By Brian Scoles
The American Red Cross made the news in a big way this week and last when the FDA fined the Red Cross $4.2 million due to a voluntary recall of 12,000 units of blood and blood products produced by the Red Cross' Biomedical Services.
It is important to know that not all Red Cross chapters are involved in collecting 45 percent of the nations blood supply. The Upstate South Carolina Chapter is one that is not involved with blood collection.
Let's take a look at the issue for a moment: non-compliance with FDA regulations (Consent Decree). The FDA has established guidelines with which blood collection agencies must comply, such as pre-screening of donors, collection of blood and blood products, testing and storage, and delivery of blood to hospitals. The Biomedical Services division of the Red Cross discovered that it had not fully complied with the pre-screening phase during a limited period of time. When the error was discovered it was reported to the FDA.
Does that mean that Red Cross blood is unsafe? No. The FDA states that the Red Cross blood supply is safer than ever. The Red Cross has many layers of safety in place to help protect the blood supply which includes self-deferrals, completion of the blood donation record, health history screening, confidential unit exclusion, testing, and post donation information.
The Red Cross is not aware of any adverse events associated with ARC blood products, which is the good news. Now we must pay the fine and will do so. The funds will not come from donor money. They will be taken from the Biomedical Services' operating funds. The American Red Cross will never use the public's generous monetary donations to pay penalties associated with the Consent Decree.
I hope this helps to clarify the issue over the fine. Please respond with any questions you may have. Remember, the Upstate South Carolina Chapter is not involved in blood services.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Take these actions now to help you and your loved ones get prepared
By Brian Scoles
As Ernesto approaches quickly, The Upstate Chapter wants you and your loved ones to be prepared. All it takes is a little time and following these three simple steps:
Get a Kit
Build a disaster supplies kit including water, non-perishable food, radio, flashlight and extra batteries for both, a first aid kit and necessary medications. Store important family documents (wills, passports, insurance policies, deeds, etc.) in a portable, waterproof and fireproof container as part of your kit.
Prepare supplies for pets and family members with specific needs.
Make a Plan
Make evacuation and communication plans.
Plan ahead for the possibility of becoming separated from your family and friends by choosing an out-of-town contact that each family or household member can call or email should a disaster occur.
Plan on using the Red Cross Safe and Well Website, accessible through www.redcross.org.
Be Informed
Talk to your family about the types of disasters that can happen in your community.
Follow the directions of emergency officials.
If you prepare for Ernesto, you will be better prepared for any emergency.
As Ernesto approaches quickly, The Upstate Chapter wants you and your loved ones to be prepared. All it takes is a little time and following these three simple steps:
Get a Kit
Build a disaster supplies kit including water, non-perishable food, radio, flashlight and extra batteries for both, a first aid kit and necessary medications. Store important family documents (wills, passports, insurance policies, deeds, etc.) in a portable, waterproof and fireproof container as part of your kit.
Prepare supplies for pets and family members with specific needs.
Make a Plan
Make evacuation and communication plans.
Plan ahead for the possibility of becoming separated from your family and friends by choosing an out-of-town contact that each family or household member can call or email should a disaster occur.
Plan on using the Red Cross Safe and Well Website, accessible through www.redcross.org.
Be Informed
Talk to your family about the types of disasters that can happen in your community.
Follow the directions of emergency officials.
If you prepare for Ernesto, you will be better prepared for any emergency.
Upstate Red Cross Deploys Help for Ernesto, Urges Residents To Prepare Now
By Brian Scoles
With new possibilities for Tropical Storm Ernesto to upgrade back into a hurricane and progress along the Eastern seaboard, the Upstate Chapter urges residents to act now while there's time to prepare. Ernesto is anticipated to make landfall in Florida in the coming days; later this week, there is the potential for northeastern communities to be impacted by severe, dangerous weather in the form of high winds, flash floods and more. For those in the entire state of Florida as well as individuals and families along the Eastern seaboard from Gerogia to New England, taking three simple steps to prepare can make all the difference in staying safe: get a kit, make a plan and stay informed.
Individuals and families can never be too prepared. There is a possiblility that the storm will strengthen again as it is moves into open water just north of Cuba. The current track of the storm plots Ernesto's landfall in South Carolina near Charleston. However, the entire State of South Carolina may be affected to some degree by winds, rain, and possibly flooding.
Communities in Ernesto's path need to take action now to plan for potentially dangerous landfall. Continue to review your family communications plan, and check your disaster supplies kit while you have the opportunity.
As always, the Upstate Chapter is there for its communities. However, through its cadre of well trained staff and volunteers, we have an impact nationwide. Two volunteers from the Upstate have deployed to Orlando, Florida in anticipation of Ernesto's landfall and 10 more are on alert to be deployed wherever they are needed. Our volunteers will be responsible for feeding victims in shelters, at feeding sites and delivering meals in affected neighborhoods. They will also aid in sheltering victims and evacuees and providing counseling services as necessary.
If you have a desire to get involved in disaster relief and have an hands on impact with storm victims, contact the Upstate Chapter by calling (864) 271-8222.
With new possibilities for Tropical Storm Ernesto to upgrade back into a hurricane and progress along the Eastern seaboard, the Upstate Chapter urges residents to act now while there's time to prepare. Ernesto is anticipated to make landfall in Florida in the coming days; later this week, there is the potential for northeastern communities to be impacted by severe, dangerous weather in the form of high winds, flash floods and more. For those in the entire state of Florida as well as individuals and families along the Eastern seaboard from Gerogia to New England, taking three simple steps to prepare can make all the difference in staying safe: get a kit, make a plan and stay informed.
Individuals and families can never be too prepared. There is a possiblility that the storm will strengthen again as it is moves into open water just north of Cuba. The current track of the storm plots Ernesto's landfall in South Carolina near Charleston. However, the entire State of South Carolina may be affected to some degree by winds, rain, and possibly flooding.
Communities in Ernesto's path need to take action now to plan for potentially dangerous landfall. Continue to review your family communications plan, and check your disaster supplies kit while you have the opportunity.
As always, the Upstate Chapter is there for its communities. However, through its cadre of well trained staff and volunteers, we have an impact nationwide. Two volunteers from the Upstate have deployed to Orlando, Florida in anticipation of Ernesto's landfall and 10 more are on alert to be deployed wherever they are needed. Our volunteers will be responsible for feeding victims in shelters, at feeding sites and delivering meals in affected neighborhoods. They will also aid in sheltering victims and evacuees and providing counseling services as necessary.
If you have a desire to get involved in disaster relief and have an hands on impact with storm victims, contact the Upstate Chapter by calling (864) 271-8222.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Director of Emergency Services Deploys to El Paso
Posted by Brian Scoles
Selected by the national headquarters of the American Red Cross for her Spanish speaking ability and her understanding of the unique needs of disaster victims of diverse cultural backgrounds, Emergency Services Director of the Upstate Chapter, Christa Friddle, deploys today for two weeks to help the victims of flood ravaged El Paso, Texas.
Friddle will be performing in the function of Community Relations Liaison, a newly formed position within the National Disaster Resonse system, and will be tasked with several key responsibilities. While on location, Friddle will facilitate coordination and communication between the disaster relief operation, the hispanic community and the orgainzations that represent them and assist in the resolution of issues of race, language, and culture as they arise, and monitor the disaster operation to ensure quality service delivery--a vital role as the American Red Cross continually seeks to improve how it serves disaster victims across the United States.
We wish Christa well and look forward to hearing about her experiences when she returns.
Selected by the national headquarters of the American Red Cross for her Spanish speaking ability and her understanding of the unique needs of disaster victims of diverse cultural backgrounds, Emergency Services Director of the Upstate Chapter, Christa Friddle, deploys today for two weeks to help the victims of flood ravaged El Paso, Texas.
Friddle will be performing in the function of Community Relations Liaison, a newly formed position within the National Disaster Resonse system, and will be tasked with several key responsibilities. While on location, Friddle will facilitate coordination and communication between the disaster relief operation, the hispanic community and the orgainzations that represent them and assist in the resolution of issues of race, language, and culture as they arise, and monitor the disaster operation to ensure quality service delivery--a vital role as the American Red Cross continually seeks to improve how it serves disaster victims across the United States.
We wish Christa well and look forward to hearing about her experiences when she returns.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Volunteers Deploy to Assist Northeast Corridor Flood Victims
By Brian Scoles
Though the waters slowly subside, the Upstate South Carolina Chapter sends relief workers to help flood victims in the Northeast Corridor of the United States.
Volunteers Sue Sidel and Kathy Retherford are readying for deployment tomorrow morning to assist disaster victims with assessing their losses due to flood damage. Joe Hawkins departed the Upstate this morning to drive an Emergency Response Vehicle and distribute food to victims who are returning home to begin the long process of rebuilding their lives.
To date, 4500 homes have been determined by the Red Cross to have received major or minor damage or have been destroyed completely. 18 counties in New York and Pennsylvania have been declared federal disaster areas and the Red Cross is still in the affected area performing damage assessments.
Though the waters slowly subside, the Upstate South Carolina Chapter sends relief workers to help flood victims in the Northeast Corridor of the United States.
Volunteers Sue Sidel and Kathy Retherford are readying for deployment tomorrow morning to assist disaster victims with assessing their losses due to flood damage. Joe Hawkins departed the Upstate this morning to drive an Emergency Response Vehicle and distribute food to victims who are returning home to begin the long process of rebuilding their lives.
To date, 4500 homes have been determined by the Red Cross to have received major or minor damage or have been destroyed completely. 18 counties in New York and Pennsylvania have been declared federal disaster areas and the Red Cross is still in the affected area performing damage assessments.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Alberto, First Tropical Storm of 2006
Posted by Brian Scoles, PR Director
Nine days into Hurricane Season 2006, our first Tropical Depression formed. 11 days in, it grew into our first Tripical Storm. Alberto is currently in the Gulf of Mexico and expected to reach the Western coast of Florida no later than Tuesday.
According to current NOAA projections, it will be off the coast of South Carolina by Wednesday. Even though we should not be directly affected by this storm, we need to be prepared for its secondary affects of high winds and rain.
As of Sunday, Alberto has maximum sustained winds of 45 mph which extend outward to 175 miles from its center. Alberto is expected to produce anywhere from 4-8 inches of rain.
Keep in mind, these are early predictions. However, the underlying message in these early reports is to prepare now!
What can you do to prepare? The first step is to visit redcross.org and review over the Together We Prepare information which talks about the simple steps of preparedness: Build a disaster supplies & first aid kit, make a family communications & evacuation plan, get trained as a Red Cross volunteer & help those in your community learn to prepare for and respond to emergencies. Remember, the wise person will be prepared to survive for at least 72 hours after a major storm passes.
Nine days into Hurricane Season 2006, our first Tropical Depression formed. 11 days in, it grew into our first Tripical Storm. Alberto is currently in the Gulf of Mexico and expected to reach the Western coast of Florida no later than Tuesday.
According to current NOAA projections, it will be off the coast of South Carolina by Wednesday. Even though we should not be directly affected by this storm, we need to be prepared for its secondary affects of high winds and rain.
As of Sunday, Alberto has maximum sustained winds of 45 mph which extend outward to 175 miles from its center. Alberto is expected to produce anywhere from 4-8 inches of rain.
Keep in mind, these are early predictions. However, the underlying message in these early reports is to prepare now!
What can you do to prepare? The first step is to visit redcross.org and review over the Together We Prepare information which talks about the simple steps of preparedness: Build a disaster supplies & first aid kit, make a family communications & evacuation plan, get trained as a Red Cross volunteer & help those in your community learn to prepare for and respond to emergencies. Remember, the wise person will be prepared to survive for at least 72 hours after a major storm passes.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Disaster Volunteers Deploy: Assist Victims of Mill Fire
Posted by Brian Scoles, PR Director
Over the weekend, three Disaster Serivces Volunteers from the Upstate Chapter, deployed to help the victims of the J.P. Stevens Mill Plant 3 fire.
As a result of the fire, hydrochloric acid was released into the atmosphere in Great Falls, SC, causing over 1000 people to leave their homes. The Red Cross responded and opened a shelter to house evacuees and three volunteers from the Upstate Chapter moved into the shelter and assisted with government liaison work and individual client services.
The Upstate Chapter not only has a commitment to serve the residents of the Upstate, but our commitment extends to all South Carolinians and those who call America home.
Over the weekend, three Disaster Serivces Volunteers from the Upstate Chapter, deployed to help the victims of the J.P. Stevens Mill Plant 3 fire.
As a result of the fire, hydrochloric acid was released into the atmosphere in Great Falls, SC, causing over 1000 people to leave their homes. The Red Cross responded and opened a shelter to house evacuees and three volunteers from the Upstate Chapter moved into the shelter and assisted with government liaison work and individual client services.
The Upstate Chapter not only has a commitment to serve the residents of the Upstate, but our commitment extends to all South Carolinians and those who call America home.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Oh What A Night
Posted by Brian Scoles, Chapter PR Director
I want to start off by thanking Amy Howard, our Director of Volunteers, for putting together an outstanding Annual Meeting. With the help of her volunteers, we had the largest attendance ever for an annual meeting.
This year, the American Red Cross celebrates 125 years of service to the people of the United States. That was the theme for last night's celebration. Many awards were given to chapter volunteers for their dedication and passion for serving their neighbors here in the Upstate and for some, their service to the nation during times of large-scale disaster. With out our volunteers, the Upstate Chapter and the American Red Cross as a national organization could not perform its service to the nation.
Pat's Seventeen Piece Swing Band created the atmosphere for the evening as people strolled through history looking at memoribilia of the Red Cross' service to the nation during times of war and peace. Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross and Henri Dunant, founder of the International Red Cross Movement, strolled through the crowd and talked about the significance of the Red Cross in providing aid to wounded servicemen and to those suffering the affects of a disaster both at an individual and national levels.
We elected new officers to our Board of Directors and nominated others for additional terms of service.
It was a great evening. We look forward to serving American for another 125 years.
I want to start off by thanking Amy Howard, our Director of Volunteers, for putting together an outstanding Annual Meeting. With the help of her volunteers, we had the largest attendance ever for an annual meeting.
This year, the American Red Cross celebrates 125 years of service to the people of the United States. That was the theme for last night's celebration. Many awards were given to chapter volunteers for their dedication and passion for serving their neighbors here in the Upstate and for some, their service to the nation during times of large-scale disaster. With out our volunteers, the Upstate Chapter and the American Red Cross as a national organization could not perform its service to the nation.
Pat's Seventeen Piece Swing Band created the atmosphere for the evening as people strolled through history looking at memoribilia of the Red Cross' service to the nation during times of war and peace. Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross and Henri Dunant, founder of the International Red Cross Movement, strolled through the crowd and talked about the significance of the Red Cross in providing aid to wounded servicemen and to those suffering the affects of a disaster both at an individual and national levels.
We elected new officers to our Board of Directors and nominated others for additional terms of service.
It was a great evening. We look forward to serving American for another 125 years.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Is Your Local Red Cross Chapter Prepared?
Posted by Brian Scoles, Public Relations Director for the Upstate Chapter
With Hurricanes Katrina and Rita still fresh on our minds and pictures of New Orleans once again splashed on the news, Hurricane Season 2006 officially began at midnight on June 1st. I want to ask you, are you ready?
Rest assured, the Upstate Chapter is ready.
I realize that we don't get the full brunt of a hurricane this far inland, but we could experience the secondary affects of a hurricane that hits the South East. What types of secondary affects could we see here in the Upstate? Severe thunderstorms, high winds, flash flooding, and tornadoes-all of which are very real possibilities that could force us from our homes and thrust us into survival mode.
Should any of these situations strike the Upstate and cause residents to evacuate from their homes, the Upstate Chapter is ready to open shelters, feed all who seek refuge, and begin to meet many of the residents' disaster-caused needs. Chapter volunteers and employees have taking training specifically for hurricane response. The chapter has been updating its agreements with local schools to ensure they are ready should we get notice that evacuees are on the way. The chapter has stocked food, water, cots, comfort kits, client assistance cards, generators, and many more supplies that will enable our clients to begin the rebuilding process. We also have partnerships with local governmental and non-governmental agencies to provide medical and emotional care or special needs a shelter resident may have.
The Upstate Chapter has done its part to be ready in an emergency. Have you done all you can to get ready? The Red Cross strongly encourages Upstate residents to have enough supplies on hand to survive on their own for up to the first 72 hours after a disaster strikes. One lesson that everyone should have learned from Katrina/Rita is that sometimes disaster conditions are so devastating that emergency services may not be able to respond until conditions stableize.
In advance of any disaster, you should stock the following supplies for all members of your household in a duffle bag or large container:
Flashlight with plenty of extra batteries
Battery powered radio with extra batteries
First aid kit
Prescription medications in their original bottle, plus copies of prescriptions
Eyeglasses with copy of prescription
Water at least one gallon per person, more is better
Foods that don’t require refrigeration or cooking
Infant items and elderly household members items
Medical equipment and devices such as dentures, crutches, prostheses, etc.
Change of clothes for each household member
Sleeping bag or bedroll and pillow for each household member
Checkbook, cash, and credit cards
Map of the area
Sounds like a lot, I know, but these items may very well save your life if you simply prepare ahead of time. For a more preparedness tips, you can contact the Upstate South Carolina Chapter at (864) 271-8222 or log on to www.redcross.org.
With Hurricanes Katrina and Rita still fresh on our minds and pictures of New Orleans once again splashed on the news, Hurricane Season 2006 officially began at midnight on June 1st. I want to ask you, are you ready?
Rest assured, the Upstate Chapter is ready.
I realize that we don't get the full brunt of a hurricane this far inland, but we could experience the secondary affects of a hurricane that hits the South East. What types of secondary affects could we see here in the Upstate? Severe thunderstorms, high winds, flash flooding, and tornadoes-all of which are very real possibilities that could force us from our homes and thrust us into survival mode.
Should any of these situations strike the Upstate and cause residents to evacuate from their homes, the Upstate Chapter is ready to open shelters, feed all who seek refuge, and begin to meet many of the residents' disaster-caused needs. Chapter volunteers and employees have taking training specifically for hurricane response. The chapter has been updating its agreements with local schools to ensure they are ready should we get notice that evacuees are on the way. The chapter has stocked food, water, cots, comfort kits, client assistance cards, generators, and many more supplies that will enable our clients to begin the rebuilding process. We also have partnerships with local governmental and non-governmental agencies to provide medical and emotional care or special needs a shelter resident may have.
The Upstate Chapter has done its part to be ready in an emergency. Have you done all you can to get ready? The Red Cross strongly encourages Upstate residents to have enough supplies on hand to survive on their own for up to the first 72 hours after a disaster strikes. One lesson that everyone should have learned from Katrina/Rita is that sometimes disaster conditions are so devastating that emergency services may not be able to respond until conditions stableize.
In advance of any disaster, you should stock the following supplies for all members of your household in a duffle bag or large container:
Flashlight with plenty of extra batteries
Battery powered radio with extra batteries
First aid kit
Prescription medications in their original bottle, plus copies of prescriptions
Eyeglasses with copy of prescription
Water at least one gallon per person, more is better
Foods that don’t require refrigeration or cooking
Infant items and elderly household members items
Medical equipment and devices such as dentures, crutches, prostheses, etc.
Change of clothes for each household member
Sleeping bag or bedroll and pillow for each household member
Checkbook, cash, and credit cards
Map of the area
Sounds like a lot, I know, but these items may very well save your life if you simply prepare ahead of time. For a more preparedness tips, you can contact the Upstate South Carolina Chapter at (864) 271-8222 or log on to www.redcross.org.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Home Fires Burnin'
Posted by Brian Scoles, PR Director for the Upstate Chapter
Our Red Cross chapter is an integral part of the emergency response system in the Upstate. When called, volunteers are ready to provide immediate help any time of the day or night.
Home fires are considered to be "silent" disasters because many of them do not make the evening news and therefore often go unnoticed.
Losing a house or an apartment to a fire is as traumatic for the family who calls that dwelling “home” as if it had been lost during a highly-publicized natural disaster. Personal loss to these fires may be less newsworthy when a single-family dwelling is destroyed, but the need for emergency assistance is just as great to those individials and the Red Cross will be there to aid in recovery.
Why so many fires? The use of alternate heating sources, population growth in Anderson County, aging structures with faulty wiring, and our elderly parents and grandparents who are struggling to live alone, are just some of the causes.
We may not think of individual fires as having the same impact as a wide-spread disaster, but the shock is just as tremendous. Victims of house fires need immediate emergency assistance—a place to stay, food, clothing, medicine, crisis counseling, and a plan for recovery. Each person is helped to regain control of their own recovery. Flexibility and respect for cultural differences is part of the client assistance and recovery plan.
Our Red Cross plays critical role in neighborhoods throughout the Upstate before, during and after a disaster strikes. Due to the rise in local disasters, resources have been tapped in unprecedented proportions, but our work continues. This past year, our Red Cross responded to over 205 disasters, providing food, clothing, shelter and other emergency necessities to more than 900 people in Greenville, Greenwood, Abbeville, Anderson and Laurens Counties. During the ice storm, another 500 people were cared for in 5 shelters that operated for a full week.
Assistance to disaster victims totals more than $353,000, exceeding our annual budget by over $156,000 with two months still remaining.
The Red Cross helps people respond when disasters strike, but you will always be the first and best resource in an emergency. The Together We Prepare program teaches children and adults first aid techniques and simple steps to prevent or mitigate tragedies, including developing family communication plans and disaster supplies kits. I urge you to call the Red Cross and prepare for an emergency that could impact your family at any moment.
Many thanks to our volunteers and staff, United Way, individuals, corporations, and foundations for your support and involvement in helping the Red Cross help our community. The Red Cross is not a government agency and depends on contributions from you and me. Please continue to be generous where resources are urgently needed.
Our Red Cross chapter is an integral part of the emergency response system in the Upstate. When called, volunteers are ready to provide immediate help any time of the day or night.
Home fires are considered to be "silent" disasters because many of them do not make the evening news and therefore often go unnoticed.
Losing a house or an apartment to a fire is as traumatic for the family who calls that dwelling “home” as if it had been lost during a highly-publicized natural disaster. Personal loss to these fires may be less newsworthy when a single-family dwelling is destroyed, but the need for emergency assistance is just as great to those individials and the Red Cross will be there to aid in recovery.
Why so many fires? The use of alternate heating sources, population growth in Anderson County, aging structures with faulty wiring, and our elderly parents and grandparents who are struggling to live alone, are just some of the causes.
We may not think of individual fires as having the same impact as a wide-spread disaster, but the shock is just as tremendous. Victims of house fires need immediate emergency assistance—a place to stay, food, clothing, medicine, crisis counseling, and a plan for recovery. Each person is helped to regain control of their own recovery. Flexibility and respect for cultural differences is part of the client assistance and recovery plan.
Our Red Cross plays critical role in neighborhoods throughout the Upstate before, during and after a disaster strikes. Due to the rise in local disasters, resources have been tapped in unprecedented proportions, but our work continues. This past year, our Red Cross responded to over 205 disasters, providing food, clothing, shelter and other emergency necessities to more than 900 people in Greenville, Greenwood, Abbeville, Anderson and Laurens Counties. During the ice storm, another 500 people were cared for in 5 shelters that operated for a full week.
Assistance to disaster victims totals more than $353,000, exceeding our annual budget by over $156,000 with two months still remaining.
The Red Cross helps people respond when disasters strike, but you will always be the first and best resource in an emergency. The Together We Prepare program teaches children and adults first aid techniques and simple steps to prevent or mitigate tragedies, including developing family communication plans and disaster supplies kits. I urge you to call the Red Cross and prepare for an emergency that could impact your family at any moment.
Many thanks to our volunteers and staff, United Way, individuals, corporations, and foundations for your support and involvement in helping the Red Cross help our community. The Red Cross is not a government agency and depends on contributions from you and me. Please continue to be generous where resources are urgently needed.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Media Appreciation
The Upstate Red Cross chapter would like to thank the media for the outstanding coverage we have had during recent disasters.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
By Presidential decree, March is American Red Cross Month.
Dear Friend of the Red Cross,
By Presidential decree, March is American Red Cross Month.
And we're marking the occasion by honoring the humanitarian heart and volunteer spirit of not only the organization, but the entire country.
Today — after 125 years of public service — The American Red Cross is still helping people in your community every day. With the grassroots support of caring Americans like you, our nationwide network of volunteers and employees are at the forefront of more than 70,000 disasters each year — delivering critical assistance to victims in their time of greatest need.
Thank you, for being a part of our lifesaving work.
The American Red Cross
By Presidential decree, March is American Red Cross Month.
And we're marking the occasion by honoring the humanitarian heart and volunteer spirit of not only the organization, but the entire country.
Today — after 125 years of public service — The American Red Cross is still helping people in your community every day. With the grassroots support of caring Americans like you, our nationwide network of volunteers and employees are at the forefront of more than 70,000 disasters each year — delivering critical assistance to victims in their time of greatest need.
Thank you, for being a part of our lifesaving work.
The American Red Cross
Monday, February 20, 2006
Biloxi and Gulfport
Richard Fowler (Board Member) writes:
I was at a conference in Mobile, AL, this week and thought I'd take the opportunity to go and have a look at what was happening in Biloxi and Gulfport.
The devastation from Katrina was astonishing. A few very large casinos / hotels were still standing but everything else close the the shore was either flattened or substantially demolished. Loads of plots with a concrete slab and nothing else. There was a cemetery overlooking the sea where huge slabs of marble had obviously just been picked up and dumped in one corner by the power of the water. Everywhere there were huge trees not just knocked over but just completely shredded. Over a mile from the coast trees were still completely snagged with plastic and other debris that had been washed in.
The further west I went the worse it got. I headed north while still 70 or 80 miles from New Orleans. So since that was where the centre of the storm was I can't imagine what that would have been like. Noticed that there were still pretty large trees broken or knocked over at least 150 miles from the coast. Almost as far as Tuscaloosa, AL.
There were a lot of dead dogs on the side of the road, and of course plenty of vultures as well. I think I read about this. After the storm a lot of dogs were abandoned or couldn't get back to their owners so they went wild and started to adopt a primaeval pack mentality. It was like a different world.
Further north in Alabama there were convoys of lorries carrying single-wides with FEMA stickers on them.
The media only seems to talk about New Orleans, but it seemed clear that there was a huge disaster in Mississippi as well, and not an awful lot done about it.
I was at a conference in Mobile, AL, this week and thought I'd take the opportunity to go and have a look at what was happening in Biloxi and Gulfport.
The devastation from Katrina was astonishing. A few very large casinos / hotels were still standing but everything else close the the shore was either flattened or substantially demolished. Loads of plots with a concrete slab and nothing else. There was a cemetery overlooking the sea where huge slabs of marble had obviously just been picked up and dumped in one corner by the power of the water. Everywhere there were huge trees not just knocked over but just completely shredded. Over a mile from the coast trees were still completely snagged with plastic and other debris that had been washed in.
The further west I went the worse it got. I headed north while still 70 or 80 miles from New Orleans. So since that was where the centre of the storm was I can't imagine what that would have been like. Noticed that there were still pretty large trees broken or knocked over at least 150 miles from the coast. Almost as far as Tuscaloosa, AL.
There were a lot of dead dogs on the side of the road, and of course plenty of vultures as well. I think I read about this. After the storm a lot of dogs were abandoned or couldn't get back to their owners so they went wild and started to adopt a primaeval pack mentality. It was like a different world.
Further north in Alabama there were convoys of lorries carrying single-wides with FEMA stickers on them.
The media only seems to talk about New Orleans, but it seemed clear that there was a huge disaster in Mississippi as well, and not an awful lot done about it.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Teen saved by defibrillator living proof schools need machines
Here's a great piece from the front of today's State newspaper about a little boy whose life was saved because his school had Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) available.
Read the whole article here.
Read the whole article here.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Four out of Five Americans Unaware that Home Fires are the Greatest and Most Common Disaster Threat
Just read this on the national Red Cross site. Everyone thinks the big deal is Hurricanes and Earthquakes, but it's actually home fires. Read the whole piece here.
Less than 100 days until Hurricane Season
Ann Wright says:
There are less than 100 days until the beginning of the 2006 Hurricane Season!
We need Disaster Services volunteers who can serve locally or on national assignment.
If you are interested, please call Amy at 271-8222.
A new disaster volunteer orientation will be held on March 7th from 6-8 p.m. Other upcoming training opportunities include: Damage Assessment workshop (3/2); Emergency Response Vehicle driver training, (3/11); Disaster Mental Health overview (3/14); and Disaster Health Services overview, (3/20). A disaster drill is scheduled for April 1 and a Disaster Readiness exercise and evaluation will be conducted May 7-9.
There are less than 100 days until the beginning of the 2006 Hurricane Season!
We need Disaster Services volunteers who can serve locally or on national assignment.
If you are interested, please call Amy at 271-8222.
A new disaster volunteer orientation will be held on March 7th from 6-8 p.m. Other upcoming training opportunities include: Damage Assessment workshop (3/2); Emergency Response Vehicle driver training, (3/11); Disaster Mental Health overview (3/14); and Disaster Health Services overview, (3/20). A disaster drill is scheduled for April 1 and a Disaster Readiness exercise and evaluation will be conducted May 7-9.
Alison Tesh writes:
The 2006 American Red Cross HEROES Campaign kick-off luncheon was held Wednesday January 25th at The Peppermill. Thanks to Michael Stathakis for a wonderful lunch. Michael Codgill gave a motivating speech touching on tragedies both national and local he has had the opportunity to experience first hand.
Over 50 people were in attendance. Greenville county schools, banks, businesses, and corporations were all represented and some wonderful events are planned. Stay tuned for more details. If anyone is interested in joining the Campaign, please contact your local Red Cross chapter.
The 2006 American Red Cross HEROES Campaign kick-off luncheon was held Wednesday January 25th at The Peppermill. Thanks to Michael Stathakis for a wonderful lunch. Michael Codgill gave a motivating speech touching on tragedies both national and local he has had the opportunity to experience first hand.
Over 50 people were in attendance. Greenville county schools, banks, businesses, and corporations were all represented and some wonderful events are planned. Stay tuned for more details. If anyone is interested in joining the Campaign, please contact your local Red Cross chapter.
Monday, September 19, 2005
Red Cross Sends 9 new volunteers to Baton Rouge
Nine newly trained Red Cross disaster volunteers will leave for Baton Rouge today where they will be assigned to work in Red Cross shelters for the next three weeks. As a result of the enormous response by the Red Cross to assist the families affected by Hurricane Katrina, the Upstate SC Chapter of the American Red Cross held two large disaster training workshops with hundreds of people attending the workshops. Many of the trained volunteers have been working at the Palmetto Expo during the past week and nine more will leave today for Louisiana. More than 85,000 trained disaster relief workers from all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have responded to help their neighbors in need.
To date, trained volunteers have assisted 1136 people providing assistance of food, clothes, prescriptions and other emergency supplies. The Upstate Chapter has provided direct assistance of over $371,000 to hurricane victims that have come to the Upstate. Trained Red Cross caseworkers are now working with each family to transition them out of the Palmetto Expo including helping them reach a final destination or if they are planning to stay in the area, helping them find temporary or permanent housing arrangements. The Red Cross is leading local efforts to integrate all evacuees into the community, providing stability and a platform for rebuilding lives and families.
Across the Mid-Atlantic, the American Red Cross has provided immediate emergency assistance for almost 7,000 families and now will continue to work within neighborhoods to help these families transition to services for their long term needs.
Since Hurricane Katrina slammed ashore, the Red Cross has provided survivors nearly 2 million overnight stays in 709 shelters across 24 states and the District of Columbia. Yesterday, the Red Cross housed more than 50,000 survivors in 268 shelters and served more than 365,000 hot meals. The American Red Cross is expanding the variety of its efforts to provide immediate financial assistance to upwards of three quarters of a million dollars to Hurricane Katrina victims who are dispersed across the nation. With an understanding that the process of getting assistance to victims will take weeks rather than days, the Red Cross continues to reach out to the thousands of people in need of help.
The Red Cross has been preparing for Tropical Storm Rita by assessing potential equipment, shelter and volunteer needs even while responding to Katrina. The first priority of the Red Cross before, during and after any disaster is to provide safe shelter, food and safe drinking water, as well as emotional support. The Red Cross responds to more than 70,000 disasters every year - whether the situation is a single-family fire or a multi-state catastrophe.
To date, trained volunteers have assisted 1136 people providing assistance of food, clothes, prescriptions and other emergency supplies. The Upstate Chapter has provided direct assistance of over $371,000 to hurricane victims that have come to the Upstate. Trained Red Cross caseworkers are now working with each family to transition them out of the Palmetto Expo including helping them reach a final destination or if they are planning to stay in the area, helping them find temporary or permanent housing arrangements. The Red Cross is leading local efforts to integrate all evacuees into the community, providing stability and a platform for rebuilding lives and families.
Across the Mid-Atlantic, the American Red Cross has provided immediate emergency assistance for almost 7,000 families and now will continue to work within neighborhoods to help these families transition to services for their long term needs.
Since Hurricane Katrina slammed ashore, the Red Cross has provided survivors nearly 2 million overnight stays in 709 shelters across 24 states and the District of Columbia. Yesterday, the Red Cross housed more than 50,000 survivors in 268 shelters and served more than 365,000 hot meals. The American Red Cross is expanding the variety of its efforts to provide immediate financial assistance to upwards of three quarters of a million dollars to Hurricane Katrina victims who are dispersed across the nation. With an understanding that the process of getting assistance to victims will take weeks rather than days, the Red Cross continues to reach out to the thousands of people in need of help.
The Red Cross has been preparing for Tropical Storm Rita by assessing potential equipment, shelter and volunteer needs even while responding to Katrina. The first priority of the Red Cross before, during and after any disaster is to provide safe shelter, food and safe drinking water, as well as emotional support. The Red Cross responds to more than 70,000 disasters every year - whether the situation is a single-family fire or a multi-state catastrophe.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort Facts at a Glance
The American Red Cross is responding to an unprecedented natural catastrophe and devoting every resource to this humanitarian relief effort. The American people can be confident the Red Cross will spare no effort to meet the needs of hundreds of thousands of Hurricane Katrina survivors.
• Since Hurricane Katrina slammed ashore, the Red Cross has provided survivors nearly 2 million overnight stays in 709 shelters across 24 states and the District of Columbia.
• On Monday night, the Red Cross housed more than 61,500 survivors in 348 shelters.
• The American Red Cross served more than 358,500 hot meals on Monday.
• The Red Cross has served more than 7.7 million hot meals and more than 6.6 million snacks to survivors of Hurricane Katrina.
• To date, more than 112,000 people have received Red Cross Disaster Mental Health services.
• More than 85,000 trained Red Cross disaster relief workers from all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have responded to help their neighbors in need. During this effort, the Red Cross has trained more than 75,000 people in specialized disaster relief skills.
• To date, nearly 80,000 families have received more than $140 million in aid through Red Cross programs. In addition to funds, 85,000 Red Cross trained volunteers are providing services like meals, blankets, clothing, hygiene kits and a place to sleep for hundreds of thousands of people.
• More than 182,000 people have registered on the Red Cross “Family Links Registry,” which is helping reconnect loved ones separated by Hurricane Katrina. To register, go to www.redcross.org or call 1-877-LOVED-1S.
The American Red Cross is expanding the variety of its efforts to provide financial assistance to upwards of three quarters of a million Hurricane Katrina victims who are dispersed across the nation. Assistance is provided in a variety of ways, including client assistance cards, vouchers, and checks.
The Red Cross is fulfilling urgent needs, turning donations into help faster than ever before. Our gold standard is for everyone touched by Katrina to be safe and comforted.
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of this disaster and thousands of other disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.
• Since Hurricane Katrina slammed ashore, the Red Cross has provided survivors nearly 2 million overnight stays in 709 shelters across 24 states and the District of Columbia.
• On Monday night, the Red Cross housed more than 61,500 survivors in 348 shelters.
• The American Red Cross served more than 358,500 hot meals on Monday.
• The Red Cross has served more than 7.7 million hot meals and more than 6.6 million snacks to survivors of Hurricane Katrina.
• To date, more than 112,000 people have received Red Cross Disaster Mental Health services.
• More than 85,000 trained Red Cross disaster relief workers from all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have responded to help their neighbors in need. During this effort, the Red Cross has trained more than 75,000 people in specialized disaster relief skills.
• To date, nearly 80,000 families have received more than $140 million in aid through Red Cross programs. In addition to funds, 85,000 Red Cross trained volunteers are providing services like meals, blankets, clothing, hygiene kits and a place to sleep for hundreds of thousands of people.
• More than 182,000 people have registered on the Red Cross “Family Links Registry,” which is helping reconnect loved ones separated by Hurricane Katrina. To register, go to www.redcross.org or call 1-877-LOVED-1S.
The American Red Cross is expanding the variety of its efforts to provide financial assistance to upwards of three quarters of a million Hurricane Katrina victims who are dispersed across the nation. Assistance is provided in a variety of ways, including client assistance cards, vouchers, and checks.
The Red Cross is fulfilling urgent needs, turning donations into help faster than ever before. Our gold standard is for everyone touched by Katrina to be safe and comforted.
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of this disaster and thousands of other disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Update 09/13/2005
The American people can be confident the American Red Cross will spare no effort to meet the needs of hundreds of thousands of Hurricane Katrina survivors. The Red Cross is establishing a comprehensive system to deliver needed financial assistance to storm victims.
The Upstate SC Chapter of the American Red Cross continues to assist families and individuals devastated by the hurricane's onslaught. To date, trained volunteers have assisted 927 people providing assistance of food, clothes, prescriptions and other emergency supplies. The Upstate chapter has provided direct assistance of over $322,000 to hurricane victims that have come to the Upstate. We are now working with each family to transition them out of the palmetto Expo. This includes helping them reach a final destination or if they are planning to stay in the area, helping them find temporary or permanent housing arrangements.
The Upstate SC Chapter has organized training for literally hundreds of volunteers to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Because of this generous outpouring from community members, the Red Cross has now reached its capacity for volunteers needed to help in the Upstate with this disaster at this point in time.
The American Red Cross continues to work with our partners to provide food and sheltering to the victims in the affected areas. More than 74,000 trained Red Cross Disaster Relief workers from all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have responded to help their neighbors in need. To date, the Red Cross has provided 207,000 survivors in over 709 shelters. The American Red Cross has served more than 7.6 million hot meals to survivors of Hurricane Katrina since before first landfall.
Many of the evacuees have lost loved ones or are unable to locate their families. The Red Cross "Family Links Registry" on www.redcross.org is one way for families to re-connect. Concerned family members can register the names of their loved ones and view the list of those already posted. Since its inception, the Registry has received a total of 115,242 calls with over 5,000 coming in during the past 24 hours Due to the extent of the damage and the number of people displaced, concerned friends and family members are encouraged to visit the site daily. You can visit the "Family Links Registry" via www.redcross.org or call 1-877-LOVED-1s (1-877-568-3317)...
The American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need for this disaster and thousands of other disasters across the country each year.
Due to the generosity of the American people, the American Red Cross stands ready to meet the monumental challenge of helping to rebuild lives. The WYFF Telethon raised over $640,000 for Katrina Relief. For every dollar donated, 91 cents goes directly to assist disaster victims.
Ten local volunteers have been deployed from the Upstate Chapter for 3-week assignments in affected areas. They are feeding victims on mobile emergency response vehicles and working in shelters in Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. One volunteer has been deployed to the National Call Center.
Hurricane Katrina is the worst natural disaster our nation has faced; the disaster is the largest and costliest relief effort ever mounted by the American Red Cross. It is expected that relief efforts will continue for many months and will have to be sustained through the generosity of the American public.
The Red Cross has been preparing for Hurricane Ophelia by assessing potential equipment, shelter and volunteer needs even while responding to Katrina. Shelters are already open and more are on standby in the Outer Banks and other low-lying and inland areas. The first priority of the Red Cross before, during and after any disaster is to provide safe shelter, food and safe drinking waters, as well as emotional support. The Red Cross responds to more than 70,000 disasters every year - whether the situation is a single-family fire or a multi-state catastrophe.
The Upstate SC Chapter of the American Red Cross continues to assist families and individuals devastated by the hurricane's onslaught. To date, trained volunteers have assisted 927 people providing assistance of food, clothes, prescriptions and other emergency supplies. The Upstate chapter has provided direct assistance of over $322,000 to hurricane victims that have come to the Upstate. We are now working with each family to transition them out of the palmetto Expo. This includes helping them reach a final destination or if they are planning to stay in the area, helping them find temporary or permanent housing arrangements.
The Upstate SC Chapter has organized training for literally hundreds of volunteers to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Because of this generous outpouring from community members, the Red Cross has now reached its capacity for volunteers needed to help in the Upstate with this disaster at this point in time.
The American Red Cross continues to work with our partners to provide food and sheltering to the victims in the affected areas. More than 74,000 trained Red Cross Disaster Relief workers from all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have responded to help their neighbors in need. To date, the Red Cross has provided 207,000 survivors in over 709 shelters. The American Red Cross has served more than 7.6 million hot meals to survivors of Hurricane Katrina since before first landfall.
Many of the evacuees have lost loved ones or are unable to locate their families. The Red Cross "Family Links Registry" on www.redcross.org is one way for families to re-connect. Concerned family members can register the names of their loved ones and view the list of those already posted. Since its inception, the Registry has received a total of 115,242 calls with over 5,000 coming in during the past 24 hours Due to the extent of the damage and the number of people displaced, concerned friends and family members are encouraged to visit the site daily. You can visit the "Family Links Registry" via www.redcross.org or call 1-877-LOVED-1s (1-877-568-3317)...
The American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need for this disaster and thousands of other disasters across the country each year.
Due to the generosity of the American people, the American Red Cross stands ready to meet the monumental challenge of helping to rebuild lives. The WYFF Telethon raised over $640,000 for Katrina Relief. For every dollar donated, 91 cents goes directly to assist disaster victims.
Ten local volunteers have been deployed from the Upstate Chapter for 3-week assignments in affected areas. They are feeding victims on mobile emergency response vehicles and working in shelters in Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. One volunteer has been deployed to the National Call Center.
Hurricane Katrina is the worst natural disaster our nation has faced; the disaster is the largest and costliest relief effort ever mounted by the American Red Cross. It is expected that relief efforts will continue for many months and will have to be sustained through the generosity of the American public.
The Red Cross has been preparing for Hurricane Ophelia by assessing potential equipment, shelter and volunteer needs even while responding to Katrina. Shelters are already open and more are on standby in the Outer Banks and other low-lying and inland areas. The first priority of the Red Cross before, during and after any disaster is to provide safe shelter, food and safe drinking waters, as well as emotional support. The Red Cross responds to more than 70,000 disasters every year - whether the situation is a single-family fire or a multi-state catastrophe.
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