One more day to save a life: A message from Gail McGovern

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100 Significant Dates in American Red Cross History

After years of research, the American Red Cross released a list of 100 significant dates in American Red Cross history . The Historical Resources Division staff compiled in consultation with members of the American Red Cross Museum Advisory Committee, local chapters, and blood regions.

Here are our top 10 favorites:

December 25, 1821 Clara Barton is born in New Oxford, Massachusetts.

May 21, 1881 Clara Barton & associates establish the American Red Cross.

26 April 14, 1912 Red Cross comes to aid of those who survived the sinking of the Titanic.

June 17, 1917 Red Cross holds first War Fund drive surpassing a goal of $100 million in one week.

February 4, 1941 Red Cross begins National Blood Donor Service to collect blood for the U.S. military with Dr. Charles R. Drew, formerly of the Plasma for Britain program, as medical director.

August 5, 1953 Red Cross aids Operation Big Switch exchange of POWs at end of Korea War hostilities.

October 8, 1965 Red Cross Movement adopts its Seven Fundamental Principles: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, & Universality.

February 4, 1991 Elizabeth Dole becomes first woman president of the Red Cross since Clara Barton.

September 11, 2001 Red Cross responds to terrorist attacks by airplane in New York, at the Pentagon, & in rural Pennsylvania.

February 7, 2002 Red Cross joins other groups to launch Measles Initiative, 5-year plan to eradicate the disease in sub-Saharan Africa by immunizing children.


You can view more significant dates by clicking HERE

Holiday Giving with Fred!

It is a wonderful reminder to give something that means something.

What will you be giving this holiday season?

Holiday Giving Catalog

Shop the 2011 Red Cross Holiday Giving Catalog! 

1. Choose gifts to honor your friends and family. 

2. Announce your gifts with free greeting cards.  

 3. Know your gift will help people when they need it most.

Here are some FAQs about the Holiday Giving Catalog.

Happy Shopping :)

Question: What is the Red Cross Holiday Giving Catalog?
Answer:The American Red Cross 2011 Holiday Giving Catalog offers people a chance to give something that means something and helps people in need. We believe that in this season of hope people want their gifts to really matter. Research shows that many people would prefer to receive a meaningful gift that would help someone else instead of a traditional holiday gift. We feel this gift catalog fills that need.

Question: What are the greeting cards like and how do they work?
Answer: Greeting cards from the Holiday Giving Catalog enable you to let friends and family know you've given a Red Cross gift in their name. During the catalog order process you can opt to receive a free greeting card and corresponding product insert for each product you purchase. The free greeting card and insert will be mailed to the gift purchaser. Greeting card options include either a printed greeting card with corresponding purchased product-specific insert or eCards which will be sent to the email address you provide. You will receive one printed greeting card and a corresponding product insert for each product you purchase.

Question: How is my donation spent?
Answer: The purchase of each gift item is a tax-deductible contribution to the overall mission of the American Red Cross. On the rare occasion when donations exceed the need in a particular area, we will use your contribution to help others where the need is greatest.

To shop the 2011 Holiday Giving Catalog click HERE 

Thanksgiving!

I absolutely LOVE Thanksgiving! Family, friends, and food... what's not to love? 

As always Thanksgiving is a very busy time for travel. The American Red Cross wants to make sure that everyone arrives safely at their destination.

To arrive safely, the Red Cross recommends these steps for those driving to visit loved ones:

• Make sure your vehicle is in good working order.
• Start out with a full tank of gas, check the air pressure in your tires and make sure you have windshield fluid.
• Buckle up, slow down, don’t drive impaired.
• Be well rested and alert.
• Use caution in work zones.
• Give your full attention to the road.  Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
• Observe speed limits – driving too fast or too slow can increase your chance of being in a collision.
• Make frequent stops.  During long trips, rotate drivers.  If you’re too tired to drive, stop and get some rest.
• Be respectful of other motorists and follow the rules of the road.
• Don’t follow another vehicle too closely.
• If you plan on drinking, designate a driver who won’t drink.
• Clean your headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows to help you see, especially at night.
• Turn your headlights on as dusk approaches, or if you are using your windshield wipers due to inclement weather.
• Don’t overdrive your headlights.
• If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible.

It’s also recommended that you keep an emergency preparedness kit in the vehicle. Useful items include water, snacks, a flashlight, first aid kit, extra cash and blankets. The Red Cross Deluxe Auto Safety Kit is a great solution to help people prepare for emergencies on the road and is available in the Red Cross Store at www.redcrossstore.org.
For people traveling by air, bus or train, the Red Cross reminds them that the seasonal flu can occur as early as October. If you have come in contact with someone who is sick, perhaps the trip should be postponed as you may be contagious for a week before symptoms appear.
Other safety tips to avoid the flu while you travel include the following:

• Remember that everything you touch has to be touched by someone else – luggage handlers, etc. Handle your own belongings as much as possible. Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Carry hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes with you. You can use them to wash your hands or wipe down surfaces such as armrests.
• Bring your own pillows and blankets – they can act as a shield against the seat itself.
• If you have to cough or sneeze, do so into a tissue or your sleeve.
• Avoid touching your face or eyes.

Flu Season

 

Flu season is just around the corner.. 

The American Red Cross is encouraging everyone to get a flu shot in order to be protected throughout the season.

Here are some simple steps people can take to help prevent the spread of the flu:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing, and throw the tissue away after use. If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
• Wash hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based hand-rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you’re sick. 

If you think you have the flu, your health-care provider should be consulted. Seek medical care immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms:

• Fast breathing, trouble breathing or bluish skin color.
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen (adults).
• Confusion or sudden dizziness.
• Not drinking enough fluids, not being able to eat, or severe or persistent vomiting.
• Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough.
• Not waking up, being so irritable that the child does not want to be held or not interacting (children).
• Fever with a rash (children).
• No tears when crying or significantly fewer wet diapers than normal (children).

Be Red Cross Ready- Flu Checklist 

Volunteer Recognition Event

2011 Volunteer Recognition Event

Volunteers are the power and passion behind
the American Red Cross. 

Our volunteers have generously donated
their time in service to others through the Red
Cross. Now it’s our turn to give back to our
wonderful volunteers who have given so much.
Join us for a night of celebration honoring some
of this year’s incredible volunteers.

Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter

November 2, 2011 @ 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

The Gathering Place @ Gardner Village

1100 West 7800 South

West Jordan, UT 84088

Please RSVP to Kristy Denlein at kdenlein@utahredcross.org or (801) 323-7023 by October 24, 2011, with your name and the name of your guest attending.

Mountain Valley Chapter

November 4, 2011 @ 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Tahitian Noni International

5151 North 300 West

Provo, UT 84604

Please RSVP to Priscila Konishi (801) 373-8580 by
October 26, 2011, with your name and the name of your guest attending.

Northern Utah Chapter

November 8, 2011 @ 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Jeremiah’s Restaurant

1307 West 1200 South

Ogden, UT 84404

Please RSVP to  Judy Loper (801) 625-0859 by
November 1, 2011, with your name and the name of your guest attending.

Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is just around the corner!

The American Red Cross wants to make sure you have a fun, spooky, and safe Halloween. 

Here are 13 Lucky Tips to insure a safe Halloween.

Shop our Red Cross Store to complete any Halloween costume. We have the safety essentials including glow sticks and lanterns.

For even more Halloween safety information watch American Red Cross Health and Safety expert Connie Harvey who provides tips on how to prepare your family for a safe Halloween night.

Happy Haunting! 

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.

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.

   

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?..

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!

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?

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! 

http://www.vivint.com/givesbackproject/charity/411 

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! 

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**

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

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.

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!

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.