Memphis Blood Donor Recognized with Red Cross Presidential Award for Excellence

Pictured: Chris Hrouda (left), President of Biomedical Services, American Red Cross; Shaun Brennan, Award of Excellence recipient; and Gail McGovern (right), President & CEO, American Red Cross

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Aug. 29, 2022 – A local Memphis man was recognized nationally at the American Red Cross National Headquarters in Washington D.C. on August 4 for exceptional contributions to the organization. Shaun Brennan received the Presidential Award for Excellence: Biomedical Services.

Brennan has made an incredible difference in the lives of others by completing over 500 blood and platelet donations with the American Red Cross. “Shaun’s commitment to help save lives by donating blood and platelets is simply incredible, often traveling hours to donate,” said Sarah Grai, the executive director for the Mid-South Chapter in Memphis. “He is a donor with an incredible dedication to our life-saving mission. He stands for what it means to be a community hero.”

Brennan has been inducted into the Donation Hall of Fame, sponsored by Fenwal, Inc. The Donation Hall of Fame recognizes individuals nationwide who have shown an extraordinary commitment to blood donation.

During his recognition ceremony, American Red Cross President and CEO, Gail McGovern said, “The footprint Shaun has cast is greater than donation. He serves as a key ambassador of the Red Cross mission and brings awareness to others each day.” Brennan never misses a chance to share his experiences and encourages others to donate through various social media platforms.

“We are so proud of Shaun and his dedication to make our communities stronger,” Grai said. “He is a true humanitarian.”

About the American Red Cross Presidential Awards for Excellence: The Presidential Award for Excellence is presented to an individual or group of American Red Cross employees or volunteers who demonstrate exceptional performance or service in support of the American Red Cross delivering on its multi-faceted mission. Nominees' actions must go beyond meeting organizational goals and expectations and be exemplary of the highest level of commitment to Red Cross values and the execution of superior service and performance that made an extraordinary contribution toward the successful delivery of the Red Cross mission.

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/Tennessee or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossTN. The American Red Cross Tennessee Region serves all 95 counties in Tennessee, Crittenden County in Arkansas and Desoto and Tunica counties in Mississippi. The Tennessee Region – part of a nationwide network of locally supported chapters - is comprised of the following eight Red Cross chapters: East Tennessee, Heart of Tennessee, Mid-South, Mid-West Tennessee, Nashville Area, Southeast Tennessee, Northeast Tennessee and Tennessee River.

Fall Sports Safety Tips

Athletes all over the United States are heading back to the playing fields to practice for fall school sports. Many of them could face being injured and the American Red Cross has ways coaches can help keep players safe in hot weather and training available to teach students and coaches what they should do if someone is hurt.

ATHLETE SAFETY Summer heat and humidity can be especially hazardous as athletes begin to get ready for the upcoming season. Here are some steps coaches and officials can take to help keep them safe:

1. Avoid scheduling workouts and exercise during the hottest times of the day – schedule them for early in the day or later in the evening.

2. Get players acclimated to the heat by reducing the intensity of workouts or exercise until they are more accustomed to the heat.

3. Have players take frequent, longer breaks. Stop about every 20 minutes to drink fluids and try to have them stay in the shade.

4. Those in charge should reduce the amount of heavy equipment athletes wear in the extremely hot weather.

* Dress athletes in net-type jerseys or light-weight, light-colored cotton tee shirts and shorts.

5. Know the signs of heat-related emergencies and monitor athletes closely.

* Athletes should inform those in charge if they are not feeling well.

TAKE A FIRST AID CLASS There are several different ways to learn what to do in a first-aid emergency. The Red Cross offers First Aid/CPR/AED training to teach people how to respond in a first aid, cardiac or breathing emergency. The in-classroom training can be supplemented with a free online refresher during the two years after learners become certified. Course information and registration is available at redcross.org/takeaclass.  

FIRST AID APP Coaches and student athletes can also download the free Red Cross First Aid App which features step-by step instructions for first aid scenarios and a 9-1-1 call button, as well as safety and preparedness tips for a range of conditions including severe weather and disasters. Users can find it in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps. 

Recovery Continues for Tennessee Communities Following Deadly Floods of 2021

By Briana Phillips, American Red Cross Volunteer 

A Red Cross volunteer surveys damage after the flooding in Aug. 2021. Photo by Mike Moody/American Red Cross.

“The flood back in August of 2021… I've never been a part of a natural disaster or anything that devastating before this thing,” recalled Tayla Lynn. “So many lives gone that day, and our whole town really destroyed and not just homes, but businesses and the whole infrastructure of our city of Waverly just wiped out.”

That is what Lynn, the granddaughter of country music legend Loretta Lynn, remembered about the flood that devastated the small Tennessee town of Waverly a year ago. According to The Tennessean, the floods were the result of a record breaking 17-inch rainfall that raised the creek and river levels dramatically. The rapid flooding conditions ended up claiming 20 lives. All victims were from the city of Waverly, including the Lynn’s ranch foreman Wayne Spears, who had been part of her family for over 30 years.

Photo by Virginia Hart/American Red Cross

The Red Cross was there to pick up the pieces of the decimated community as the flood waters slowly drained through the town. “It seemed like the Red Cross was there immediately setting up food and shelter and just being there for what you needed,” Lynn said.

Red Cross volunteer Bruce Felts

Bruce Felts, one of the dedicated Red Cross volunteers that served after the flood, described the situation as a “rollercoaster of emotions.” A life-long resident of Waverly himself still struggles to see his neighbors suffering in the aftermath to this day. “This is a small place, so everyone knows everyone here,” he said, “It makes it very difficult to see people you know having to start over from nothing.”

A year after the flooding, Waverly has made some progress in rebuilding itself with the Red Cross’ assistance, but it is a long way from being back to normal. Many buildings were either destroyed or had major damage. School buildings sustained severe damage that has required the relocation of its students to other accommodations. School officials predict that it will take several years for students to be back in a fully operational school building in the town as they rebuild from scratch.

While the progress is slow, Felts preferred to count his communities’ blessings. “Waverly will be recovering from the flood they had for years to come, but sometimes I think it is good to look back and thank God for what didn’t happen,” he said, regarding the flooded school buildings. He noted that the flooding took place on a Saturday, which was a better alternative to a weekday. “If this had been a school day, it could have been so much more devastating,” he recounted.

The Red Cross would not be able to assist communities like Waverly if not for local volunteers like Bruce Felts. When disaster strikes, the recovery process is much easier when the region has prepared volunteers, ready to respond from their local chapters.

If you would like to volunteer or donate to help the American Red Cross respond to disasters, visit redcross.org/tennessee to learn more about how you can get involved and support the Red Cross in your community.

Call to Action! Disaster Volunteer Hour - Mid-South Red Cross

Volunteers needed to support local disaster response 

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Aug. 12, 2022 — The city of Memphis is ranked fourth in the nation for home fire risk. The Mid-South Chapter of the American Red Cross responds to these fires and other individual disasters, on average, four times a day. Volunteers make up about 90 percent of the American Red Cross workforce, helping to make it possible to provide immediate support to our neighbors in time of need.  

We ask for your help assisting our local community. As a Disaster Action Team Volunteer, you can respond to the scene of home fires and other disasters. Our volunteers provide emotional support, safe shelter, vital supplies, emergency assistance, and information to help families begin the process of recovery. The Mid-South Chapter will host a series of informational sessions to invite community members to learn more about this opportunity.   

Upcoming informational sessions:  

 

Thursday, Aug. 25, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.  

Saturday, Sept.10, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.  

Thursday, Sept. 22, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.  

Saturday, Oct. 8, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. 

Thursday, Oct. 27, 5:30 p.m.- 7 p.m.  

Saturday, Nov. 12, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 

 

Unless otherwise noted on the R.S.V.P. link, all sessions will be held at the American Red Cross, 1399 Madison Ave., Memphis. 

 

Respond today at tinyurl.com/midsouthRC or contact Mat St. Martin at mathew.Stmartin2@redcross.org with questions. 

Nashville Predators and American Red Cross work to make blood donation goals with multi-city, blood drives Aug. 15-19

All presenting donors will receive a Nashville Predators Foam puck and two pre-season tickets to a Predators Home Game 

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 4, 2022 — The American Red Cross continues the great partnership with the Nashville Predators Foundation to host a multi-city blood drive Aug. 15- Aug. 19. 

 

“The Red Cross is facing an ongoing drop in the blood supply this summer and we are asking donors to book appointments now to give blood or platelets and help prevent a blood shortage,” said Clif Redish, interim regional donor services executive with the Red Cross Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region. “When a blood shortage occurs, a patient may not have immediate access to the transfusions they count on. By donating in August, blood products can be ready to grab off the shelves for those in need of lifesaving care in the coming weeks.”

 

“Our partnership with the Nashville Predators makes such an impact in our communities to meet the need for blood in our region for patients in our hospitals.” 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.

 

 

All presenting donors will receive a Predators foam hockey puck, while supplies last. Donors will also receive two pre-season home game tickets as our thanks for coming to give at the Preds blood drives. 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. “Donors will also receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice,” Redish added. “Plus, we will automatically enter all donors for a chance to win gas for a year.”

 

Nashville Predators Foundation blood donation opportunities Aug. 15-Aug. 19: 

Monday, Aug. 15, 2022 

Vanderbilt University Medical Center 

719 Thompson Lane  

Nashville, TN 37204 

1st Floor Conference Room  

11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

 

Celebration Lutheran Church  

3425 N. Mount Juliet Road 

Mt. Juliet, TN 37122 

Fellowship Hall  

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

  

Faith Lutheran Church  

1655 Main Street 

Lebanon, TN 37087 

Fellowship Hall  

12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

  

Gallatin Civic Center  

210 Albert Gallatin Avenue  

Gallatin, TN 37066 

Main Floor - Rooms 101/102 

11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.  

  

Clarksville American Red Cross Chapter 

Auditorium  

1760 Madison Street   

Clarksville, TN 37043 

10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

  

Dickson Community 

115 Tennsco Drive  

Dickson, TN 37055 

Tennesco Community Center  

12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. 

 

Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022 

Goodlettsville Church  

226 S. Main Street 

Goodlettsville, TN 37072 

Activity Center  

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

  

Vanderbilt University Medical Center  

2215 Garland Avenue  

Nashville, TN 37232 

Light Hall  

12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

  

East TN American Red Cross  

6921 Middlebrook Pike 

Knoxville, TN 37909 

Auditorium  

1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.  

  

Fayetteville Community  

City of Fayetteville Parks & Recreation - Auditorium  

1203 Winchester Hwy 

Fayetteville, TN  

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

  

First United Methodist Church  

300 Sam Hagar Street  

Smyrna, TN  

Fellowship Hall  

11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

  

Ford Ice Center Bellevue  

7638 B Highway 70 S 

Nashville, TN  37221 

Room #1 & 4  

12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

  

Natchez Trace American Red Cross  

129 West Fowlkes Street Suite 100 

Frankin, TN 37064 

Chapter Office - 1st Floor  

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

  

Celebration Lutheran Church  

3425 N. Mount Juliet Road 

Mt. Juliet, TN 37122 

Fellowship Hall  

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

  

Hohenwald Church of Christ  

110 Park Avenue South 

Hohenwald, TN 38462 

Gym  

12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. 

  

Sumner Station  

225 Big Station Camp Blvd.  

Gallatin, TN 37066 

2nd Floor - Room 213 

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

 

Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022 

Vanderbilt University Medical Center  

Light Hall  

2215 Garland Avenue 

Nashville, TN 37232 

8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.  

  

World Outreach Church  

Gym  

1921 New Salem Highway  

Murfreesboro, TN 37129 

1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

  

Clarksville American Red Cross Chapter 

Auditorium  

1760 Madison Street   

Clarksville, TN 37043 

10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

  

Holiday Inn University Plaza & Sloan Convention Center  

1021 Wilkinson Trace   

Bowling Green, KY 42103 

Meeting Rooms  

10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

 

Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022 

Natchez Trace American Red Cross  

129 W. Fowlkes Street Suite 100 

Franklin, TN 37064 

Chapter Office  

12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.  

  

Ford Ice Center Room  

5264 Hickory Hollow Parkway  

Antioch, TN 37013 

Rooms 1 & 2  

1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.  

  

Spring Hill Community  

125 Stephen P. Yokich Pkwy.  

Spring Hill, TN 37174 

UAW Banquet Hall  

12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

  

Bell Buckle Volunteer Fire Department 

113 Main Street 

Bell Buckle, TN 37020 

James E Elkins Fire Hall  

2:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 

  

CoolSprings Galleria  

18001 Galleria Blvd.  

Franklin, TN 37067 

JCPenney Wing  

12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. 

 

Friday, Aug. 19, 2022 

Jamestown Community  

Family Life Center Gym  

306 E. Central Avenue 

Jamestown, TN 38556 

12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

  

Holiday Inn University Plaza & Sloan Convention Center  

1021 Wilkinson Trace 

Bowling Green, KY 42103 

Meeting Rooms 

10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

 

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 no longer have 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.

  

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.  

 

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*Terms apply. Visit rcblood.org/fuel for details.