American Red Cross Tennessee Region Responds to Disasters in Florida, Puerto Rico and Alaska

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 27, 2022 – The Tennessee Region of the American Red Cross has sent 28 volunteers to Florida, Puerto Rico and Alaska to help with Hurricane Ian, Hurricane Fiona and Typhoon Merbok disaster relief efforts. More volunteers could be deployed to the areas in the coming days. 

HURRICANE IAN RESPONSE
In preparation for Hurricane Ian, the American Red Cross has moved hundreds of trained volunteers from across the country and tens of thousands of relief supplies to Florida and is opening dozens of shelters to make sure people have a safe place to ride out the storm. The Red Cross is working closely with partners and local officials to ensure help is available when and where people need it most. 

Now a Category 3 hurricane, Ian could grow to a Category 4 storm as it begins to impact millions of people in Florida. Tampa could suffer its first direct hit from a hurricane in over 100 years. 

As communities in Florida and throughout the Southeast prepare for the wrath of Hurricane Ian, it’s a reminder to take preparedness steps here in the Tennessee Region. 

5 steps you can take today to prepare your family and community –

• Create an evacuation plan. Plan what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and if you have to evacuate. 
• Build an emergency kit with a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, medications, supplies for infants or pets, a multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, extra cash, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information.  
• Include pets in your planning. Pets are part of the family. Have your animal crate, supplies, medications and food ready to go should a disaster hit.
• Give blood. The need for blood is constant. Blood can take up to three days to be tested, processed and made available for patients, so it’s the blood already on the shelves that helps save lives in an emergency. 
• Stay informed. Find out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders.

HURRICANE FIONA RESPONSE
Nearly half a million people in Puerto Rico are still living without power and thousands more have no running water more than a week after Hurricane Fiona hit the island. More than 280 American Red Cross disaster workers, many with no power or water themselves, are working around the clock with our partners to provide comfort and support. Preliminary damage reports indicate that almost 400 homes were destroyed or suffered major damage.

TYPHOON MERBOK RESPONSE
The American Red Cross is deploying disaster teams by plane to rural areas of Alaska where Typhoon Merbok devastated a thousand-mile stretch of the western coast over a week ago, damaging homes, seawalls, roads and airport runways as well as water systems in as many as 40 towns and villages.

Red Cross disaster teams are working out of Nome and Bethel to help with damage assessment and provide casework for families in need along with other assistance. The Red Cross is also procuring and delivering emergency supplies such as tarps, coolers, vacuum sealers, window film, insulation, sealing foam, and heater meals to remote communities that were impacted by the storms. 

URGENT NEED FOR SHELTER VOLUNTEERS
The Tennessee Region of the American Red Cross is hosting fast track shelter trainings for people interested in volunteering. Each shelter training will take four hours to complete and will cover all the required courses needed to become a shelter worker. Everyone is welcome to attend the first hour to learn more about Red Cross available opportunities and if interested, stay for the remainder of the training.

Nashville Area Chapter - 2201 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN
Wednesday, Sept. 28: 9:00 a.m. CST
Saturday, Oct. 1: 2:00 p.m. CST 

Northeast Tennessee Chapter – 660 Eastern Star Rd., Kingsport, TN
Thursday, Sept. 29: 10:00 a.m. EST
Thursday, Sept. 29: 5:30 p.m. EST

Tennessee River Chapter – 1760 Madison St., Clarksville, TN
Wednesday, Sept. 28: 5:00 p.m. CST 

Heart of Tennessee Chapter – 501 Memorial Blvd., Murfreesboro, TN
Thursday, Sept. 29: 9:00 a.m. CST
Thursday, Sept. 29: 2:00 p.m. CST
Saturday, Oct. 1: 9:00 a.m. CST

Southeast Tennessee Chapter – 4115 S. Access Rd., Chattanooga, TN
Wednesday, Sept. 28: 12:30 p.m. EST
Saturday, Oct. 1: 10:00 a.m. EST

East Tennessee Chapter – 6921 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN
Wednesday, Sept. 28: 3:00 p.m. EST
Thursday, Sept. 29: 5:00 p.m. EST

Mid-West Tennessee Chapter – Jackson State Community College, 2046 N. Parkway, Jackson, TN
Thursday, Sept. 29: 5:00 p.m. CST 

Mid-West Tennessee Chapter – Oakland Community Center, 4435 State Hwy. 69S, Paris, TN
Thursday, Sept. 29, 3:00 p.m. CST 

Mid-South Chapter – 1399 Madison Ave. Memphis, TN 38104
Thursday, Sept. 29: 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. CST **This Memphis meeting will share volunteer opportunities and deployment basics. 
Saturday, Oct. 1: 9:00 a.m. CST (shelter training)

You can also apply to volunteer online at redcross.org/volunteertoday.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can help people affected by disasters like storms and countless other crises by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 800-RED-CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. 

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. 

American Red Cross Tennessee Region is Recruiting New Volunteers and Offering Fast Track Shelter Training in Preparation for Hurricane Ian

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 26, 2022 - The American Red Cross relies on volunteers to the help prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. Volunteers make up over 90 percent of the Disaster workforce and make it possible to respond to nearly 70,000 disasters every year, most of them home and apartment fires. Disaster volunteers also provide preparedness services and information before disaster strikes and assist those who have experienced a disaster with their recovery. 

Currently, many Tennessee Region volunteers are deployed to respond to Hurricane Ian, as well as responses in Puerto Rico, Alaska and western wildfires in California. The need is great in the state of Tennessee for disaster responders, both at home, and nationally. 

“With national disaster responses continuing in the west and the looming possibility of a major impact from Hurricane Ian in the Atlantic, we need more volunteers to assist in Sheltering,” said Christopher Robins, regional disaster services officer for the Tennessee Region. “We will offer shelter training for anyone who would be interested in joining our volunteer workforce to help respond to these disasters. Our goal here is to train qualified volunteers to be able to potentially deploy and assist when needed.” 

Each shelter training will take four hours to complete and will cover all the required courses needed to become a shelter worker. For those interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities, anyone is welcome to attend the first hour to learn more about Red Cross available opportunities and if interested stay for the remainder of the training. 

Nashville Area Chapter - 2201 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37203

Wednesday, Sept. 28: 9:00 a.m. CST
Saturday, Oct. 1: 2:00 p.m. CST 

Northeast Tennessee Chapter – 660 Eastern Star Rd., Kingsport, TN 37663

Thursday, Sept. 29: 10:00 a.m. EST
Thursday, Sept. 29: 5:30 p.m. EST

 Tennessee River Chapter – 1760 Madison St., Clarksville, TN 37403

Wednesday, Sept. 28: 5:00 p.m. CST 

Heart of Tennessee Chapter – 501 Memorial Blvd., Murfreesboro, TN 37129

Thursday, Sept. 29: 9:00 a.m. CST
Thursday, Sept. 29: 2:00 p.m. CST
Saturday, Oct. 1: 9:00 a.m. CST

Southeast Tennessee Chapter – 4115 S. Access Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37406

Wednesday, Sept. 28: 12:30 p.m. EST
Saturday, Oct. 1: 10:00 a.m. EST

East Tennessee Chapter – 6921 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37909

Wednesday, Sept. 28: 3:00 p.m. EST
Thursday, Sept. 29: 5:00 p.m. EST

Mid-West Tennessee Chapter – Jackson State Community College, 2046 N. Parkway, Jackson, TN

Thursday, Sept. 29: 5:00 p.m. CST 

Mid-West Tennessee Chapter – Oakland Community Center, 4435 State Hwy. 69S, Paris, TN

Thursday, Sept. 29, 3:00 p.m. CST 

Mid-South Chapter – 1399 Madison Ave. Memphis, TN 38104

Thursday, Sept. 29: 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. CST **This Memphis meeting will share volunteer opportunities and deployment basics. 
Saturday, Oct. 1: 9:00 a.m. CST (shelter training)

For more information on these trainings, please visit the AmericanRed Cross Tennessee Region Facebook page.

 

Find out how you can serve in your community by searching for current volunteer opportunities. The American Red Cross provides FREE disaster training for all volunteers. Trainings are both online and in-person depending on the course. To find out more about these training opportunities please contact your local Red Cross office.

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.

Competing and Committing to Doing Good

By Mariwyn Evans, Red Cross volunteer

Everyone has a different reason to donate blood through the American Red Cross, but few can match high-schooler Janet Rosson’s. The Nashville native gave blood in her biology 2 class for extra credit. “I wanted to get that A,” she recalls. So began her 40-year commitment to help save lives through blood donations. 

“In class, I learned that my blood type was O negative, which makes me a universal donor,” says Rosson. “I was the only one in my class, and my teacher explained how valuable that was. That was the beginning of my interest.” 

Rosson continued to donate as an adult—mostly through blood drives at the companies where she worked. “I would meet other employees with O negative at the drives and encourage them to join me in giving. We would get a group together and make an event of it—giving blood and then going out to lunch or dinner to treat ourselves,” she says. 

Rosson’s commitment gained a new depth when her father developed multiple myeloma, a form of bone cancer, and required regular transfusions. “My father’s life was extended many times because of blood donations. I also had several friends whose lives were prolonged,” she says.

These days, Rosson’s main motivation for donating focuses on supporting others in need, she has not lost her competitive spirit. “My goal is to give 10 gallons of blood; I’ve given 8 ½ gallons so far.”   Donors can donate red blood every 56 days. 

Even Covid 19 did not deter Rosson’s commitment. “I figured people still needed blood, even in a pandemic. Plus, I really wanted to get out of the house,” she jokes.

“I realize donating blood may not be for everyone, and some can’t give because of health concerns,” says Rosson. Still, she encourages people to try it. “It just takes a couple of hours out of your life, and you could truly be saving someone else’s.”

Blood donation 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 or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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.

Local Red Cross Volunteer Reflects on Critical Role In Home Fire Response

More than 30 people in the U.S. suffer injuries from home fires every day.

More volunteers are needed to respond to home fires across Tennessee 

By Ryan Meyer, Red Cross volunteer 

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 14, 2022 - When Cathy Goodrich signed up to volunteer with the Red Cross in 2017, she planned to lend a hand with her amateur radio skills. She had no idea how quickly her time and talent would make an impact. 

Cathy and Jim Goodrich volunteer
together in Nashville as a part of the
Disaster Action Team.

Shortly into her training with the Disaster Services Technology group, Cathy was asked to assist with the chapter’s Disaster Action Team. These volunteers are often times the initial responders to local incidents, many of them home fires. While major natural disasters may receive most of the national media attention, home fires are the nation’s most frequent disaster. On average, seven people die every day in the U.S. from a home fire. Many of these victims are children and the elderly, because in a home fire, there’s typically less than two minutes to escape. 

When a home fire occurs, your local Red Cross office is often one of the the first to receive a call from the police or fire department. Volunteers then spring into action to help those affected. Support can range from providing immediate assistance on scene or off scene response for single families. It may also involve opening a shelter following multi-family fires, where clients may stay as they try to find accommodations. The Red Cross provides resources for clients starting at the initial event and through the recovery process.  

“Just the other day, there was a multi-family fire in an apartment building, 20 units were totally destroyed,” Goodrich said. “Almost everyone in the complex spoke Spanish, so having volunteers with translation skills made a big difference.”   

Home fires have been increasing in the Nashville and other larger metropolitan areas in Tennessee, making volunteer support and financial donations from the community even more imperative. When Goodrich gets called into action, she knows there’s always one partner who she can count on to be by her side. 

“My husband and I got involved together, and he trained as a supervisor too,” she said. “There’s so many people out there struggling, and together we feel like we’ve been able to help as a team.”  

While the general public most often associates the Red Cross with blood donations and national disaster response, the needs of the local chapters are significant, as is the opportunity to contribute. 

“There have been instances where we’ve gone to the hospital for clients who have been burned. When they are ready to be released, our team will send someone out to provide one-time financial assistance and references to resources,” said Goodrich. “Sometimes they don’t even have cab money to get home - or a home to go back to, so our volunteers being there to provide emotional and financial support goes a long way.”  

If you would like to join your local Disaster Action Team as a disaster response volunteer, visit redcross.org/dat.

More than 1,400 Lives Saved Thanks to Donors at 14th Annual Music City Battle of the Badges

 

Davidson County Sheriff’s Office tops blood donations

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 13, 2022 — The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, Nashville-Davidson County Sheriff’s Office, Nashville Fire Department, ended a friendly competition during the annual Ascension Saint Thomas Music City Battle of the Badges – Presented by the Tennessee Titans blood drive with 1,424 blood donations. The annual blood drive competition ended on Sept. 7 at Nissan Stadium.  

The annual “Battle of the Badges” blood drives in the past have created friendly competition that takes place to see which Badge can collect the most pints for patient care. "This year, we are pleased to announce that all badges achieved our goals,” said Clif Redish, Interim Regional Donor Services Officer for the American Red Cross Tennessee Region. The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office topped the competition with 694 donations, the Nashville Metro Police department had a total of 448 donations, and the Nashville Fire Department garnered 282 donations during the blood drive.

“These local heroes in the Nashville metro area prove that together we truly are making a difference in the lives of patients in need through blood donation during a difficult time for blood donations nationwide,” Redish added. Nationally, the Red Cross is seeing fewer blood and platelet donors following a summer decline in donations. This comes at a time when the Red Cross continues to see strong demand for blood products − including platelets − by hospitals.

The "Battle of the Badges” marks a 14-year partnership with the Red Cross and is one of the largest-sponsored blood drives in Tennessee. Supporting law enforcement and fire personnel, while helping to save lives through blood donation, is a long-standing tradition.

“We appreciate all donors who showed up for this great event,” said Redish. “We could not have had such a successful drive without our great title sponsors Ascension Saint Thomas and the Tennessee Titans. Coming together as a united community really does make an impact.”

Blood can be safely donated every 56 days and Power Reds can be donated every 112 days. Platelets can be given every seven days – up to 24 times a year. One pint of blood can save multiple lives.

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.

 

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WKU and MTSU to Compete in 10th Blood Battle

 

Rival schools compete to increase blood donations and help save lives 

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 13, 2022 — The Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers and the Middle Tennessee State University Blue Raiders are teaming up with the American Red Cross and taking their rivalry off field to help save lives and earn top bragging rights in the 10^th WKU vs. MTSU Blood Battle begins on Sept. 26 at WKU and later at MTSU on Oct. 3.

All presenting donors will receive a commemorative WKU vs. MTSU Blood Battle T-shirt, while supplies last. Plus, all presenting donors will receive a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card**, by email, courtesy of our partners at Amazon.***

During the three-day battle, the archrivals will each host a blood drive to see which university’s supporters can bring in the most blood donations. The university with the most units collected will be presented with the blood battle trophy at the WKU vs. MTSU football game Saturday, Oct. 15 at MTSU.

“The annual Blood Battle between WKU and MTSU has become a wonderful historical feud which evokes strong school spirit and pride from fans on both sides,” said Clif Redish, Regional Donor Services Executive for the Red Cross Tennessee Region. “This is a great way for fans to truly show their school spirit while helping the American Red Cross save lives with blood donation.”

Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood. This drive comes as the Red Cross has a critical need for eligible donors of all blood types to be a lifeline for patients in need this fall. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may need blood products.

Those with types O, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged to make a Power Red donation. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact. During this type of donation, red blood cells are separated from other blood components, and the plasma and platelets are safely and comfortably returned to the donor.

12^th Annual WKU vs. MTSU Blood Battle

WKU

Monday, Sept. 26, Tuesday, Sept. 27 and Wednesday, Sept. 28

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Preston Health and Activity Center basketball-tennis courts

1906 College Heights Blvd.

Bowling Green, KY. 42101

To schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: WKU or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Walk-ins welcome

MTSU

Monday, Oct. 3, Tuesday, Oct. 4, and Wednesday, Oct. 5

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Rec Center gym

1301 Main St.

Murfreesboro, TN. 37132

To schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: MTSU or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Walk-ins welcome

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 donors can save time on 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 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.

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