and how you can help, go to: RedCross.org/Tennessee  

Nashville Predators and American Red Cross work to make blood donation goals with multi-city, blood drives June 20-June 24

 

All presenting donors will receive a Nashville Predators Foam puck and a chance for a VIP trip to Graceland

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 17, 2022 — The American Red Cross is continuing the partnership with the Nashville Predators Foundation to host a multi-city blood drive June 20-June 24.

 

“We are hoping that all who can give will come to our Predator donation sites to help us continue to keep blood on our community hospital shelves,” said Clif Redish, interim regional donor services executive with the Red Cross Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region. “Blood supply historically drops during the summer months when summer travel picks up. The need is always great. Donors can show up every 56 days to donate whole blood, and only three percent of those who can give blood do. The Nashville Predators always make their goal, whether on the ice or at our drives. We are thankful they are so supportive when our community needs them most.”

 

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. Come to give blood, platelets or plasma June 1-30, 2022, and be automatically entered for a chance to win a VIP trip to Memphis and Graceland for two! This trip includes round-trip air fare for two to Memphis, a three-night stay at The Guest House at Graceland and Elvis Entourage VIP tour, courtesy of Graceland, a $500 gift card for expenses, plus a custom-wrapped Gibson Epiphone guitar! As our thanks for coming to give June 1-30, we’ll send you a $5 e-gift card to a merchant of your choice.

 

Details and terms and conditions for the grand prize can be found here: rcblood.org/elvismovie

 

Nashville Predators Foundation blood donation opportunities June 20 – June 24:

Monday, June 20, 2022

Clarksville American Red Cross

1760 Madison Street

Clarksville, TN 37043

10:30 A.M. - 04:30 P.M.

 

Nashville Predators World Outreach Church

1921 New Salem Highway

Murfreesboro, TN 37129

12:00 P.M. - 06:00 P.M.

 

Ascension Saint Thomas West Hospital

4220 Harding Road

Nashville, TN 37205

10:00 A.M. - 03:00 P.M.

 

Courtyard by Marriott

1980 Providence Parkway

Mount Juliet, TN 37122

11:00 A.M. - 04:00 P.M.

 

The Inn at Opryland

2401 Music Valley Drive

Nashville, TN 37214

10:00 A.M. - 03:00 P.M.

 

Celebration Lutheran Church

3425 N Mount Juliet Road

Mount Juliet, TN 37122

11:00 A.M. - 04:00 P.M.

 

The Livery Stables Event Hall

1104 Main Street

Pleasant View, TN 37146

1:00 P.M. - 07:00 P.M.

 

Nashville Predators Spring Hill Community

5344 Main St

Spring Hill, TN 37174

12:00 P.M. - 06:00 P.M.

 

Faith Lutheran Church

1655 Main Street

Lebanon, TN 37087

11:00 A.M. - 05:00 P.M.

 

Tuesday, June 21, 2022

American Red Cross Chapter Memphis

1399 Madison Avenue

Memphis, TN 38104

10:00 A.M. - 03:00 P.M.

 

Sumner Station

225 Big Station Camp Blvd

Gallatin, TN 37066

10:00 A.M. - 03:00 P.M.

 

Goodlettsville Church

226 S. Main Street

Goodlettsville, TN 37072

11:00 A.M. - 04:00 P.M.

 

City of Brentwood

Brentwood Library

8109 Concord Rd.

Brentwood, TN 37027

10:00 A.M. - 04:00 P.M.

 

Gallatin Civic Center

210 Albert Gallatin Avenue

Gallatin, TN 37066

11:00 A.M. - 04:00 P.M.

 

Ford Ice Center Bellevue

7638 B Highway 70 S

Nashville, TN 37221

12:00 P.M. - 06:00 P.M.

 

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Light Hall

2215 Garland Avenue

Nashville, TN 37232

09:00 A.M. - 03:00 P.M.

 

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Clarksville American Red Cross

1760 Madison Street

Clarksville, TN 37043

10:30 A.M. - 04:30 P.M.

 

Holiday Inn University Plaza & Sloan Convention Center

1021 Wilkinson Trace

Bowling Green, KY 42103

10:30 A.M. - 04:30 P.M.

 

Vanderbilt Health 100 Oaks

719 Thompson Lane

Nashville, TN 37204

10:00 A.M. - 03:00 P.M.

 

Gold's Gym Smyrna

567 S. Lowry St.

Smyrna, TN 37167

11:00 A.M. - 05:00 P.M.

 

Collinwood Freewill Baptist

1st Ave North

Collinwood, TN 38450

02:00 P.M. - 06:00 P.M.

 

Sumner Regional Medical Center

555 Hartsville Pike

Gallatin, TN 37066

10:00 A.M. - 03:00 P.M.

 

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Light Hall

2215 Garland Avenue

Nashville, TN 37232

09:00 A.M. - 03:00 P.M.

 

Thursday, June 23, 2022

Courtyard by Marriott

1980 Providence Parkway

Mount Juliet, TN 37122

11:00 A.M. - 04:00 P.M.

 

Nashville Predators - Columbia Community

1106 Nashville Hwy

Columbia, TN 38401

11:30 A.M. - 05:30 P.M.

 

Nashville Predators Hartsville Community

303 Main Street

Hartsville, TN 37074

01:30 P.M. - 05:30 P.M.

 

Ford Ice Center

5264 Hickory Hollow Parkway

Antioch, TN 37013

01:00 P.M. - 07:00 P.M.

 

Natchez Trace American Red Cross Chapter

129 West Fowlkes St, Ste 100

Franklin, TN 37064

12:00 P.M. - 06:00 P.M.

 

City of Brentwood

Brentwood Library

8109 Concord Rd.

Brentwood, TN 37027

10:00 A.M. - 04:00 P.M.

 

Friday, June 24, 2022

Holiday Inn University Plaza & Sloan Convention Center

1021 Wilkinson Trace

Bowling Green, KY 42103

10:30 A.M. - 04:30 P.M.

 

Nashville Predators Winchester Community

1230 South College Street

Winchester, TN 37398

01:00 P.M. - 07:00 P.M.

 

Nashville Predators Crossville Community

Crossville First UMC Church

69 Neecham Street

Crossville, TN 38555

10:00 A.M. - 03:00 P.M.

 

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.

Blood drive safety 

The Red Cross follows a high standard of safety and infection control. The Red Cross will continue to socially distance wherever possible at blood drives, donation centers and facilities. While donors are no longer required to wear a face mask, individuals may choose to continue to wear a mask for any reason. The Red Cross will also adhere to more stringent face mask requirements per state and/or local guidance, or at the request of blood drive sponsors. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at a drive.  

Humanitarian Encourages Local Communities to Host Blood Drives

Blood donations needed during summer travel months  

Doris Dunn

The American Red Cross provides 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply. Community blood drives make up 80 percent of all blood donated to the American Red Cross nationally. Successful blood drives are critical to supplying local hospitals and their patients with the life-saving blood needed daily. 

Doris Dunn, a Williamson County resident, and American Red Cross Nashville Area Chapter Board member knows those statistics very well. She has been donating blood with the Red Cross for decades.  

“My mother passed away with breast cancer when I was 14,” she said. “Mom needed a pint of blood every other day when she was in treatment. That is when I decided I wanted to donate blood to help others with similar needs.”  

Dunn began donating when her high school scheduled a blood drive and continued to donate regularly, trying to donate every 56 days, if possible. Each January, she makes sure to donate in honor of her mother’s birthday. “I consider it a birthday present for Mom,” she said. “I lived in California for 17 years and would donate during blood drives at work and outside of work to try and donate every time I was eligible.” After moving back to College Grove, Tennessee, her regular donations sparked another desire to give back, hosting her own community blood drive for her neighborhood.  

  

“When I moved back here, the first drive I hosted was during COVID-19 pandemic and I just wanted to do something,” she remembered. “The blood drive was held on Martin Luther King Day, and we had an overwhelming response. The Red Cross bus came, and it was great to see our neighbors get so involved. Since that day, we have scheduled drives each quarter, and each one has surpassed its goal.” 

 

The drive is known as the McDaniel Community Blood Drive in Williamson County, and it averages about 25 units of blood for each drive. The support for the drive is felt throughout the neighborhood and Dunn says she feels so inspired by each donor.  

 

“There will always be a small child that needs blood, or a cancer patient who needs platelets,” Dunn said. “When I am at the blood drives, I share those stories. We know that every two seconds in the United States someone needs blood. However, only three percent of the people who can donate do so. I remind our donors of those facts, so they know how important it is to donate regularly.”  

 

More facts about blood donation:  

• Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U. S.  
• Nearly 5,000 units of platelets and 6.500 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S.  
• Nearly 16 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S. 
• Sickle cell disease affects 90,000 to 100,000 people in the U.S. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year. Sickle cell patients can require blood transfusions throughout their lives. 
• The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 units. 
• A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood. 
• Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured; they can only come from volunteer donors. 
• The blood type most often requested by hospitals is type O. 
• One donation can help save more than one life.  

Dunn encourages more communities to get involved in hosting their own blood drives. “It is so easy,” she said. “You contact your local Red Cross, and your assigned account manager will handle it all. As a host, you set the date and then help promote it around your community.” The next scheduled blood drive for the McDaniel Community Blood Drive is set for Aug. 4, 2022. “We always fill up our appointments for our drives. It is great to see so many who want to help patients in Tennessee.”  

Doris Dunn donating blood

 

Blood drive safety  

The Red Cross follows a high standard of safety and infection control. The Red Cross will continue to socially distance wherever possible at blood drives, donation centers and facilities. While donors are no longer required to wear a face mask, individuals may choose to continue to wear a mask for any reason. The Red Cross will also adhere to more stringent face mask requirements per state and/or local guidance, or at the request of blood drive sponsors. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at a drive.   

  

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 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.