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.

What is the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

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By Sharon Nicastro, American Red Cross volunteer

The largest and one of the oldest humanitarian organizations in the world began with the vision of one man.


February 11, 2023. Türkiye.
Following the devastating earthquake that stroke Turkey and Syria on 6 Feb 2023, Turkish Red Crescent has deployed more than 4,000 staff and volunteers to respond to the urgent needs of the affected people.
Photo by Turkish Red Crescent

Jean-Henri “Henri” Dunant was a Swiss businessman who was traveling through Italy to secure land and water and concessions from Napoleon III when he came across the aftermath of the Battle of Solferino during the Second War for Italian Independence.  He saw the battlefield covered with men dying for lack of medical care.  He rallied the women from surrounding villages, and they transported the men to the cathedral at Castiglione.  Their motto was “tutti fratelli” (all brothers) as they cared for the men without consideration for the side they fought on.

In A Memory of Solferino, Dunant wrote, “Would it not be possible, in time of peace and quiet, to form relief societies for the purpose of having care given to the wounded in wartime by zealous, devoted and thoroughly qualified volunteers?”  Gustave Moynier, the Chairman of the Geneva Public Welfare Society, pursued the idea by forming a committee of five men.  The International Committee for Relief to the wounded was born and soon became the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The ICRC convened a conference of European governments in Geneva, Switzerland, to study ways that volunteers from national societies could assist military medical services.  The volunteers wore an emblem to distinguish them from ordinary civilians.  A red cross on a white background, the reverse of the Swiss flag, was selected as the emblem (the Red Crescent and Red Crystal were added later).  The original Geneva Convention resulted from the conference and went into effect in 1863 after receiving the approval of twelve European nations.  The Convention had ten articles, which all pertained to relief for the wounded. Today there are four Geneva Conventions with hundreds of articles that protect soldiers, sailors, prisoners of war, and civilians during armed conflicts.

October 25, 2024. Chumixquin, Quiche, Guatemala. Students, school leadership and the women-led Local Coordinators for Disaster Risk Reduction (COLRED) team in Chumixquin present a cultural activity and conduct an emergency drill, in coordination with the Red Cross. Guatemala Red Cross teams are working to improve the preparedness capacity of vulnerable communities located in high-risk disaster areas with cost-effective approaches. Over the past two years, together with the school district and community leaders in Chumixquin, they have created response and evacuation plans, gained a better understanding of external resources available during and after disasters, and identified tools to improve the community’s response efficiency, such as early warning systems and communication plans. Around the globe, the American Red Cross is working together with local Red Cross and Red Crescent societies to foster a culture of preparedness that reduces vulnerability to disasters, inspires resilience, and carries the promise of reducing both disaster costs and human suffering. By supporting national society partners through technical expertise and funding for projects they identify as crucial to serving their most vulnerable communities, the Red Cross is helping to build safer, healthier and more resilient communities worldwide. Photo by Marquis Powell/American Red Cross

Two other branches of service have been added to the International Committee of the Red Cross.  The first of the National Societies that Dunant proposed in his vision was Wűrttemberg (now Germany) in 1863.  Today almost every country in the world has a national society.  The American Red Cross was started in 1881 after nearly twenty years of lobbying by Clara Barton.

The third branch of the movement was proposed by American Henry Davison, President of the American Red Cross War Committee, after World War I.  He suggested that volunteers who acquired expertise and experience during wartime could help people during peacetime disasters and public health emergencies. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) was born in 1919 in Paris to coordinate the efforts of the National Societies.

Today, the American Red Cross and other National Societies around the world continue the work of Henri Dunant by educating the American public about International Humanitarian Law, the rules that seek to keep humanity in war.  Please contact Sharon.Nicastro2@redcross.org for more information.

Local Ohio Red Cross volunteer honored in D.C. with Presidential Award for Excellence

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By Kathryn Dean, American Red Cross volunteer

“The main reason that I chose the Red Cross was that they were strong on the humanitarian part, of one person helping another person, human to human. I’m big on that.” – Michael Foote

March 3, 2026. Washington, DC. Michael Foote (center) accepting his
Biomedical Services Employee Excellence Awards 2026
Photo by Victoria Hurley/American Red Cross

Michael Foote, a volunteer with the Western Lake Erie Chapter of the American Red Cross, was recently awarded the Presidential Biomedical Award for Excellence in a ceremony that took place at the Red Cross headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Michael first learned of the American Red Cross while serving in the Navy as an aircraft electrician, where the Red Cross ensured the delivery of urgent messages between sailors and their families while they were serving overseas.

After serving 20 years, he retired from the Navy and later became a caregiver for his wife, who suffered from dementia.  After her passing in 2015, he contemplated how he could utilize his free time, as they had no children or grandchildren.  One thing he did know was that he wanted to volunteer. 

“The main reason that I chose the Red Cross was that they were strong on the humanitarian part, of one person helping another person, human to human. I’m big on that.”  Michael explained.  “In the Navy, there is the team concept – like the idea that there are a lot of different parts to the Red Cross, but they’re one team.  So, I wanted to have a small group of like-minded individuals that I could relate to.  The Red Cross has become my second family.”

He started by volunteering as a Blood Transportation Specialist and quickly became one of their most dependable drivers, often picking up open shifts, covering call-offs, and training new volunteers.

“I found out that in the afternoons to pick up the blood, they were paying 60 to 70 dollars for their courier to do that,”  Michael explained.  “It’s 13 miles total, and it takes me an hour and a half.  For me, I feel selfish sitting around watching TV when I could be saving the Red Cross those 60, 70 dollars, so I do that 5 days a week.” 

In 2025, Michael worked 414 Transportation Specialist shifts, totaling over 1,000 volunteer hours and saving the Red Cross an approximate $55,000 in courier fees.

In addition to working 4 to 5 days per week transporting blood products, he also volunteers for many other Red Cross programs, including the Sound the Alarm events, where volunteers install smoke detectors in homes. 

He also joined the Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) due to his military background, where he has participated in flag and wreath-laying events.  Through the SAF, he’s also worked with a local Air National Guard group and the Red Cross to help set up their food pantry.

Most recently, he started with the Disaster Action Team, who respond to fires, and is already a supervisor, fulfilling 2 to 3, 12-hour fire call shifts per week.

When asked how he manages to work so many hours, he chuckled, saying, “I tell people I’m on Red Cross time.”

He’s well aware of the comments people have made, such as “sometimes it seems like he sleeps here.”  Others have worried that he is working too hard. 

To that, he responded, ”I’m a volunteer, and I volunteer for this.  If I need time off, then I’ll tell them I can’t do this.  But I should be the one who says what I can and can’t do.  If I’m physically and mentally able to, I want to keep doing these things.  I would feel selfish not to when I know some jobs need to be done and (there’s) nobody else to do them.”

“Part of it is that I’m a Christian,” he continued, “and I want to share the kindness around me, and the other part (is) about helping humans.”

To learn more about volunteering with the Red Cross, click the link HERE, or visit http://www.redcross.org.

Honoring Earth Day with a Greener Red Cross

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By Sam Pudelski, American Red Cross volunteer

Earth Day is a time where we reflect on the sustainable changes we can make in our work and our daily lives to be more environmentally friendly. While Earth Day has been associated with planting trees and other greenery, there’s many ways individuals, groups and organizations can make changes to be more “green.” 

The American Red Cross Northern Ohio Region is taking steps to contribute to the Red CrossNational Sustainability initiative to make more sustainable business choices. Three years ago, they established the Green Team Committee to focus on implementing sustainable change throughout the region. The 17-person committee is led by co-chairs Erica Van Pelt and Rachel Hepner. Erica has been with the Red Cross for 11 years and is the Northern Ohio Business Operations Specialist. Rachel has been with the Red Cross for 21 years and serves as the Executive Director for the Red Cross of Western Lake Erie..

Since its inception, the Green Team Committee has launched several initiatives to reduce single use plastics including:

  • Providing reusable bags and refillable water bottles to the entire Northern Ohio Regional staff
  • Upgrading most building drinking fountains to water bottle refill stations
  • Replacing water-cooled ice machines with air-cooled ice machines, greatly reducing energy usage

Additionally, each chapter is finding ways to make a difference in their area for this year’s Earth Day. The activities range throughout the region and include:

  • Decorating clay pots and planting sprouts
  • Repurposing old t-shirts to make sew-free tote bags
  • Collecting clothing and small appliances which will repurposed through SAVERS thrift stores
  • Making beeswax fabric covers to replace plastic wrap and zip-top bags for storing produce and food
  • Holding a recycling drive in the community

Why It Matters

The Red Cross has seen firsthand the effects of climate change through its disaster response efforts. As extreme weather disasters increase, so do the number of people impacted. Hurricanes, extreme heat, floods and wildfires have become more prevalent in recent years. In the last 10 years, more than 8.5 million people were displaced in the U.S. due to climate disasters. 

What You Can Do

It may seem like a daunting task to reverse climate change but the reality is each change, both big and small, can help make a difference. Together, our collective efforts can make an impact that can help our communities and those across the country. Consider this Earth Day as a place to make a small sustainable swap in your daily routine or volunteer locally with a local organization. Additionally, the Northern Ohio Green Team Committee is always looking for new ideas and team members. You can connect with the team at NOHGreenTeam@redcross.org.

Red Cross Club members provide aid while being inspired

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By Tim Poe, American Red Cross volunteer

Each day in our region, American Red Cross youth and young adult volunteers assist at blood drives, help veterans and their families, learn and teach skills such as CPR and disaster preparation, and aid their communities. Many of these activities are through Red Cross Clubs.

An extension of a local Red Cross region or Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) station, Red Cross Clubs assist mission-related activities and help their communities. Volunteers gain valuable experience and lifesaving skills, discover opportunities and develop lifelong friendships.

For insight into Red Cross Club activities, I spoke with Rayanna Cap and Wesley Leong, who have been Red Cross volunteers since 2023 and 2020, respectively.

Rayanna Cap, Red Cross volunteer

Rayanna was initially inspired to volunteer with the Red Cross by her sister. While researching opportunities, Rayanna learned of Red Cross Clubs. She thought the project was “awesome,” and helped create the club at Findlay High School, from where she will graduate in May.

Wesley partly credits his supportive family and culture of helping others as inspiration to volunteer. “I wanted to expand that support into the community and build relationships that aren’t given to us,” Wesley said. While at Revere High School, Wesley researched why he hadn’t seen a blood drive at the school in a while, which led him and a friend to create the school’s Red Cross Club. He is currently studying chemistry at Emory University.

Since joining the Red Cross, Rayanna and Wesley have been exceptionally active, valuable volunteers. In addition to serving as club coordinator at Findlay High School, Rayanna has helped start at least 10 clubs. Wesley works with Red Cross Clubs across our region, meeting with officers each month to offer advice and support, brainstorm ideas and help form new clubs.

Both Rayanna and Wesley expressed how much they enjoy helping others, the community, and meeting and working with others. Rayanna said, “I love talking to others and helping to get youth involved, like how donating blood saves lives. If they’re nervous, I’ll hold their hand while they donate.” Wesley said he enjoys seeing the impact of his work, saying, “I can actively do something to help others in the community.”

Among Rayanna’s favorite activities is a “Tie-Blanket” project where Club members get together during the holidays, watch a Christmas movie and create blankets for local shelters. “Knowing blankets are going to local shelters is very inspiring, helps solidify the passion for what we are doing and teaches members the benefits are real, especially when I saw someone using a blanket we had made,” Rayanna said. The event is now an annual holiday tradition.

Other activities Rayanna enjoys and has inspired others to join include canteen services– providing snacks and water for first responders or residents impacted by local disasters, working with local businesses to help support blood drives and other activities, and learning CPR and other lifesaving skills. “I love the work that I do!” she said.

Wesley Leong, Red Cross volunteer

One of Wesley’s favorite Red Cross moments was during a Veterans Day gift drive, seeing how important the gifts were to those at a local VA hospital. Currently, he greatly enjoys connecting with and helping fellow volunteers aid their communities. He also offers advice and insight to help others succeed in college.

Both have also been inspired by their volunteer services. Rayanna credits the Red Cross as helping her choose her college major and career path. She will be attending The Ohio State University this fall, majoring in public policy and minoring in both education policy and nonprofit management.

Wesley, now in his junior year at Emory, credits much of his success and view of the world to his experience with the Red Cross. “I wouldn’t be where I am without the Red Cross,” he said. Wesley plans to attend graduate school and become a professor.

As busy as they are, both find time for other activities, and both especially love baking. Rayanna also participates in sports, including soccer, bowling, lacrosse, running and pickleball. Wesley also crochets and makes plushies.

When asked what they would say to someone thinking of joining or starting a Red Cross Club, both resoundingly said, “Do it!” Rayanna said, “You’ll make so many memories, meet so many people. I’ve listened, held people’s hands and understand things I may not have otherwise. You’ll experience things you won’t forget. You’ll also gain many skills like public speaking, communications and using Microsoft, which apply to future goals.” Wesley added, “There are so many opportunities, and the experience has helped in many ways. I will be forever grateful to the Red Cross.”

More on Red Cross Clubs and other youth volunteer opportunities is available a redcross.org/red-cross-youth.html.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross volunteer

Red Cross donation insights help bolster community health

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By Eilene Guy, American Red Cross volunteer

The American Red Cross provides some 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply. In the process of collecting, processing and distributing that vital fluid, the Red Cross plays an important role in many facets of community health.

Most of us know someone who’s received a lifesaving blood transfusion during surgery, trauma treatment or cancer care.

We all know that despite medical miracles, there’s no artificial substitute for the real thing: Blood from another living person.

Red Cross phlebotomists who screen us before drawing blood can pick up on blood pressure or iron deficiency issues. Lab professionals who test our blood for infectious diseases and compatibility can also identify pre-diabetes (A1c levels) before symptoms show up, among a host of other conditions.

And, incidentally, later this month is Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, so kudos to our 500 lab techs who keep the blood supply safe and identify the dozens of blood components that make hospital treatments and cell and gene therapies more effective.

Makenzie and Demeatrice Nance

Clevelander Makenzie Nance relies on that expertise. She’s one of more than 100,000 people in the United States living with sickle cell disease (SCD), most – but not all – of them Black or African Americans.

To alleviate acute pain “crises” and forestall organ damage, those sufferers may need as many as 100 units of blood every year – blood that Red Cross technicians process to be sure it has the unique antigens from donors of the same ethnic groups as SCD patients.

Makenzie is a sickle cell warrior who advocates for blood donation while her mom Demeatrice partners with the Red Cross to organize blood drives. “It could be my day today, or it could be your day tomorrow,” Demeatrice says.

Kristin Gype and her daughter

Dr. Kristin Gype wasn’t expecting it to be “her day” to receive blood as she prepared for the birth of her second child, but an emergency C-section delivery led to uncontrolled bleeding and an immediate hysterectomy.

During her struggle for life, Kristin received a whopping 52 units of blood! To put that into perspective, the average human body holds about 10 pints or “units” of blood.

Kristin, a nurse anesthetist, estimates it took up to 83 donors to produce all the blood products she needed that day.

“Those people had a ripple effect. They kept me alive, kept these two babies’ mommy alive. I get to go to work and take care of people and keep them alive,” she says.

Blood products have a short shelf-life, so the supply has to be constantly replenished. Elaine Rettig in Findlay is grateful blood was “on the shelf” when she needed seven units as she was giving birth.

“While the dreaded jab of a needle is not like a kiss from your sweetheart,” she says, “knowing you’ll be helping someone through a rough time in their life is an extra reward.”

The Red Cross is constantly working to make the donation process easier.  You can save time by using the RapidPass online health history tool on the day of your appointment, and many donation sites now use a transdermal device to check blood iron levels. No more finger sticks! The Red Cross operates dozens of blood drives across northern Ohio, as well as five dedicated collection sites for platelets and plasma, always in demand for treating traumatic injuries. To find a location near you, go to RedCrossBlood.org or download the free Red Cross blood donor app.

Honoring 50 Years of Excellence: Jean Lewis Retires from the Red Cross

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By Kathryn Dean, American Red Cross volunteer

In March of 1976, Jean Lewis was just coming off sick leave after the birth of her first child.  Upon learning that her former position at the local library had been filled in her absence, she was offered an alternative job. 

Jean Lewis, American Red Cross

“They put me in a room as long as Chester Avenue (filled) with index cards,” Jean mused. “They said that we are starting automation, and we are going to put all these cards in alphabetical order…and I looked at it and I said, oh no, not me!”

So, she left the library and headed down to the unemployment office.  After taking a typing test, she was offered a clerk position at the American Red Cross.  The starting pay was $1.98/hr, and she gratefully accepted.

“I have remained in the same department for the entire 50 years.” Jean proudly proclaimed.  “I never wanted to leave this department.”

That department is called Manufacturing, which manufactures the blood products that are collected through donations.  It has changed names over the course of her career, from Technical Services to Laboratory, and finally to Manufacturing. 

“I used to make all the forms that’s now out on the internet in the repository.  I used to make all of those forms on the typewriter,” Jean recalled. “I started out making a system up for the forms to be organized.  One of the things I give myself credit for at the Red Cross is that I’m very organized.”

Now, after 50 years, Jean is ready for the next phase of her life.  “I am going to retire this year, 2026.  It is now time for the younger generation to take over,” she reflected. “One of my mottos is, nobody’s job should shut down just because that person’s not here.  You should always have a backup.” 

During her career, she’s always taught others to do her job just in case something happened and she couldn’t be there.

Post-retirement, Jean plans to travel with her family in a 15-passenger van that she recently purchased.  “I have two grandkids, and my 35-year old, Down syndrome nephew.  They are the love of my life…we go a lot of places together.”

Jean celebrated 50 years with the Red Cross on March 26 of this year. 

Jackie Greene (left) and Jean Lewis, American Red Cross

On behalf of the American Red Cross, we wish Jean a very happy retirement, and thank her for her 50-years of service!  A warm congratulations also to Jackie Greene, who celebrated 55 years with the Red Cross on March 1st!

To conclude, a final word from Joel Prater, Manufacturing Manager, American Red Cross. “When they retire, the Red Cross will be losing two of the hardest working people with the greatest breadth of knowledge and experience imaginable, and it will take 4 people or more to cover all they do for us here.”

Local grandma offers cash to family who donate blood

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By EILENE E. GUY, American Red Cross volunteer

Elaine Rettig has made what she thinks is a “win-win” deal with her family: If they give blood to the American Red Cross, she gives them cash.

Elaine Rettig and her husband Al

For every pint of blood each of her three children, their spouses and seven grandchildren donates, they receive $100!  It’s $50 for an attempt to donate, even if it’s not successful.

And somewhere, someone – or two or three – will receive the gift of life when they need it most.

Elaine was one of those recipients more than 50 years ago when she needed an emergency C-section for the birth of her first child. It took seven units of blood to get her through the crisis.

Over the years, through two more kids and a career in nursing, Elaine donated 62 units of blood to “pay it forward.”

But that’s nothing compared to her husband Al’s generosity: When he makes his next donation in May, he will have given 144 pints of blood. That’s 18 gallons! That’s in addition to a couple of gallons he gave as a medic in the U.S. Navy, including on duty in Vietnam.

Elaine can no longer donate blood herself, but one night in bed, it occurred to her she might spur family members to carry on the mission. She was thinking about one of her granddaughters, who’s active in a high school Red Cross Club.

“What teenager can’t use an extra hundred dollars every couple of months,” she asked with a grin in her voice. She knows her grown children too appreciate the “little bit extra” from Mom, but no, Al isn’t in line for the cash award she adds, with her wry sense of humor.

Since starting the incentive program for her 13 family members less than a year and a half ago, Elaine has accounted for 33 units of blood and three unsuccessful attempts. After 10 donations or attempts per person, she figures the habit should be established and she’ll pay in advance for the next 10 donations.

She thinks of this as a form of early inheritance transfer.

As a retired nurse, Elaine knows that the testing involved with blood donation can uncover silent health problems. In fact, one of her granddaughters tested too low for hemoglobin in a pre-donation screening: It turned out she was anemic and really needed iron supplements. Elaine considers that a win at a blood drive, even without a unit collected.

By the way, the Red Cross is doing free A1c tests on all units donated during March, to screen for prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes. Red Cross data shows one in five blood donors has an elevated A1c level, which can often be controlled with lifestyle changes before the condition develops further. As the nation’s largest blood supplier, the Red Cross is uniquely positioned to alert otherwise healthy donors to undiagnosed anemia, diabetes and hypertension.

“While the dreaded jab of a needle is not like a kiss from your sweetheart, knowing you will be helping someone through a rough time in their life is an extra reward,” this wise grandma in Findlay said.

To schedule a blood donation this month and get the free A1c test and a $15 Amazon gift card, to go RedCrossBlood.org/March or download the free American Red Cross Blood Donor app.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross volunteer

Acts of Courage: 30 years of honoring local heroes

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By Ryan Lang, American Red Cross

The American Red Cross of Greater Akron and the Mahoning Valley has been celebrating everyday heroes from the local community for the past 30 years with the annual Acts of Courage event in Akron. On March 5, 2026, the chapter celebrated its 30th and final Acts of Courage event marking the end of an era.

Rachel Stine, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Greater Akron and the Mahoning Valley

“It’s been an absolute honor to be a part of the Acts of Courage event for over 10 years,” said Rachel Stine, Executive Director, Red Cross of Greater Akron and Mahoning Valley. “This event has showcased those who truly care about community and embody the spirit of the Red Cross.”

In fact, the entire event has embodied the spirit of the Red Cross for decades, and the grand finale was no different. From a Red Cross volunteer saving a life at a local restaurant, to one of our youngest recipients, a seven-year-old girl, calling for help when no one else heard her neighbor, the acts of courage that were on display were astounding.

Jack McCabe, 2026 H. Peter Burg Community Leadership Award recipient

We also honored this year’s H. Peter Burg Community Leadership Award recipient, Jack McCabe. Jack is a longtime board member and Vice President and General Manager for the Utility Vegetation Management division of Davey Resource Group. Jack is a true servant leader and is making a difference in his community and beyond every day.

See all of the photos from the event here, and tap the videos below to hear the stories from our heroes themselves. Also, below is a short vignette that takes you on a journey from where the Red Cross in Greater and Akron the Mahoning Valley was, is, and will be.

As for what the future holds, Rachel says, “You will see your Red Cross over the next 30 years continue to honor even more heroes every day with volunteers serving and meeting the needs of communities near and far.”

Acts of Courage awards recipients:

Chris’ Red Cross training kicked in when a student at the Medina County Career Center needed it most:

Ashley utilized lifesaving skills she learned through the Red Cross to help a coworker in distress:

Evelyn is proof that heroes come in all sizes:

Jeff is a healthcare worker and an everyday citizen who stepped up in someone else’s time of need:

Red Cross volunteer Jennifer was out getting a bite to eat and noticed a man choking:

Twinsburg Fire and Police, along with the dispatch team, were honored for the team effort to save a baby from a home fire:

30 Years of Acts of Courage in Greater Akron and the Mahoning Valley:

From home fire to happy

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Toledo mom grateful for Red Cross assistance following devastating fire

By Jim McIntyre, American Red Cross volunteer

“This is the first time in my adult life I’ve actually been content.” That quote may not seem to make much sense, coming from someone who suffered a home fire less than a month before.  But that’s not how Ashley Jackson sees it.

“Everything happens for a reason, even the bad stuff,” said the Toledo school bus driver, referring to the fire that destroyed much of her home on January 29, 2026.  “So many blessings have come from it.”

Ashley Jackson (bottom right), Okikechukwu Emeana (left), Chibueze Emeana (center)

Ashley was able to escape safely with her two young sons and their cat at about 4:30 the morning the fire tore through the upstairs of their home.  She said she had no idea what to do or where to go.  She had no insurance, and she thought she and her children were going to have to sleep in their car. That’s when she was told to call the American Red Cross, where she connected with a caseworker.

“You guys jumped right into action,” Ashley said, by helping her stay focused and calm.  “I thought I was OK, but I just busted out in tears, and she (the Red Cross caseworker) stayed on the phone with me the entire time and consoled me and helped me stay strong for my kids.  Because once I started crying, they started crying!”

The Red Cross was able to give Ashley immediate financial assistance for an extended stay in a hotel, where she and her children spent the first week following the fire.  She said they also connected her with other resources for clothes and basic necessities.

“They were checking up on me about every day, maybe twice a day, through calls and text messages.  Just being very kind, and, I don’t know…human.”

Like many people, Ashley was unaware of the help the Red Cross offers to people in her situation.

“I thought it was like some organization that helped foreign countries,” she said. 

In Northern Ohio alone, the Red Cross responds to more than 3 home fires every 24 hours, offering the same compassionate care and financial assistance that Ashley and her family received. And most of that help is provided by volunteers. 

And now, Ashley is considering becoming a Red Cross volunteer.

“I’m happy.  Everybody’s safe. We’re getting back into a routine. Being on the receiving end, I want to give back.”

Anyone who wants to give back and help their neighbors in need can visit redcross.org/volunteer to learn more about the many ways the Red Cross offers to help make our communities safer and more resilient.