New CPR training

 

 

 

March 31, 2011

NEWS RELEASE

American Red Cross Announces the Next Generation of

CPR and First Aid Courses

New Red Cross programs in Greater Ozarks Chapter go digital to give consumers more choice

 

 

Springfield, MO – The American Red Cross Greater Ozarks Chapter today announced the launch of the next generation of Red Cross health and safety training, featuring a two-year certification for first aid and CPR training, and other cost and time saving benefits for course takers and instructors.

 

The first program in the series is the First Aid/CPR/AED program releasing on March 31, 2011. This program trains individuals in workplaces and communities to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illness until advanced medical personnel arrives. The program incorporates the latest science, meets OSHA guidelines and now offers:

• 2-year certification with free digital refreshers
• Choice of free digital or affordable print course materials
• Concise, learner-centered course offering more hands-on skill practice
• An online learning center that allows individuals to register for courses and instructors to manage course records and print certificates.

 

Training is available through a variety of flexible delivery options, including classroom, online and blended learning options. The Red Cross offers organizations the choice to train their employees onsite, at a Red Cross chapter, or through a train-the-trainer model, and can provide large organizations with multiple locations a standardized nationwide training option. As always, the training offers continuing education credits.

 

“We believe that the new First Aid/CPR/AED program provides our customers with a better, more interactive training experience, along with greater value and convenience,” said Faith Koppes, Director of Health and Safety for the Greater Ozarks Chapter.  

 

“In addition, we think participants will enjoy the new courses because they emphasize hands-on skills practice,” said Ms. Koppes.  “So when people complete their training, they truly feel confident in their skills to save a life.”

 

A recent Red Cross survey shows that one in every four people have said they have been in a situation where someone needed CPR. “Getting trained in CPR and first aid skills is important for everybody,” said Ms. Koppes.  “You never know when you might need to respond to an emergency, so being prepared is the key. Nobody can help you do that better than the Red Cross.”

 

Optional training covering the use of asthma inhalers, epinephrine auto-injectors and manufactured tourniquets as well as Bloodborne Pathogens Training are also available.

 

The next generation of Red Cross training will expand throughout 2011 with the release of additional training programs including CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers, Emergency Medical Response and Lifeguarding.

 

To find out how to schedule group training, contact Lucille Emerson at the chapter at 866-206-0256, ext. 117 or visit www.redcross-ozarks.org for more information. Individuals who need training may contact the chapter at 866-206-0256 and ask for the Health and Safety Department. 

 

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joann Moore

Public Relations/Fundraising

American Red Cross

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO  65803

417-832-9500, ext. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org

 

 

 

March is Red Cross Month - Be Red Cross Ready!

It is important to prepare for possible disasters and other emergencies. Natural and human disasters can strike suddenly, at anytime and anywhere. There are three actions everyone can take that can help make a difference:

                                 

 

 

Heroes Honored Today

March 30, 2010

                                                NEWS RELEASE

Everyday Heroes Honored Today

 

Springfield, MO – The Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross received over 150 nominations for individuals who have shown courage, kindness and unselfish character.  Nine of those individuals and one surprise community hero were honored today at the Eleventh Annual Everyday Heroes Recognition and awards ceremony. 

 

            Over 350 people attended the event and at times there was not a dry eye in the place as the videos rolled with stories of bravery and unselfish concern for others.  Stories ranged from a firefighter (Clint Hunt) who rescued a victim trapped in a storm drain to a couple from Licking (Melissa and Randy Lewis) that donated a kidney to strangers. 

 

            The Surprise Community Hero was Mike Scott, President and General Manager of KY3, Inc.  Mike is retiring from KY3 at the end of this week.  Some of the organizations he has been involved in include:  Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Board President of the Greater Ozarks Chapter of the Red Cross, founding member of the Community Partnership Organization, Ozarks Fighting Back (past president) American Cancer Society, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Ozarks, Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Ozarks and the Developmental Center of the Ozarks.  Maria Neider, news anchor for KY3 and MC for the event commented, “It’s a shame he can’t find something to do in his spare time isn’t it?”

          The nine heroes honored today include:

 

            Nate Adams                         Springfield

            Michelle Oliver                     Rogersville

            Mike Pittsenbarger             Lockwood

            Clint Hunt                             Springfield  

            Joel Alexander                    Springfield

            Linda Meeker                       Springfield

            Melissa & Randy Lewis    Licking

            Ellie Hagen                           Seymour      

 

The entire staff, volunteers and board members of the Greater Ozarks Chapter would like to thank everyone for attending and we especially want to thank our award sponsors who include KY3, 417 Magazine, Empire Bank, Great Southern Bank, Ramada Oasis Convention Center, our corporate sponsors, The Bank of Missouri, Springfield Apartment and Housing Association, Linda’s Flowers, Wal-Mart, and  Independent Printing, and our patron sponsors, Wickman’s Garden, CoxHealth, Palmerton & Parrish, Inc. Whitlock Company and UMB Bank.  

 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

 

 

Joann Moore

Public Relations/Fundraising

American Red Cross

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO  65803

417-832-9500, ext. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org

 

 

 

March is Red Cross Month - Be Red Cross Ready!

It is important to prepare for possible disasters and other emergencies. Natural and human disasters can strike suddenly, at anytime and anywhere. There are three actions everyone can take that can help make a difference:

                                 

 

 

WEST PLAINS: International Humanitarian Law Workshop

In a world where warfare and civil strife are a daily reality for millions, International Humanitarian Law (IHL) provides a framework for protection of civilians and combatants alike. The conduct of warfare as embodied by IHL is laid out in the Geneva Conventions of 1949. The American Red Cross has a unique mandate to educate the American public about the guiding principles and framework of IHL as they apply to the protection of civilians and members of the armed forces, including prisoners of war.

International Humanitarian Law Workshop
WHEN: Saturday, March 26, 2011
9:00 am-3:00 pm

WHERE: Lybyer Tech Center,
Missouri State University-West Plains
Room 205

COST: None

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Call the West Plains Red Cross Office at 417-257-0018.

SPONSORS: American Red Cross - West Plains and MSU-WP

Jan Rickert
Executive Officer
American Red Cross
Greater Ozarks Chapter
West Plains Office
Tel: (417)257-0018,
rickertj@redcross-ozarks.org

HOW TO: Save a Life (life-saving info in 3 minutes)

Video should load below.









Should WHEN this video inspires you to take a REAL First Aid class, please contact your local Red Cross Office for options. (In Missouri Ozarks, call 417-832-9500 or email info@redcross-ozarks.org )

Save-A-Life-Saturday

Save-a-Life Saturday


Learn essential CPR and first aid skills
at this special, free training event.


Saturday, March 19th - 10, 11, Noon, and 1pm.


At THE LIBRARY STATION, 2535 North Kansas Exp.
in Springfield. (417) 865-1340


Panera providing bagels to first participants at 10am (while supplies last).


No registration required. 


Taught by Red Cross CPR Instructors.


(Non certification course covering Hands-Only CPR and basic trauma first aid.)


Pluggy the fire safety robot on hand to entertain/educate the kids.


Context: ...as part of Gabrielle Gifford’s Honorary Save-a-Life Saturday, Red Cross chapters will hold classes at more than 100 locations across the country to honor Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and the many bystanders who saved lives during the Tucson tragedy.

Lebanon Office - March Volunteer Update

VOLUNTEER UPDATE LEBANON OFFICE

MARCH, 2011

As I am writing this I am watching coverage of the Tsunami in Japan.  Such devastation and sadness.  It makes me proud however that as the news coverage is relaying information it is reporting that there are Red Cross Teams on site and ready to provide shelter and other assistance as needed.  This is what Red Cross does best, alleviates human suffering, and it can only be done through the hard work and commitment from people like you, our volunteers.  Let me start this update with a big thank you for your work with the Red Cross.

Here on a local level we had many activities going on during the last month.  Of course we started February with a blizzard and ended with some flooding.  We responded to two fires and one flooding event and were able to assist these families with a place to stay, food, and clothing.  In addition we opened five new cases throughout our seven county region.  We made a huge difference in the lives of these families as they recoverd from devastating fires.   Our volunteers logged 1049 volunteer hours this last month, hours in which they gave of themselves to help others.

We taught several classes during the last month.   I feel that the training of our volunteers is one of the most essential steps in ensuring effective and efficient response in disaster.  We have several classes coming up that are important.  Monday, March 14, is the Family Services, Providing Emergency Services class.  This is from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.  It is important for those who would like to be able to help provide direct assistance to families devastated by local or national disasters.  On Wednesday, the CAS Workshop I will be taught from 9 a.m. – noon.  This workshop provides information on how to enter the casework information into the national data system.  It is essential in casework to be able to use the CAS system. On Saturday, March 19^th, we have a CPR/First Aid class beginning at 8:30 a.m.  Tuesday, March 22, is the Frontline Supervision Class, which is taught to all volunteers who would like to advance to supervisory level in their field.  On the 24^th we will be teaching the Chapter Response to Disaster (DAT Response) class from 9 - noon.  Then on Wednesday, March 30, we will have CAS Workshop II taught from 9 – noon.  This is a more advanced level class on the CAS system.  This would be good for all caseworkers to take as a review if they know CAS but need some review and instruction on a more advanced level.  If you have not registered for these classes please email Mary Switzer or call 588-9292 or our office at 533-8121. 

Be sure to put April 28^th on your calendar, that is the date for our 8^th Annual Hometown Heroes Breakfast.  Doors will open at 6 a.m. for breakfast and the program begins at 7 a.m.  This is one of our premier events, and I promise you will leave the event feeling uplifted and proud to be a part of such an amazing event.  When tickets go on sale you can contact the Chamber of Commerce to pick up your free ticket, for Red Cross volunteers.  Each year the volunteers select a volunteer who exemplifies the true spirit of Red Cross, giving of themselves to help others.  I am proud to say that this year the Gloria Doss Award will go to David Sewell.  This is richly deserved as David has given hours of his personal time to help with casework, fire response, and office work to help with our disaster response and casework throughout our region.  In addition, David has worked on countless national assignments in the technology support area and serves as a National Network Support Center Volunteer.  Congratulations David.

Our next meeting will be on March 17, at 6:00 p.m.  I can't emphasize enough the value of attending these meetings to keep informed of the many activities of our local and Regional Red Cross.  Besides, it is fun to visit with an amazing group of people.    Bring a snack if you want.  On a personal note, thank you to all of you who helped make my 60^th birthday more bearable by making me laugh at your antics.  I appreciated all the fun at the last meeting and enjoyed all the cards and greetings.  Thanks to Chris and Perry for coming to our meeting.  I am truly blessed to have such great Red Cross friends.

Thanks for all you do,

Bev

--
Mary Switzer, Volunteer
American Red Cross
Lebanon Office
Communication Services
Volunteer Coordinator
www.redcross-lebanonmo.org

Meeting

You Are Invited!

Tweet-Up! #orctup1

Volunteer Meeting and
First Ever Ozarks Red Cross Tweet-Up
(St. Paddy's Theme Dinner)


Thursday, 17 March 5:30-7:00pm (Central)


Springfield Office
1545 N West ByPass (at Division)


RSVP to socialmedia@redcross-ozarks.org


TentativeAgenda:


5:00pm Lobby Doors Open / Volunteer Applications Available / Slide Show
5:15pm Set- up for Dinner ... Side Dishes & Desserts welcome but not required.
5:30pm Dinner (St. Paddy Day Theme - Corned Beef , Cabbage & Potatoes )
5:35pm Wear a St. Paddy's Day HAT to enter drawing for $10 gift certificate
5:45pm Formal Welcome and Introductions by Debi Meeds , just back from a national conference of chapter CEOs, and Chris Harmon, Director of Emergency Services, who will share comments and answer questions about current disaster response events.


6:00pm PROGRAM


This month' s program is dedicated to Disaster Public Affairs - getting information to the public during a disaster and working with the press to protect the privacy of clients and tell the Red Cross story . The advent of social media gives us additional tools and additional challenges . A concurrent Tweet-Up during the meeting will help illustrate some of the issues and will kick off our Disaster Public Affairs Volunteer Recruitment Drive.

Joplin DAT Cpt Kandi Dunn visits
 with the press after Oxford Apt Fire.

Yours truly, Perry Elkins, recently returned from training with the National Red Cross Public Affairs Team, will lead the discussions and I will help answer questions. My stories will include Coast Guard Cutters and Blimps.




Tweet-Up will be led by Marie Colby (@MarieNCGH), Disaster Public Affairs Lead for the Joplin Office, and will run concurrently 5:30-7:00pm. Hashtag will be: #orctup1

Additional information in the Press Release.

Door Prizes.


We hope to have the store open.


Families and friends welcome. Join us!


Please RSVP to either:


socialmedia@redcross-ozarks.org


...or on our FaceBook Page.

Red Cross Tweet-Up

March 13, 2011

NEWS RELEASE

Recruitment Drive for Social Media Volunteers

"Voluntweeters Needed"

SPRINGFIELD, MO: The Red Cross will hold their first-ever local Tweet-Up to kick off a recruitment drive for a new generation of social media volunteers.

The Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross is among a handful of Red Cross Chapters nationwide taking the lead in developing dynamic social media programs. The goal is not only to provide timely information to the community during future disasters, but also to engage the community in a dialogue - empowering citizens at the scene to help guide response efforts by providing crucial real-time information.

This program is managed by a team of volunteers from throughout the region and they are looking for more help to develop the community's digital response capabilities. If you or anyone you know is good with a digital camera, a video editor, twitter, facebook, or good old-fashioned interview skills (think blog posts), then the Red Cross says they need your help.

All prospective volunteers, #Missouri #Ozarks tweeters, and those merely curious about the Red Cross are invited to attend the monthly Volunteer Meeting and first-ever Tweet-Up on Thursday at 5:30pm at the Springfield Office, 1545 N West ByPass.

The Tweet-Up will be hosted by @OzarksRedCross as voiced by @MarieNCGH, Disaster Public Affairs Lead for the Joplin Office of the Red Cross; @PerryElkins, Regional Disaster Public Affairs Lead & member of the National Red Cross Public Affairs Team; & @girlnigel, a virtual social media volunteer who will be joining the meeting, literally, "from the road." The regional chapter CEO, @DebiMeeds, will also be participating in the discussion of crisis information and the developing role of social media in disaster response.

The twitterverse is invited to join the discussion by following the meeting hashtag: #orctup1

Please RSVP to: socialmedia@redcross-ozarks.org

Greater Ozarks Chapter Social Media Sites:

We are dedicated to being available to our community. Please join us on twitter and facebook: www.twitter.com/OzarksRedCross and www.facebook.com/OzarksRedCross.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

Japan Earthquake

March 11, 2011                                                        NEWS RELEASE

Japanese Earthquake and Resulting Tsunami

Springfield, MO – At this time the Red Cross in unable to accept inquiries to contact or locate family and friends in Japan.  However, there are several resources available as follows:

• Inquiries concerning U.S. citizens living or traveling in Japan should be referred to the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747 or 202 647-5225.
• For inquiries about relatives living in Japan who are not US citizens, encourage the members of the community to deep calling or to try contacting other family members who live in the region.  Even though communication networks are overloaded right now, the situation may change and access to mobile networkds and the internet may improve. 
• The Google Person Finder site is available at: http://japan.person-finder.appspot.com/?lang=en
• If you have the mobile phone number of your family member in the affected areas, you may utilize the following services to check whether he/she has registered his/her message (s) on this service.  Services are available in English and Japanese.

DoCoMo:   http://dengon.docomo.ne.jp/Einoticelist.cgi?es=0

SoftBank:  .ip/pc-e1.jsp http://dengon.softbank.ne

Willcom:

http://dengon.willxom-inc.com/dengon/MessageSearch.do;jsessionid=E1E3A8789C6AC141489E86AD5F20825.ap1

            Please note that when you enter the mobile phone number for search on the webpage, you should remove the country code 0081 and add 0 at the beginning.  For example, if you dial the number internationally as follows, 0081-90-8877-6655, enter it into the website as: 090-8877-6655.

• Military Deployed to Japan:  Briefing from the Pentagon this morning advised that there were no reports of US Military members injured due to the earthquake.  Installations have been updating their web homepages and Facebook pages if more specific information is needed.  Yokosuka installation has published a commercial number for families to call from the states 011-81-46-816-xxxx (xxxx= 1728, 1729, 1730, 1731, 1732 or 1733.

Welfare of people (on domestic soil):

            For those individuals interested in checking on the family members or friends on domestic soil, please log onto www.redcross.org/safeandwell.  You may search for loved ones from a list of those who have registered themselves as “safe and well” by clicking on the Search Registrants button.  The results of a successful search will display a loved one’s first name, last name and a brief message. 

Donations

            Donations may be made on the national website:  www.redcross.org. 

Scroll down until you see the golden boxed section entitled How to help Victims of Disasters.  Click on Number One Donate Now and then click on the second icon – Disaster Relief for Countless crises. 

If you would like to send a check locally they must clearly label it Japan Earthquake and mail or drop off at

                                    American Red Cross

                                    1545 N. West Bypass

                                    Springfield, MO  65803

Other chapter offices are located in West Plaines, Lebanon, Joplin, Nevada and Van Buren. 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

Joann Moore

Public Relations/Fundraising

American Red Cross

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO  65803

417-832-9500, ext. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org

AED's Save Lives

NEWS RELEASE

March 9, 2011

Be Red Cross Ready

AED’s Save Lives

Springfield, MO – The Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross would like to remind everyone about the importance and advantages of having an AED (automated external defibrillator) on site.  Frequently we are stunned when we here about the sudden loss of someone such as the 16 year-old basketball player from Michigan and the 17 year-old rugby player from Colorado.

In cardiac arrest, every minute defibrillation is delayed, the chance of survival decreases by 10%.  Defibrillation within three minutes increases the chance of survival by 70%.  Local EMS services typically cannot respond that quickly. 

It is well recognized that AED’s save lives and in many places Federal and State Good Samaritan laws protect you from liability when AED’s are used is a good faith effort to save a person from death. 

Please contact Faith Koppes, Director of Health and Safety for the Greater Ozarks Chapter, for more information on how you can implement an AED program in your church, school or workplace.  She may be reached at 832-9500, ext. 106 or toll free 866-206-0256. 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

  

Joann Moore

Public Relations/Fundraising

American Red Cross

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO  65803

417-832-9500, ext. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org

Wilderness & Remote First Aid Class

March 10, 2011                                                        NEWS RELEASE

 

Media Welcome at Wilderness and Remote first Aid Class

 

Springfield, MO – The Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross will be offering a Wilderness and Remote First Aid class on March 11 and 12.  This course gives scouts, outdoor enthusiasts, or people who work in remote environments, the skills they need to respond to an emergency when help may be delayed.  The 16 hour course is based on the Boy Scouts of America Wilderness First Aid Curriculum and Doctrine Guidelines.   The course also offers enhanced content and topics to meet OSHA’s Best Practices for Workplace First Aid Training Programs, particularly important for occupational environments that are impacted by federal regulations. 

 

The times for the classes this Friday and Saturday are:     9 a.m. till 5 p.m. 

                                                                                            1545 N. West Bypass, Springfield       

 

The Media is welcome to visit and learn more about this exciting program.  For information, contact Lucille Emerson, Health and Safety Department, at the chapter office.  417-832-9500, ext. 117.  Toll free 866-206-0256.  

 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

 

 

Joann Moore

Public Relations/Fundraising

American Red Cross

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO  65803

417-832-9500, ext. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org

 

 

 

March is Red Cross Month - Be Red Cross Ready!

It is important to prepare for possible disasters and other emergencies. Natural and human disasters can strike suddenly, at anytime and anywhere. There are three actions everyone can take that can help make a difference:

                                 

 

 

LEBANON, MO: Applebee's for Dinner Tonight

UPPDATE:

Hello HEROES!

 

An oversight on my part, but hope you can make it if you haven't given blood in the last 56 days.

Applebee's of Lebanon, along with sponsoring our Dining for Donations event tonight, is having their blood drive from 3:30 to 7:30 this evening.  We are all aware of the blood shortage that has occurred, and the need for donors.

 

We Thank You again, for all that you do for the Red Cross.  You are ALL our HEROES!

 

Robert and Mary
--
Mary Switzer, Volunteer
American Red Cross
Lebanon Office
Communication Services
Volunteer Coordinator

Mary sends from Lebanon, MO:

March 7 Monday

5 - 9 pm

Applebee's of Lebanon

Come on out for a wonderful meal in a friendly atmosphere.

Applebees donates 15% of your tab to the Red Cross here locally, and they have always been so good to us.  They are a wonderful group.

(Red Cross volunteers will be there greeting folks. Be sure and say hi.)

Red Cross Month

NEWS RELEASE

Red Cross Asks People to Join During Red Cross Month

Organization Helping Those in Need for 130 Years

March 2, 2011

 

Springfield, MO – March is Red Cross Month, and the American Red Cross is asking people to join them in helping those in need by volunteering their time, making a donation, taking a class, or giving blood.

 

“When someone provides a hot meal to a disaster victim, gives blood, takes a first aid class, or helps someone in the military, they join the Red Cross,” said Joann Moore, Public Relations Representative for the Greater Ozarks Chapter.  “We want to say thank you to all who support us.  That support enables us to provide help and hope to those who need our assistance.”

 

For nearly 100 years, U.S. Presidents have called on people to support the American Red Cross and its humanitarian mission.  President Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first to proclaim March as Red Cross Month in 1943.  Since that time, President Obama and every president since have issued proclamations designating March as Red Cross Month. 

 

The Red Cross has been helping people for 130 years, responding to disasters, assisting members of the military, teaching lifesaving skills, and serving as one of the largest blood suppliers in the United States.

 

Nationally, the Red Cross responds to an average of nearly 200 disasters every day.  The organization provides a round-the-clock link between those in the military and their families, and supplies blood and blood products to approximately 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country. 

 

The Greater Ozarks Chapter responded and provided emergency assistance to 1,701 people in 2010.  They also processed over 680 emergency military calls.  The Health and Safety Department also trained over 24,000 people in life-saving skills.  

 

“We work diligently to help those in need,” Joann Moore said. “Weather out on a disaster, alongside our troops, at a blood drive or in a first aid class, Red Cross workers touch the lives of millions of people every year.”

 

The Red Cross is not a government agency and relies on donations of time, money and blood to do its work.

 

“When people join the Red Cross by volunteering, donating blood, taking a course or making a contribution, they enable us to continue our work, both here at home, and around the world,” Joann Moore said.

 

As part of Red Cross Month, the Greater Ozarks Chapter will honor nine individuals who have been selected to be everyday heroes at the Eleventh Annual Everyday Heroes luncheon and awards ceremony.  The event will be held on March 30 at noon at the Ramada Oasis Convention Center in Springfield.  Those individuals interested in attending may contact Kittie McCarter at the chapter office at 1-866-206-0256, ext. 109.  Tickets are $30. 

 

 

About the American Red Cross:

 

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

 

 

 

 

 

Joann Moore

Public Relations/Fundraising

American Red Cross

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO  65803

417-832-9500, ext. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org

 

 

Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Some winter storms are large enough to affect several states, while others affect only a single community. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain.

. … Click on the link www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady  and GET PREPARED!