Tuesday, September 27, 2011

6 Months After


In the six months since the tragic earthquake and tsunami in Japan, donations to the American Red have helped the Japanese Red Cross meet the emergency and longer-term needs of families living in evacuation centers and temporary housing.
The American Red Cross has contributed nearly $260 million to Japan’s recovery since the March 11 disaster.

Thank you to the many people who donated to the American Red Cross to help the disaster efforts in Japan.

Here is a message from the President of the Japanese Red Cross.





Friday, September 9, 2011

Second Annual Autumn Gourmet Gala




American Red Cross Guest Blogger:  Trina Polta


Prepare to temp your taste buds during the Second Annual Autumn Gourmet Gala.  The upcoming American Red Cross benefit event is scheduled to take place on October 6th from 6-9 PM. It will be a night of elegant food, drinks and an opportunity to bid your way into taking home some luxury custom packages.
   
Picture yourself taking a breather from your daily life.  You are gazing at beautiful mountain views from Earl's Lodge located at the Snowbasin Ski Resort, and indulging yourself by going out with the girls (or your special someone) on a week night! It's out of your daily routine, and you will surely ENJOY the excitement of it all.  Dare I say...let's just make it a kick off to a three day weekend.  Why not schedule Friday off of work? 

The premier restaurants looking forward to plating their signature edible art include Corbin's, Jasoh, Rooster's Brewing Company, Snowbasin Ski Resort, Tona, Zucca, MacCool's, Harley and Bucks, and Davis Hospital.  Tables of eight ($800) or individual tickets ($100) can be purchased by calling 801-625-0865.  One hundred percent of the proceeds will go directly to the American Red Cross.   

To purchase tickets as well as inquire about more event details, please contact Stephanie Christiansen by phone 801-625-0865.
   

Thursday, September 1, 2011

This is National Preparedness Month – Are You Ready?


September is National Preparedness Month! 

As thousands of people deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, National Preparedness Month, which starts today, is an opportunity to remind people of the importance of being ready for emergencies and steps that they can take


The three key steps to preparedness are Build a kit, make a plan, and be informed.


For the first day of preparedness month we'll focus on building a 72 hour kit!


An emergency preparedness kit should include enough supplies for at least three days. Supplies should include;
  • Water (one gallon, per person, per day),
  • Nonperishable food,
  • A flashlight, 
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio, 
  • Extra batteries
  • A first aid kit,
  • A 7-day supply of medications,
  • A multi-purpose tool, 
  • Sanitation and personal hygiene items 
  • Copies of important personal documents.

The Red Cross also recommends having at least two weeks worth of supplies at home. A variety of emergency preparedness kits, first aid kits and other supplies are available at www.redcrossstore.org.


What's in your 72 hour kit?..

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Reality for Red Cross


Ever wanted to own a piece of reality TV show history? Ever wanted to go shopping while donating to a good cause?


Now you can do both!

Listen up Bachelor and Bachelorette fans.. eBay is auctioning off memorabilia from the popular reality show, all proceeds going to the American Red Cross. This charity auction includes clothes, shoes, and jewelry all worn by previous Bachelor and Bachelorettes.

eBay Giving Works lets you shop, sell and donate for a good cause.
You can click HERE to visit the charity auction!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

The Red Cross Goes High Tech!



These days we see a vending machine for just about everything; food, make up, I pods, and books.  What could possibly be next? Well.. the Japanese Red Cross recently released a new type of vending machine which allows you to make donations. Now, while getting your favorite treat you have the option to add a donation to the American Red Cross.

What would you put in a vending machine?




Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Vivint Gives Back Project



Only six weeks left in the Vivint Gives Back Project! 

Wondering how the Utah Region of the Red Cross may use the $250,000? 

Here are some examples of how the money will help victims of disasters... 



$25 provides five blankets at an emergency shelter.
= $250,000 will provide 50,000 blankets at an emergency shelter

$75 can cover a doctor's visit for an individual injured in a disaster.
= $250,000 will provide 3,333 doctor’s visits for individuals injured in a disaster

$350 will provide emergency food and shelter for 25 disaster victims for one day.
= $250,000 will help 17,857 people receive emergency food & shelter for one day

$2,500 deploys one Emergency Response Vehicle and drivers (including housing and meals for drivers) to a disaster relief operation.
= $250,000 will deploy 100 Emergency Response Vehicles & drivers to a disaster relief operation

$3,200 is the average yearly maintenance and fuel for one Emergency Response Vehicle.
= $250,000 provides maintenance and fuel for an Emergency Response Vehicle for 78 years
= $250,000 provides maintenance and fuel for Utah’s 3 Emergency Response Vehicles for 26 years


Families and individuals are left without food, clothing, shelter, medicine or other basic necessities. Red Cross volunteers and employees mobilize immediately to assess the needs of the victims.

Remember to vote daily for the American Red Cross Utah Region! 


Thursday, June 30, 2011

4th of July




The 4th of July is finally here!! The American Red Cross has some helpful tips to keep you and your family safe over the holiday weekend! 

How to stay safe as you travel over the holiday weekend:
  • Buckle up, slow down, and don’t drive impaired.
  • Be well rested and alert; give your full attention to the road.
  • Use caution in work zones.
  • Observe speed limits.
  • Make frequent stops.
  • Be respectful of other motorists and follow the rules of the road.
  • If you plan on drinking, designate a driver who won’t drink.
  • Clean your vehicle’s lights and windows to help you see, especially at night.
  • Turn your headlights on as dusk approaches, or during inclement weather.
  • Don’t overdrive your headlights.
  • Don’t let your vehicle’s gas tank get too low.
  • If you have car trouble, pull as far as possible off the highway.
  • Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in your trunk.
  • Find out what disasters may occur where you are traveling, especially if they are disasters you have never experienced before. Find out how you would get information in the event of a disaster (local radio systems, emergency alert systems).
  • Pay attention to the weather forecast for your destination. Travel and weather web sites can help you avoid storms and other regional challenges that could impact your safety.
  • Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
If you are travelling with your pet, our web site offers special things you should know to make your trip more enjoyable.

Use caution around fireworks:
  • Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
  • Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
  • Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
  • Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
  • Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
  • Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
  • Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays.
  • Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.

You can click here to view 4th of July celebrations across the state.  

Have a safe and fun Independence Day

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Vivint Gives Back Project Phase #2


We have entered the 2nd phase of the Vivint Gives Back Project. The American Red Cross Utah Region is in the running to win $250,000! Voting for the 2nd phase will continue until August 27th. We are currently in 18th place, 5,360 votes behind the leader..            
     WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Voting is Quick and Easy... 

Step 1:  Login to facebook

Step 2: Like VIVNT on facebook

Step 3:  Click on the  givesback project link
               http://www.vivint.com/givesbackproject/charity/411

Step 4: Push the LOGIN button and login

Step 5: Select the Mountain charities region
      
Step 6: Select and click on the American Red Cross Utah Region!

 Step 7: Scroll down and push ENDORSE 

                       **Repeat Everyday**




Thursday, June 16, 2011

World's Largest Swim Lesson

On June 14, 2011 the American Red Cross Utah Region helped to set a new world record for The World's Largest Swim Lesson! 

Clearfield Aquatic Center, along with aquatic centers all over Utah and the United States participated in the event. The same 45 minute swim lesson was taught to everyone. The Clearfield location had 85 people participate, including 71 children and 14 instructors. Representatives from the Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter were on hand to serve as witnesses.  

Donna Russsel, aquatic supervisor at the Clearfield indoor pool, said the event has a serious purpose. “Swimming lessons save lives. And the best way to teach water safety is in the water,” she said.

Drowning is the second leading cause of injury-related death for kids 1 to 14 years.  

Swimming is a great recreational sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.  But it’s important to know how to be safe while you’re in the water.  The American Red Cross offers important safety tips you should be aware of before you head out to the pool or beach:

Here are a few important safety tips, you can click HERE to view all of our swimming safety tips. 

  • Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
  • Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
  • Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
  • Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
  • Maintain constant supervision.




Here are pictures from the World's Largest Swim Lesson.. 







You can visit The World's Largest Swimming Lesson official website by clicking HERE

Thursday, June 9, 2011

North Dakota Deployment


Carole Kramer is an RN from the Greater Salt Lake Chapter of the American Red Cross. She was recently deployed to Bismarck, North Dakota to assist with spring storms and flooding. Here are 2 of her daily updates from the field.


View Larger Map

Saturday, June 4 broke brightly blue and warm.  A little different than we expected as the weatherman had called for rain and cloudy skies.  It was a nice mistake.  We still have no Health Services Supervisor in place so three of us R.N.'s got our heads together and figured out what we need for Shelter supplies, mobile supplies and supplies needed at Headquarters for Staff needs.  Lots of headaches and sore backs.  One of us from Indiana was appointed the Staff Wellness Nurse and progressed to getting things set up in a great manner.

The rest of us fillled out the "greenies" for requisitioning supplies for the Shelter.  We met with the nurse who has been working at the shelter, Glenna.  Glenna is the Mother of us all...she has taken us unsupervised RN's and together with lots of collaboration from each of us, the four of us got the forms needed, copied, separated and filed in an orderly manner.  We saw two shelter folks for various ailments and felt pretty good about being nurses, helping people.

The main thrust of the townfolks is to sandbag, sandbag, sandbag.  We've been out on the line making sure they are well protected, taking care of their own health and providing water and sandwiches as well as moral support.  We even loaded a truck with sandbags...believe me, they were heavy!

Four million is the goal and I think they will make it.  These people are determined to beat this river and to win the protection of their homes and those of their neighbors.  Everyone is helping everyone.  What a great community and what a privilege to help them any way we can.

We are heading to bed tired but very satisfied.



Sunday, June 5 is another beautiful blue sky day.  The town has organized a Throwdown to sandbag even more.  It's a party for the town, except they are working extremely hard to protect their town and property.  We were able to survey the river out of it's banks and the sight is awesomely sobering.  We are rooting for the town!  It's a swift, cold river at this point and very dangerous.

We were able to formulate a nursing checklist for the shelter nursing staff to use and are quite proud of the ease of it's use.  We are ready, organized and hoping we truly will not be sheltering 7000 people should the sandbagging fail.  Whatever happens, we are ready.  To date, we have nurses from Oregon, Indiana, North Carolina, Utah, Arizona,
and more are arriving today from someplace.  The amazing thing we found, which is always true with nurses, we work well together, see the problem and figure a way to help people....our goal.  We each have bonded fast and feel we've worked together for years....it's only 3 days...amazing.

We did finally get a Supervisor and will meet with her tomorrow morning.

Tonight, we are hoping that the river will be kind to Bismarck, North Dakota and other cities downstream.  Whatever happens, we will care for the people and represent the Red Cross in a professional, happy and friendly manner.  Carole Kramer, RN, Greater Salt Lake chapter, Red Cross.  Honored to be here.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Being Prepared for Flooding

Flood! It's the 5 letter word that Utahans dread hearing! It seems that every spring Utah experiences some type of flooding. This year with the large amount of snow pack, rain, and rising temperatures Utah is experiencing an increased amount of flooding.

There are many different ways to prepare for flooding;
  • Having a 72 Hour Kit
  • Being prepared to evacuate if told to do so
  • Listen to the area radio and television stations
  • Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger
You can visit www.utahredcross.org for a variety of different preparedness information 

Another necessity in being prepared for a flood and my personal favorite...

RAIN BOOTS! 


Rain boots are an absolute must and thankfully for us are a huge trend. Rain boots range from all prices and all styles. From the very basic to designer, there is a rain boot for everyone. Here are some of my favorites..
















Oh and Men I didn't forget about you...








Rain boots are sold at a variety of stores. Stay safe and remember your BOOTS!


Thursday, May 26, 2011

Vote Now!


The Vivint Gives Back Project 

Vivint, Inc. is one of the largest home automation companies in North America. Operating from offices throughout the United States and Canada, the company services close to 500,000 customers. Vivint is dedicated to enhancing security, convenience and energy efficiency. 

The Vivint Gives Back Project is giving away $1,250,00 to charities and you get to choose where the money goes! The Greater Salt Lake Area Red Cross is currently in 26th place, we need to make the top 20 in order to reach the next round.

 You have until June 11 to help us win $250,000! Click HERE to vote for the American Red Cross, you must be logged into facebook in order to vote. 




Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Become a Volunteer

Over the last couple weeks we have seen devastating disasters across the country. These disasters affect all aspects of life and require an extensive amount of assistance. The American Red Cross is here to provide all types of assistance but we could not do it without our volunteers. We need you!  Becoming a volunteer is easy and can be extremely rewarding. Click HERE to learn more about volunteering and how to become a volunteer!



Since the end of March, the Red Cross has:
  • Served more than 1.7 million meals and snacks with the help of community partners.
  • Opened more than 200 shelters and provided more than 17,000 overnight stays.
  • Handed out more than 1 million relief items like hygiene kits, mops, brooms, tarps, shovels, work gloves and coolers.
  • Provided more than 39,000 health and mental health consultations.
  • Deployed more than 700 emergency response and other disaster vehicles to areas affected by floods, wildfires, and tornadoes.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

AmeriCorps Week Continued..

The American Red Cross Utah Chapter has 6 AmeriCorps Members.. 
I handed out a survey to our AmeriCorps members so our blog followers could get to know them. The questions included..

Name:
Job Title:
Home town: 
Favorite Activity:
Favorite Food: 
If you could be any animal what animal would you be? why?

Gabi Roozee
Emergency Services 
Santa Cruz, San Jose, Chico California and Bend Oregon
Obsessively following the San Jose Sharks hockey
Ramyun
Kangaroo, because of Remi Gaillard (see youtube) 

Sarah Worlton
Emergency Services 
Lehi, Utah
Being with fun friends- laughing and sharing ideas
Crackers, cheese, cucumbers and hummus
A dolphin, I love to swim!

Miguel Silva
Health and Safety 
Born in Quezaltepeque, El Salvador. Raised in Concord, Calafornia. Now lives in Salt Lake City
Playing games and spending time with friends and family
Pupusas (from El Salvador)
Central American Leopard, cause they're cool. 

Linnea Fletcher 
Health and Safety 
West Jordan, Utah
Running, hiking and cycling
Mangos, chips and salsa
Cheetah, they run fast 

Page Neal
Communications and Marketing
South Ogden, Utah
Skiing
Chocolate covered pretzels 
A penguin, everyone loves penguins! 


Monday, May 16, 2011

AmeriCorps Week



May 14-21st is AmeriCorps Week!
The American Red Cross in Utah has 6 AmeriCorps members!

Don't know what the AmeriCorps program is? Here is a little history.. 

     In 1993, President Bill Clinton signed the National and Community Service Trust Act, which established the Corporation for National and Community Service and brought the full range of domestic community service programs under the umbrella of one central organization.
     This legislation built on the first National Service Act signed by President H.W. Bush in 1990. It also formally launched AmeriCorps, a network of national service programs that engage Americans in intensive service to meet the nation’s critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment.
    The newly created AmeriCorps incorporated two existing national service programs: the longstanding VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) program, created by President Lyndon Johnson in 1964 and the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC).

     In September 1994, the first class of AmeriCorps members—20,000 strong—began serving in more than 1,000 communities. On July 3, 2003, President Bush signed the Strengthen AmeriCorps Program Act, which nearly doubled the number of AmeriCorps members. By establishing new accounting guidelines for making Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards from the National Service Trust, the Corporation can now authorize approximately twice as many AmeriCorps positions in all categories. The legislation was the product of extensive, cooperative discussions with the Administration and a sign of the strong bipartisan support for AmeriCorps.
      AmeriCorps and its programs are among the most recent chapters in our country's long history of encouraging and supporting civic engagement.



"Service is a spark to rekindle the spirit of democracy in an age of uncertainty. When it is all said and done, it comes down to three simple questions: What is right? What is wrong? And what are we going to do about it?"
— President Bill Clinton, upon swearing in the first class of AmeriCorps members


For more info about AmeriCorps program and how YOU can get involved click HERE 

 Check back this week for more stories and to meet the American Red Cross AmeriCorps members! 

 

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Cupcakes

CUPCAKES!! 

Everyone is going crazy for this new trend including the American Red Cross. Last month Sprinkles Cupcakes in Los Angeles had a Red Cross cupcake week, all proceeds going to American Red Cross to benefit the 

Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief Fund.


   Click HERE to view the Sprinkles website and the full story. 


Want to make your own Red Velvet Red Cross cupcakes?  I found a wonderful recipe from Paula Deen and the Food Network. Enjoy.. 


Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting.. 
  • 1 pound cream cheese, softened
  • 2 sticks butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
  • Chopped pecans and fresh raspberries or strawberries, for garnish

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 (12-cup) muffin pans with cupcake papers.
In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In a large bowl gently beat together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla with a handheld electric mixer. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet and mix until smooth and thoroughly combined.
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake tins about 2/3 filled. Bake in oven for about 20 to 22 minutes, turning the pans once, half way through. Test the cupcakes with a toothpick for doneness. Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla together until smooth. Add the sugar and on low speed, beat until incorporated. Increase the speed to high and mix until very light and fluffy.
Garnish with chopped pecans and a fresh raspberry or strawberry.
Cook's Note: Frost the cupcakes with a butter knife or pipe it on with a big star tip.

Make them a Red Cross Cupcake to by adding the signature Red Cross! 



red-cross-spinkles-cupcakes.jpg

Monday, May 9, 2011

 

The Cache Valley  Red Cross Heroes Awards Breakfast is this week! Check out the Cache Valley Heroes and their stories..


 May 10, 2011

9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Utah State University Taggart Student Center / Walnut Room Room 215 • 900 East 700 North Logan, Utah

Please RSVP to (435) 752-1125 or dougr@redcrossutah.org


Decades of Service:  Blythe Ahlstrom has volunteered with the Cache County American Red Cross for over 20 yrs. He has served in a number of ways including disaster services (DAT team), health & safety (instructor), and in a number of positions on the Board of Directors. He has assisted with fundraisers, for example a fundraiser to acquire  our Disaster service Trailer and the Run for Red 5k race events. He has represented the Red Cross  at countless community booths, fairs, parades, and events such as the home & garden show. He has taught many training classes for our other volunteers and has responded to  countless disasters, both large and small. He has also been a great financial contributor, and has provided extensive support to all the employees that have served in the Cache Valley office. He will receive the 2011 Lifetime Hero Award. 




Food for the Needy:  Matthew Whitaker directs the Cache Community Food Pantry. Matt and his team serve as symbols of hope to the community and never hesitate to help those in need.  He treats everyone with hope, dignity and kindness.  He is cheerful and respectful to all, and speaks Spanish fluently.  He is generous with his time and talents, despite receiving no monetary compensation for his efforts. As one friend describes him, “Matt Whitaker is a man among men and stalwart example of all that is good within our community; he is a symbol of nobility and honor.  Even though Matt and I are roughly the same age, ‘when I grow up,’ I want to be just like him.” – Jeff Stout.  Matt will receive the 2011 Community Good Samaritan Award.





Neighbor in Danger:  Kaylee Ellertson is an 11-year-old girl who heard the sound of breaking glass at an elderly neighbor’s home and ran to render aid.  She found her  neighbor, Ms. Runae Steele, face-down on the ground in a pool of blood.  Ms. Steele had fallen and suffered serve facial trauma as well as  possible head, neck and spinal trauma.  Kaylee  quickly summoned medical personnel using the 911 phone system.  Kaylee’s  actions played a significant role in restoring the well-being of Ms. Steele. She will receive the 2011 Youth Good Samaritan Award. 







Explosive Rescue: On the morning of October 22, 2009, a large mushroom cloud of smoke appeared in the sky as a propane tank exploded in a nearby home.  Cache County Deputy Shane Zilles, off-duty and living just doors away, made an instant decision to rush to the scene,  where he jumped into action looking for survivors of this horrific event.  After tending to one victim, he began searching for the second by digging and sifting through burning rubble, risking personal injury and even the loss of his own life when a second explosion occurred.  Quickly locating the second victim, Deputy Zilles and another citizen carried the victim to a safe location out of harm's way.  Deputy Zilles' commendable service did not end there.  He began clearing debris from the roads to provide unimpeded access for emergency response vehicles.  It is certain  that without his assistance on that day, the outcome of this tragic event could have been far different.  He will receive the 2011 Law Enforcement Award.    

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

St. George Heroes

The St. George Heroes Event was today! Here are some of the Heroes that were honored...


Theodore Killinger
Adult Good Samaritan Hero Award: Snow Canyon High School students Alex Lambson and Dane Zdunich and their families will be forever grateful to the brave and heroic acts of school principal Warren Brooks, vice principals Paul Hurt and Conley Gali, social studies teacher Ron Hansen and resource officer Travis Brown.  On a mostly clear afternoon in October the two students were struck by lightning while standing next to a tree outside the school.  This tragic event was witnessed by many students and staff.  The four men took the lead to get the boys back in the school where they administered CPR until the Emergency Team took over.   Giving CPR immediately saved the lives of these two young men, who at the time showed no sign of life.  Mr. Brooks, Mr. Hurt, Mr. Gali, Mr. Hansen and Officer Brown worked as a team to restore the lives of Alex and Dane and joyfully reunite their families.


Diane Bates
Family Hero Award: Cory Arnett-Hauenstein exemplifies what it means to be family. What started off as a scenic drive on an off-road in New Harmony ended in tragedy as Cory’s babysitter, the driver, lost control of her vehicle which landed nose first in a 15-foot streambed. She was ejected from an open window and died instantly.  Cory, a 12-year old boy, initially blacked out but regained consciousness and tended to the other kids in the van ages 2, 3 and 4.  He pushed one child up the embankment while carrying a second in his arms and dragging the third with his leg.  He sheltered the children from the heat under a tree and then walked a mile to get help, where he flagged down an individual who fortunately happened to be a nurse.  Cory kept calm in a chaotic situation, reacting in a manner which demonstrated maturity way beyond his young age.


Brynn Mudliar
International Hero Award: James Stewart made two trips to Haiti to bring aid to those affected by the devastation caused by a massive earthquake.  He travelled very dangerous grounds in the midst of the chaos to find supplies including water, diapers, formula, food, medicine and medical supplies, which were not available to most, but needed by many.  He also helped organize the effort to ensure children from an orphanage were safely on a bus that took them to the airport, where they were flown to their new families waiting in Florida.  For those that remained behind, he promised a fresh water supply when he returned.  He fulfilled that promise during his second trip back by drilling and installing a well that supplied water to the orphanage and the community.  

Monday, May 2, 2011

St. George Heroes

The St. George Heroes Event is tomorrow!! Here are the featured Heroes for today, check out their inspirational stories..


Kristi Christensen
Medical Rescue Award: Exhibiting heroic personal efforts to help others beyond the call of duty, Jan Call is the ideal candidate for the Medical Rescue Award.   Jan is a member of the Washington County Sheriff's Search and Rescue who donates many hours as a responder and as an instructor for medical treatment.  She is a Lifeflight nurse working on the new Lifeflight Helicopter recently stationed in southern Utah.  During the disaster in Haiti, Jan with other Search and Rescue members were dispatched to Haiti to help during the disaster.  In one dramatic situation, Jan actually helped a mother give birth on the sidewalk next to the road with no equipment or sterile conditions. In fact, she used a piece of construction twine to tie off the umbilical cord.  She assisted in many surgical procedures including amputations with extremely limited resources.  Jan also was part of a group of volunteers that helped bring the 80 orphans out of Haiti.  All this was done on her time and expense.

Sandra Lucas
First Responders Hero: Officer Darrin Coleman, with the Kanab City Police Department, has over sixteen years of experience in law enforcement.  He serves as the D.A.R.E. instructor teaching fifth grade students about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. He is also a volunteer firefighter for Kanab City and an intermediate EMT with the Kane County Ambulance service.  In addition to all that, he serves as the ambulance service training coordinator and is on-call for ambulance duty.  Because of his selfless dedication Officer Coleman has made to the people of Kanab City, as well as Kane County, countless lives have been saved.

Wyatt Shosted
Community Good Samaritan Hero: “I did what needed to be done,” was the response from Steve McArthur.  What started as just another quiet day in Kayenta changed in a hurry when an elderly gentleman collapsed outside the local coffee shop.  Steve stopped his truck, bolted to the scene and began CPR immediately on the fallen gentleman.  The swift response was witnessed by many and its impact rippled through the small close knit community. He continued CPR as emergency personnel arrived.  Even though he attributes his quick response to adrenalin, it demonstrates a much deeper commitment of sacrifice that stems from placing others above self.

KUTV
Workplace/Community Safety Hero Award: For the past 24 years, Karen Orton has worked as an E-911 Emergency Medical Dispatcher for the local ambulance, police, highway patrol, and fire departments in Cedar City. She has taken emergency calls when a young person had collapsed due to heart issues.  This and other examples caused her to step forward.  She wrote a grant proposal and was awarded funds to purchase Automatic External Defibrillators (AED’s), which when used quickly can “shock” the heart, restoring a normal heart rhythm.  "It breaks my heart to have a child die from an undiagnosed heart condition,” Karen stated but now she is literally helping mend hearts and save lives.