NOH volunteer’s island deployment hits home

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By Eilene E. Guy, American Red Cross volunteer

Dan Sutliff’s trip across the Pacific Ocean to Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands in July was no vacation, no opportunity to visit his wife’s relatives there.

As an American Red Cross disaster volunteer, Dan wanted to help bring relief and hope to islanders hit by their third typhoon in as many months: Super Typhoon Bavi.

Brunswick resident and Red Cross volunteer Dan Sutliff traveled to the islands to support the relief response because his wife’s family is from Saipan.

Dan, who lives in Brunswick, Ohio, has been a Red Cross volunteer for a couple of years, primarily responding to home fires, bringing reassurance and resources to folks in their time of need: shelter, food, immediate needs

But his deployment to a disaster 7,000 miles away was different: He arrived just in time to hunker down in Guam as the Category 5 storm skirted the American territory, dumping 15 inches of rain in just 12 hours.

The next day he was able to get a quick flight to the neighboring island of Rota, where Bavi made a direct hit with sustained winds of 180 miles an hour. “Almost every building was affected in some way: roofs blown off, walls collapsed,” he said. Communications and critical infrastructure were demolished.

Dan and three other volunteers from “the states” teamed up with four island Red Crossers (Yes, Guam and the Marianas have their own American Red Cross.) got right to work, interviewing families, asking what they needed, and then working with the local authorities to distribute supplies.

Tarps, coolers, hand sanitizer and wipes are typical after a disaster, but the Red Crossers were able to offer supplies customized to the environment of a hot, humid and “buggy” island: sunscreen, bug repellent, solar lights and fans, mosquito nets, butane stoves, portable showers and meal kits tailored to local diets.

“One of our team had lived on Rota,” Dan said. “That local knowledge was critical” to coordinating with local authorities and finding resources – like a place to live, a generator to provide electricity, a vehicle – to be able to do their work.

Dan and his team supported the two shelters on the island. “The steady state population was about 70 in the Center for Aging and about 25 at the high school. There had been more,” while Bavi hovered over the island, he said. They did what they could to make their “guests” comfortable. For example, they used folding cafeteria tables as dividers to give families a bit of privacy.

Dan came away from his first national disaster impressed by how quickly the Red Cross can mobilize relief, even halfway around the world, and how important it is for responders themselves to be flexible, dealing with whatever situation presents itself. Travel hiccups, no big deal; accommodations with no power and, initially, no water. “It was sufficient,” was his attitude.

At the same time, Dan was impressed with the islanders’ resilience. “Some of them had lost everything,” he said, “but their attitude was, ‘We’ll be able to recover’.”

Red Cross volunteers approach home that suffered major damage from Typhoon Bavi that hit the Mariana Islands back in July 2026. It was the third major storm to hit the islands in as many months.

By the way, Dan took the opportunity to Facetime with his wife, Linda’s, uncle on the nearby island of Saipan while he was in the “vicinity.” Everyone in that family is fine after the storm, he said. And the Red Cross was there too.

Would you like to be able to help people – around the corner or around the world – prevent, prepare for or recover from disasters? “The Red Cross makes on-boarding easy,” Dan noted. Go to redcross.org to learn about the many ways to volunteer. (And no, you don’t have to travel far from home to make an impact!)

All the Red Cross disaster relief is free, provided by the generosity of the American people. To support this vital work, donate through redcross.org or 1-800-REDCROSS.

Smart steps for a safe school year

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By Kathryn Dean, American Red Cross volunteer

Another summer has flown by, and back-to-school is just around the corner!  The American Red Cross wants you and your children to stay safe this school year and has compiled this essential back-to-school safety list.

Walking, Biking, and Bus Safety

  • Stay Visible:  As the days shorten and winter approaches, low light and poor weather can reduce visibility for oncoming traffic.  Grey, black, and dark colored outer wear can make students walking or biking to school blend into an already muted background. 
    • Wear brightly colored clothing or outerwear.
    • Ensure backpacks, bikes, and jackets are equipped with reflective material.
    • Travel with a buddy or group to stand out more easily.
    • At the bus stop, stand back from the road at least five giant steps (about 10 ft).
  • Use Crossing Guards and Sidewalks:
    • Plan your route to school to utilize sidewalks and crossing guards whenever possible.
    • Always wait for the crossing guard’s all-clear signal before attempting to cross.
    • Only cross the road at intersections; never shortcut across the middle of a street or between parked cars.
  • Stay Safe around the School Building:
    • Watch for buses and cars picking up and dropping off students.  Never cross in front of a vehicle until you have made eye contact with the driver and they have signaled for you to go.
    • Wear a bike helmet and secure your bicycle at an approved rack.

In Case of Emergency

  • Memorize Important Contact Information:
    • Students should memorize their address and at least one emergency contact’s name and phone number.
    • If the child is young or has difficulty remembering, place their name and contact information clearly inside their backpack.
  • Children with Medical Concerns:
    • Students with serious medical conditions (such as diabetes, epilepsy, or severe allergies) should carry a laminated emergency card in their backpack detailing their name, medical condition, contact info, and basic care instructions. 
    • A brightly colored medical tag clipped to the backpack or medical alert bracelet can quickly inform bystanders.  Smartphones and smartwatches can also be set up with medical alert lock screens.
    • Diabetic students should always carry a fast-acting glucose supplement with them (such as tablets, gels, or juice) in case of low blood sugar.
    • Ensure school administrators and nurses are aware of medical conditions and keep current instructions and medications on file with the office or clinic.

Take an American Red Cross Class

Emergencies can happen anywhere.  Parents, teachers, and students can gain confidence by taking an American Red Cross course to learn how to handle critical situations. 

  • Babysitting Basics: Designed for students ages 11 and up who want to learn essential childcare skills and practice handling common emergencies.   
  • Lifeguard Training: Students aged 15 years and older can earn certification to work as a lifeguard.  Certifications are valid for two years after completion.
  • CPR & First Aid – Open to both adults and students looking to master basic first aid and CPR for both home and at school.

To sign up for a course near you, visit redcross.org/take-a-class.

Northern Ohio Tiffany Circle members trace Clara Barton’s footsteps at first Red Cross chapter

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By Eilene Guy, American Red Cross volunteer

Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, was known for many things, among them her outstanding leadership skills.

To this day, her Red Cross cultivates leadership across its paid and volunteer staff as well as among its supporters.

The Tiffany Circle is one example of that leadership. Members of Tiffany Circles across the country, all women, provide significant financial support to the Red Cross, deepen their understanding of Red Cross services and impact, and spearhead mission-related activities.

Recently, members of the Northern Ohio Tiffany Circle visited “ground zero” of the Red Cross – Dansville, New York – where Barton established the very first local chapter of her fledgling organization on Aug. 22, 1881.

“It was like taking a step back 145 years, to walk through the lovely house where Clara Barton launched her first disaster relief operation,” said Jill Patterson, Red Cross liaison to the Northern Ohio Circle. “In September 1881, Clara appealed to the public for money and clothes for thousands of people left homeless by wildfires in Michigan.

“The little town of Dansville in western New York is obviously proud to be the site of the very first local chapter in what has become a nationwide organization.”

Tiffany Circle members from northern Ohio and western New York enjoyed a guided tour and luncheon in the recently-restored home – now designated a National Historic Site by the National Park Service – followed by a walking tour of the community that backed Clara’s humanitarian vision.

They also heard from Tiffany Circle members Patricia Horvath and Kathy Coleman. They shared their experiences with the Clara Barton Competition, which focuses on international humanitarian law, and the Clara Barton Study Tours, which connect the organization’s rich history with present-day volunteerism and leadership.

The trip was particularly significant for Northern Ohio Tiffany Circle member Noelle Sayles, and her husband, Nick Noyes, a relative of Clara’s friend Emma Noyes, whose family donated the house to the Red Cross in 1949.

“Together, the day honored Clara Barton’s legacy while strengthening our shared commitment to the Red Cross mission, ‘to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors’,” Jill said.

If you’re interested in more information about the Northern Ohio Tiffany Circle, you can reach Jill Patterson at 330-618-0523.

Or, if you’d like to find out more about the many humanitarian services of the Red Cross and its leadership opportunities, go to redcross.org.

Young professionals take a deep dive into the Red Cross mission

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By Kathryn Dean, American Red Cross volunteer

‘The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.’ — Mission statement of the American Red Cross

Young Professionals Council (YPC) is an American Red Cross program that encourages professional individuals between the ages of 25-35 to utilize their talents and skills through employment or volunteerism with the Red Cross in order to advance the Red Cross mission.  Through this program, members have the potential to network and achieve other career-building opportunities, all while building their resume and serving a good cause.

From Left to Right:  Allison Rowe, Steven Siemborski, Preston Morman, Andrew Bales, Dr. Christine Schmotzer, Kevin Rainwater, Ashley Thomas, Megan Winans, Ryan Sowers

One local member putting this into practice is Megan Winans, Regional Philanthropy Officer and Red Cross employee.  Recently she shared her story of collaborating with other YPC members to ‘touch the mission’ of the Red Cross by touring a Red Cross blood bank facility.

“I joined members of our Young Professionals Council for a special touch the mission event where we visited with Dr. Christine Schmotzer at University Hospitals,” Megan began.  “During our visit,  we learned about the importance of maintaining a steady blood supply and how critical the partnership between University Hospitals and the Red Cross is in ensuring lifesaving blood products are available for every patient who comes through their doors.”

Prior to the group visit, Megan donated blood and toured the Cleveland Manufacturing and Processing Site with colleagues.  The behind-the-scenes look allowed her to observe how the blood was collected, processed, tested, and divided into its final products, before finally reaching its destination at the medical system where it can be used to save lives.  Afterwards, she reflected on the combined experiences.

“Seeing the final step in the blood donation journey was a powerful reminder that every person along the way is a critical piece of the puzzle and that just one donation can make a real difference in someone’s life,” she said.

“I truly feel inspired and proud to be part of a community that comes together every single day to help one another. From donors to Red Cross volunteers and staff to the healthcare professionals caring for patients in need, each plays a vital role in delivering hope, help, and lifesaving care when it matters most. That’s the power of community, and it’s what makes our mission possible.”

To learn more about the Young Professionals program and getting involved, click the link HERE.  The Red Cross is currently experiencing a severe blood shortage and needs your help.  Schedule your appointment to donate blood by using the Blood Donor App, visiting www.redcrossblood.org, or calling 1-800-REDCROSS. 

Celebrating the heart of the mission: Northern Ohio Red Cross honors its volunteers

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By Kathryn Dean, American Red Cross volunteer

Northern Ohio has many dedicated volunteers who serve the American Red Cross in various ways.  Making up approximately 90% of its workforce, the Red Cross truly relies on the support of its volunteers to run.  Since National Volunteer Week occurred in late April of this year, several events have taken place across the region recognizing the impact that they make on a daily basis.

Volunteer Engagement Specialist Kelsey Jeffery handing off an award to one of our hardworking volunteers in our Heartland, Stark and Muskingum Lakes chapter.

“Our volunteers generously give their time and talents to the Red Cross, and we want to recognize them and celebrate all their hard work,” said Kelsey Jeffery, Volunteer Engagement Specialist.

Earlier this month, volunteer Jill Sterling was awarded the Spirit of Excellence Award, recognizing her 10 years of service as a biomed office assistant with the Red Cross.  Susan Gordos, Biomed Volunteer Engagement Specialist, noted the impact that Jill’s service has had at the Red Cross. 

Jill Sterling receiving the Spirit of Excellence Award for her service to the Red Cross mission.

“(Jill) conducts phone calls to past donors, provides information about upcoming drives, and encourages continued participation. Her communication is both professional and compassionate, ensuring donors feel valued and informed,”  Susan noted.  “By fostering strong relationships with the community and promoting consistent donor engagement, Jill contributes significantly to maintaining a reliable blood supply and advancing the Red Cross mission.”

Susan estimated that over the course of her volunteer work, Jill has made over 12,000 outreach calls to potential blood donors.  Dedicated volunteers like this are the reason why the American Red Cross continues to thrive 145 years after its inception.

Volunteer Recruitment Specialist Katie Bensinger handing out raffle prizes at the volunteer recognition event in the Greater Akron and Mahoning Valley chapter.

Katie Bensinger, Volunteer Recruitment Specialist, had this to say about her time spent working with volunteers: “My first three months with the Red Cross have been filled with so many meaningful interactions with our volunteers. The three Recognition and Appreciation events I was able to attend were filled with those meaningful moments,” Katie said.  “ I was able to hear so many of our volunteers’ Red Cross stories and the impact our organization has had on their lives and their communities. The volunteers’ commitment to the mission and the thousands of hours of their time that they give inspire me every day.”

Volunteers are always needed!  With dozens of different roles to explore, there is truly something for everyone.  To learn more about the Northern Ohio Region of the Red Cross, including upcoming events and volunteer opportunities, click HERE.

World Sickle Cell Day: The importance of a diverse blood supply

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By Akash Mallady, Red Cross volunteer

More than 100,000 people in the United States live with sickle cell anemia, an inherited blood disease where red blood cells take on a different shape that leads to complications. They become rigid and characteristically crescent-shaped instead of the typical soft, round structure. The misshapen cells carry less oxygen and get stuck in blood vessels, which can leave patients feeling immense pain episodes and the potential for a stroke. While many see blood transfusions as an option during an emergency, they are a normal and necessary part of life for those managing sickle cell from childhood to adulthood. 

Sickle Cell Warrior Alijah Ellis speaking on a panel at the 2026 Sickle Cell Brunch at the American Red Cross of Northern Ohio headquarters in Cleveland.

Research has shown that sickle cell disease affects the US population in a disproportionate way. More than 90% of people with sickle cell disease in the United States are Black or African American, and 3%-9% are Hispanic or Latino. According to the CDC, people with sickle cell disease have a life expectancy that is 20 years shorter than average. 

Maintaining an adequate blood supply, particularly from diverse donors, is one way the American Red Cross is working to combat this. 

Blood donor diversity matters for sickle cells because blood compatibility can go deeper than just blood type. Red blood cells carry antigens, which are proteins on their surface. A patient can receive a safer and more effective transfusion if it comes from a donor whose antigen profile matches more closely. Often sickle cell patients can receive frequent transfusions of mismatched blood, and their immune system can create antibodies against these mismatched antigens. This increases the complexity of finding matches for in future transfusions. Ultimately, similar ethnic backgrounds are more likely to have a shared antigen profile, making representation in the donor population a clinical necessity. 

Current data makes the urgency clear. The communities that are most likely to produce compatible matches for most sickle cell patients continue to remain underrepresented in the blood donor pool. Compared to the White donor population being 80.2%, Black and African American donors comprise just 3.8%, Hispanic or Latino donors 6.6%, and Asian donors 3.4%. 

Sickle Cell Warrior Makenzie Nance and her mother, Demeatrice.

There have been hopeful changes, however. Since 2021, Black or African American blood donors have increased by 37.6%, with Hispanic or Latino donors up 8.5%, and Asian donors up 7.8%. The Red Cross Sickle Cell initiative has been paramount in this increase by providing more than 300,000 sickle cell trait screenings to donors self-identifying as Black, or multiracial. The Red Cross HBCU Ambassador Program has collected over 7,300 pints of blood from 320 campus drives. 

Still, with only 3% of the U.S. population donating blood each year, the donor pool for sickle cell patients of diverse ethnic backgrounds remains low. If you come from an underrepresented background in the donor pool, your donation can provide support to patients who need it most. 

Schedule a donation or share this post  – –  both can make a huge difference. 

Visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS to find a drive near you . 

World Blood Donor Day: Saving lives one pint at a time

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By Eilene Guy, American Red Cross volunteer

What do Marisol Roman in Solon, Alice Hamlin in Findlay and Ramesh Rumba in Bedford Heights have in common with a very special group of millions of people around the world?

They’re volunteer blood donors!  They embody the truth: “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.”

“I donated to give someone a chance to live,” Ramesh said. It’s that simple.

June 14 is World Blood Donor Day, when we celebrate the selfless generosity of donors like Ramesh, Alice and Marisol and others across northern Ohio for their lifesaving gifts. Across the U.S., the American Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood supply, collecting some 4.7 million blood donations and 1.2 million platelet donations a year.

“What would you want someone to do if it was someone you loved (who needed blood)?” said donor Valerie Purdie of Rocky River. “Life can change at any time and the little things we do can end up being big things for someone else.”

Paige King of Olmstead Falls is living proof: She donated blood a few times in high school, not knowing that a bone-shattering motorcycle crash was in her future. She made it through massive blood loss and multiple surgeries with repeated transfusions, “from (volunteer) donors like myself.

“I will never forget how grateful I am…I am forever grateful for the opportunity to donate.”

Marshall Campos of Warren could have been one of Paige’s donors, unknowingly.  “(No particular person) really motivated me to donate blood. I generally just encouraged myself to do something good.”

Decades ago in Findlay, a friend encouraged Alice Hamlin to start giving blood. Then her dad was diagnosed with leukemia and she learned about the continual need for blood transfusions, even though he didn’t need them. “Eighteen gallons later, I plan to continue donating as long as I’m able,” she said.

Marisol Roman’s motivation to donate was even more personal: “I got plasma when I lost my baby at three months of pregnancy…Do it. You’ll feel good,” she said.

The campaign to raise awareness of the constant need for blood points out that every donation is more than a medical act: It’s a powerful expression of solidarity, compassion and collective responsibility.

In America, we’re privileged to have a safe and solid supply of blood, but it depends on individual actions. Despite more than 62% of our population being eligible, only about three percent actually donate.

Summer is an especially challenging time to maintain the supply, with vacation travel, school breaks and extreme heat disrupting blood drives. Remember, every two seconds, someone needs blood. To schedule your lifesaving donation, go to redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Northern Ohio Red Cross CEO Mike Parks shares Memorial Day message

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By Mike Parks, RADM, U.S. Coast Guard (Ret.), Chief Executive Officer American Red Cross Northern Ohio Region

Memorial Day is the time of year when we prepare to honor those service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our great nation.  We take time to pay homage to those men and women, who gave their lives while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States. 

It should also be a time when we pay tribute to those Gold Star families who have endured pain and sacrifice due to the loss of their family member.  A Gold Star Family is the immediate family of a U.S. military service member who died in the line of duty.  Those who die in service to their country leave behind parents, siblings, spouses, children, and extended families. These are recognized as Gold Star Families. The title is meant to honor the service member’s ultimate sacrifice while acknowledging their family’s loss, grief, and continued healing.

The tradition dates to World War I when flags/banners were first flown by families. The flag included a blue star for every immediate family member serving in the Armed Forces of the United States, during any period of war or hostilities in which the Armed Forces of the United States were engaged.  But in the event of a death, that blue star is replaced with a gold variant — the highest honor. The term Gold Star Family is a modern reference that comes from the Service Flag (as seen below).

Whenever we see someone displaying a gold star flag or similar emblem, it’s wholly appropriate to acknowledge their loss by saying something as simple, but powerful, as “I’m sorry for your loss—thank you for your sacrifice.”  It’s also important to remember that although we focus on Memorial Day once a year, Gold Star Families focus on their loss 365 days a year.  That’s why our acknowledgement of their loss and sacrifice is so important.

This Memorial Day, in addition to honoring those who died serving our country, let us also honor those Gold Star Families who continue to grieve the loss of their loved ones who paid the ultimate sacrifice so we can be free.  Wishing you and yours a memorable and meaningful Memorial Day weekend! 

Do you have the skills to save a life?

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For National Trauma Awareness Month, consider learning CPR and other lifesaving skills.

By Tim Poe, American Red Cross volunteer.

If someone near you went into cardiac arrest, could you respond? Could you step in and act? Every moment will count, as the chances for survival decrease 7-10% every minute that immediate CPR or use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) is delayed.

Northern Ohio Region employees taking Adult First Aid / CPR / AED training at the Cleveland office.

This is not a far-fetched scenario. Over 350,000 people in the US suffer cardiac arrest outside of hospitals each year, with a little over 70% happening in the home. Many of the roughly 10% who survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest do so because CPR was performed or an AED used within the first few minutes.

High-quality CPR has a significant impact on survival outcomes. In hospitals, survival rates increase to 21%.

May is National Trauma Awareness Month, calling attention to the need to prevent injuries and protect lives. Helping people prepare for, prevent, and respond to life-threatening events is among the American Red Cross’s key services, including classes for CPR and other life-saving skills.

To better understand these classes’ importance, I spoke with Angele Cassiday, who teaches Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR, AED, and Babysitting and Child Care. She has taught for 14 years, the last five with the Red Cross.

Angele said, “CPR is a very important skill to know, as cardiac arrest can happen without warning. The most important step is recognizing an emergency and dialing 911. That alone will make a huge difference.”

In some emergencies, however, Angele pointed out that “Too many of us do not know what to do after calling 911.”

“None of us know the odds that someone nearby will go into cardiac arrest, and it can happen without warning in any environment,” Angele said. To illustrate this, she mentioned Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest during a football game, as well as Lindsay’s Law, which helps raise awareness of the risks of cardiac arrest in youth athletes.

Several of Angele’s students have used their skills to save lives, from family members to one person’s boss.

For anyone considering taking a CPR, First Aid, or other lifesaving class, Angele highly recommends doing so, including signing up for pediatric classes. “Life is too short,” Angele said. “You need to be able to step in and help somebody whenever you can. Being able to save a life is just so important.”

Angele also recommended getting the Red Cross First Aid app. It is available here or by texting “GETFIRST” to 90999.

Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED courses will teach you how to perform CPR, help someone who is choking, control bleeding, respond to a heart attack, and more. Classes are offered in several formats, including online, instructor-led classroom, and blended with online content and an in-person skills session. On-site training is available for groups.

You can find more information on taking a CPR and other classes at redcross.org/take-a-class. In addition, Information on Hands-Only CPR in Eight Simple Steps is available here.

Sugarcreek Fire & Rescue celebrates anniversary of Ohio’s first pre-hospital blood program

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By Kathryn Dean, American Red Cross volunteer

Sugarcreek Fire & Rescue has just surpassed the 1-year mark of the initiation of a pre-hospital blood transfusion program, and they have good reason to celebrate.  Not only are they the first department in the state of Ohio to offer blood transfusions in the field, but their team has been integral in making this service available statewide. 

In partnership with the American Red Cross, their paramedics are able to administer lifesaving blood to patients who require blood transfusions, prior to ever reaching the hospital.  According to EMS.gov, when a person has heavy bleeding, it can take as little as 5 minutes for death to occur.  In addition, trauma patients are four times more likely to survive if they are able to receive whole blood products in the field. 

Cody Shetler, the Assistant Fire Chief and a paramedic at Sugarcreek Fire & Rescue explained that it was a project that was in the works well before its initiation in April  2025.

“Being so rural, … our closest level one trauma center is about 60 miles away.  We saw a need for it, not very often, but when it did happen and we couldn’t get a helicopter onto the scene, we saw a need where blood products would be beneficial to the patient’s outcome.”

He further explained, “The paramedic scope of practice had to be changed in order for paramedics to be able to start blood products anywhere, either in the hospital or in the field…so I actually joined the Medical Oversight Committee at the state level, a few years before this, my whole goal of getting the scope changed to allow paramedics to give blood products.”

Sugarcreek Fire & Rescue worked with their medical director to create a training program that would prepare their paramedics for their new role.  Once that was done, they were able to move forward in their partnership with the  Red Cross to supply the blood needed to run this program.

They acquired the necessary equipment, including an infuser and warmer that allow them to deliver the blood products by hand right at the scene, or in transit to the hospital.  They also purchased a portable cooler, specially designed to house blood products and ensure they stay at a safe temperature for storage.

The blood comes directly from the Red Cross blood bank in Cleveland, Ohio. When properly refrigerated, whole blood can be stored for up to 21-35 days.  In addition, Sugarcreek Fire & Rescue is working to become AABB-accredited, which would allow them to drop off any unused blood products to nearby hospitals so they can be used prior to their expiration date.

Since the initiation of the program, Sugarcreek Fire & Rescue has been able to administer blood in the field to eight patients, all of whom survived the 24-hour mark, and seven of whom survived to hospital discharge.  Cody estimated that around 50% of the patients were due to traumas, such as motor vehicle accidents or farm/factory injuries.  The other 50% were from medical conditions, with one patient being a woman from the Amish community who hemorrhaged after a home birth.

Recently, their department was awarded the 2025 Pediatric Clinical Save Award for being the first fire department in Ohio to administer blood products in the field to a pediatric patient.

“I think that these programs are obviously incredibly lifesaving for rural communities,” Cody said. “Logistically, it doesn’t make sense for every ambulance to carry blood, but I think it definitely makes sense to have it strategically placed in areas to be able to cover a large swath of land, whether that’s multiple departments or counties, or jurisdictions.”

To ensure this cycle of life continues, they host a blood drive every other month at a local church in their community.  You can support their lifesaving mission by participating in a local blood drive near you by visiting www.redcrossblood.org.