Author Archives: American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Donate Blood in March and receive a free A1C screening

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By: Kathryn Dean, American Red Cross volunteer

The American Red Cross of Northern Ohio is helping to bridge access to health care for blood donors by providing free A1C testing, commonly used to screen for diabetes and prediabetes, on all successful blood, platelet and plasma donations in March.

One-third of people lack access to regular primary care in the U.S., where diabetes affects 1 in 10 people and nearly a quarter of those living with it have been undiagnosed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The free A1C screening aims to help address this gap by empowering blood donors with valuable information to maintain their health and well-being.

What is the hemoglobin A1C test?  This is a common laboratory blood test that doctors use to help diagnose diabetes or prediabetes. Unlike a blood glucose test (or blood sugar test) which provides an instant snapshot of your current blood sugar levels, A1C reflects the average blood sugar levels of an individual over the past 3 months. This gives doctors a better idea of where your blood sugar typically lies, outside of the daily fluctuations.

Why is this important for me? It is estimated that there are over 8.7 million people in the U.S. living with undiagnosed prediabetes or diabetes. Type 2 diabetes accounts for over 90% of all cases and often remains symptomless until damage has been done. Untreated diabetes can lead to plaque build-up in the blood vessels which in turn puts you at greater risk for a stroke or heart attack. The eyes, kidneys, nerves, and skin are particularly vulnerable to the effects of decreased blood flow due to high glucose levels in the blood.  Fortunately, prediabetes is reversible with lifestyle changes, so early detection is key.

Blood donor, Audrey Savage
Photo by Michelle Frankfurter for the American Red Cross

How should I prepare for my donation?  No fasting is required for the A1C test or any other special preparation. Just be sure you are feeling well on the day of donation by getting enough rest, staying hydrated, and eating a well-balanced meal.

When will I get my results? You can expect your results within one to two weeks of your donation. Results will be posted on the Red Cross Donor App or through your donor’s account at RedCrossBlood.org.

What do my results mean?  An A1C test result of 5.7% or above will require follow-up with your primary care physician. Your doctor will be able to diagnose and guide you through an appropriate treatment plan. 

To learn more about the A1C test, pre-diabetes and diabetes, check out this informational page at the Red Cross website HERE. Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App HERE to schedule your next donation and view your donation history and test results.

World Cancer Day: The power of platelets and other blood products

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By Ryan Lang, American Red Cross board member and volunteer

I was just a small child when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. In fact, most of my childhood she was in remission. That is, until she wasn’t. I was 12 or 13 when it came back more aggressively. I was 16 when she eventually passed away.

Rosalie and Ryan Lang

Trips to the doctor’s office and hospital were commonplace throughout my early teen years. No one doctor visit really stood out. What did stand out were the times my father and my aunts and uncles went to donate platelets on behalf of my mother. I was young and naive and thought they were specifically for mom. I later realized they were donating to replenish the supply of platelets.

Due to their short shelf life, hospitals require a consistent supply of platelets. That’s why donors like my dad, aunts and uncles, and you are critical to helping the American Red Cross replenish that supply.

February 4 is World Cancer Day, a day that touches many of us who have either had the disease or know someone who has fought the tough battle against it. Almost two million new cases may occur this year, according to experts, and blood products will be important for many of these patients in their fight against cancer.

Blood is so important during their treatment that patients fighting cancer use nearly one quarter of the nation’s blood supply — more than patients fighting any other disease. The Red Cross asks you to schedule a time to donate blood now to help cancer patients and so many others.

CANCER PATIENTS NEED BLOOD — THE FACTS

  • One in three people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime.
  • Many of these patients, especially those undergoing chemotherapy, will likely have a need for blood products.
  • In fact, about six blood products are needed every minute to help someone going through cancer treatment.
  • Low blood count is a major side effect of cancer treatment. Some types of chemotherapy can damage bone marrow, reducing red blood cell and platelet production and putting a person at risk for life-threatening infections or bleeding.
  • The cancer itself can cause the need for blood and platelet transfusions by causing internal bleeding or preventing the patient’s body from producing blood cells.
Grady, Krista, Ed, and Dylan Fink

My friend Dylan and his family know the importance of blood and platelet donors. At just 14- years-old, Dylan was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He’s in remission now, but that hasn’t stopped him and his family from paying it forward and organizing their own blood drives through the Red Cross.

Some cancer patients require more blood products than others. That was the case with Casey, who discovered she had cancer when she was ten weeks pregnant. She said, “Giving blood helps not just the person receiving it, by helping with their disease, but it truly helps that person’s family and friends as well.”

To find out more about donating platelets, click here. And, to schedule your appointment to give blood, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or download the free Red Cross Blood App.

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

Resolve to volunteer in 2025

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By EILENE E. GUY, American Red Cross volunteer

As we slide toward the beginning of a new year — Can it really be almost 2025?! — many of us look to a new year’s resolution.

Self improvement, better money management, leaving bad habits behind. All of them fine goals, aimed at personal satisfaction.

But how about joy? How about excitement?

Red Cross volunteer Jeff Mann of Stark County, left, during a 2022 deployment to Alaska in response to extreme weather.

That’s what hundreds of thousands of American Red Cross volunteers say they get from their chosen activities.

Here, I could quote from the hundreds of volunteers I’ve interviewed as a Red Cross disaster public affairs volunteer and now as a volunteer blogger.

But let me be personal: Every time I put a Red Cross activity on my calendar, I feel the joy, the excitement of knowing that my time will be spent helping my fellow man (or woman, or kid!).

Eilene Guy’s first disaster deployment in response to wildfires at Grant’s Pass, OR, in August 2002 with the late Bud Crick, twice nominated for a Pulitzer prize. “I figured if I could work with folks like that, the Red Cross was for me,” said Eilene.

To me, volunteering isn’t an obligation, although “giving back” is a worthy sentiment. Volunteering lifts me up, knowing I can fill a role no one else is filling. I get to choose my activity, my time commitment and my location (at home or away).

I didn’t step forward to the Red Cross 35-plus years ago. I was asked.

So now I’m asking you: Please resolve to volunteer for one of the many roles that make the Red Cross the foremost humanitarian service organization in our nation.

Teach kids how to swim, how to prepare for disaster or how to babysit. Teach adults first aid, CPR and the use of an AED. Get trained for one of the many roles in a major disaster response. (The Red Cross is responding to almost twice as many large disasters as we did a decade ago.) Donate blood or advocate for folks who suffer from Sickle Cell Disease. Become part of a chapter office staff in your community.

Here in northern Ohio, we need to expand the ranks for several key services:

Disaster Action Team: DAT members help families in their communities after a home fire or other disaster. They provide emotional support, emergency financial assistance and information to help families begin to recover.

Hero Care Network: Caseworkers support members of the military, their families and our veterans, providing free, confidential emergency communications and critical services to military families all over the world.

Blood Donor Ambassadors: These folks greet donors at blood drives, get them registered, answer questions and help them at the refreshment table after their donation.

Blood Transportation Specialists: These volunteers deliver blood from our testing and processing facilities to hospitals across northern Ohio. This is a great opportunity for anyone who enjoys driving, meeting new people and being part of a lifesaving chain of medical support.

If these activities don’t ring your bell, there are lots of other ways to engage with the Red Cross that can add joy, excitement, even good old self improvement, to your 2025. Check out Redcross.org/volunteer to explore all the options.

And please have a healthy, safe and joyous new year!

Don’t Be the Griswolds

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By Mary Falconer-Williams, American Red Cross volunteer

Introduction by Ryan Lang, American Red Cross board member and volunteer

When Clark Griswold’s dad was teaching him everything he knew about exterior illumination, perhaps a lesson on safeguarding his home during the holidays was in order. Anyone who’s seen the classic “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” knows that everything that can go wrong, does go wrong for the Griswolds. But maybe, if Clark had been better prepared with tips from the American Red Cross, things may have gone more smoothly for him.

When you are decorating for the holidays, it’s so tempting – I know! – to load up one plug beyond its capacity. Why would they make it so you can daisy chain a set of lights if they didn’t mean for you to do so? And if I just need the wire to stretch one foot more, why can’t I just plug a power strip into a power strip into the extension cord?

The U.S. Fire Administration states on its website, “In 2021, an estimated 24,200 residential building electrical fires were reported to United States fire departments.”

Additionally, the National Fire Protection Agency indicates that December is the leading month for home fires in the U.S. According to them an annual average of 155 home fires were the result of Christmas tree fires, with electrical distribution or lighting equipment involved in more than two in five home Christmas tree fires.

Another way to make to protect yourself from home fires? You’re your home safely during cold weather. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), space heaters are most often responsible for home heating fires. Follow these tips on how to safely heat your home:

● If you must use a space heater, never leave it unattended. Place it on a level, hard, and nonflammable surface, such as a ceramic tile floor. Don’t place it on rugs and carpets, or near bedding and drapes.
● Plug space heater power cords directly into outlets — never into an extension cord. Turn the space heater off every time you leave the room or go to sleep.
● Keep children, pets, and anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment.
● Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.
● Never leave a fire burning in the fireplace unattended. Make sure any embers in the fireplace are extinguished before going to bed or leaving home. Use a glass or metal fire screen to keep embers in the fireplace.
● Have furnaces, chimneys, fireplaces, wood, and coal stoves inspected annually by a professional and cleaned if necessary.

The NFPA also indicates that Christmas Day and Christmas Eve were the second and third-leading days of the year for home cooking fires, respectively, in 2022. So, as you’re putting the fixings for your holiday meal on the stove, keep these tips in mind:

● Stand by your pan. If you leave the kitchen, turn the burner off.
● What you are cooking. Fires start when the heat is too high. If you see any smoke or the grease starts to boil, turn the burner off.
● Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so that no one can bump them or pull them over.
● Keep a pan lid or baking sheet nearby. Use it to cover the pan if it catches on fire. This will put out the fire.
● Installing smoke alarms can help save lives, but make sure it is 10 feet or more away from your cooking surface.

RED CROSS TIPS to help protect your family this season, and year-round: test your smoke alarms monthly and practice your home fire escape plan until everyone can escape in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to get out of a burning home before it’s too late.

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

Local teacher inspires students to give the gift of life through blood donations

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By Kathryn Dean, American Red Cross volunteer

It’s already nearing mid-December and with the holiday season in full swing, the spirit of giving is on many of our hearts and minds. As we grow older, we learn to appreciate the fulfillment that giving to others brings. This year, as we consider ways to give back, either through gifts, service, or charity, let’s remember one other significant way that we can help – by giving the gift of life through blood donations.

Merrylou Windhorst and St. Vincent – St. Mary High school teacher Heidi Tripp

Merrylou Windhorst knows the importance of giving back to the community. She has been doing it throughout her almost 80 years of life (she’ll reach her milestone birthday on Christmas day this year).As a teacher at St. Vincent – St. Mary High School (St. V’s) in Akron and now as a volunteer for the last 50 years, Merrylou has been mentoring students and organizing blood drives through the American Red Cross, giving back to the community that she loves.

Merrylou started out as a student at Our Lady of Elms Catholic school. After graduation, she stayed on as religious sister at the Elms for 11 years before feeling called to do something else. That something else was to become a mother and a teacher, and thus starting her work at St. V’s. During her tenure, she worked as a health and physical education teacher, as well as teaching theology and coaching softball.

Her interest in health and well-being led her to start a program at St. V’s about 40 years ago that she still leads and is still going strong today, the Future Medics program. Recently she has expanded the program to include students from her alma mater, Our Lady of the Elms. In it, students who have an interest in the medical field meet up once a month and learn about career options and hear from alumni who have found success in medicine. Students also help to run three blood drives per school year, something that she brought to the school over 20 years ago.

“As a teacher I’ve always said ‘don’t just think of yourself as a ME, turn the M upside down and it becomes a W, becomes WE’… and that’s kind of what I have done as a teacher and especially at Future Medics and at blood drives. It’s time to give to other people.”

High school students who are 16, with a parent’s permission, can donate blood. Students can also volunteer to work at the blood drives. Either way, they earn service hours for graduation, an important part of the culture at St. V’s. Merrylou is so proud of her students and their willingness to go above and beyond for their community.

“I’m always honored and amazed at these young people at age 16, and it’s gotta be scary to roll up their sleeve and give blood.”

She said with the students help, they often make or exceed their donation goals. Their next blood drive is scheduled for Jan. 22 at the school and is open to the public.

“You think about, when can you save a life? How can we ever in our life, other when you stop and give CPR to somebody on the side of the road, who can say, ‘I’ve saved lives?’”

Recently Merrylou received recognition from the Red Cross for her over 20 years of service in organizing blood drives.

If you’re considering donating and giving the gift of life this holiday season, join us at the annual holiday blood drive at the Sheraton Suites in Cuyahoga Falls on Dec. 17 from 7am-7pm. There will be refreshments and raffles all day, and all donors will receive a free, long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt!

Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross volunteer

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

Celebrating Veteran Moms: A Heartfelt Baby Shower

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By Jill Patterson, Senior Regional Philanthropy Officer and Tiffany Circle Staff Lead

The American Red Cross Northern Ohio Tiffany Circle Women’s Leadership Society, in collaboration with Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces, recently hosted a memorable event with the Cleveland VA Medical Center at their Parma location. This special occasion, known as “A Very Merry Baby Shower,” was dedicated to honoring and supporting our women veteran Moms-to-Be.

The event was a beautiful partnership between the Tiffany Circle, the VA, Blue Star Moms, and the Auxiliary Moms. Together, they created a welcoming and supportive environment, providing baby bundles filled with essential items such as diapers, wipes, bottles, bath wash, Desitin, pacifiers, blankets, onesies, and much more. These thoughtful gifts were a testament to the community’s commitment to caring for our veteran mothers.

Our expectant mothers were treated like VIPs throughout the event.  One of the highlights was the Mind and Body Workshop, presented by Red Cross volunteer Jackie Otte. This workshop offered valuable relaxation and breathing techniques, equipping the moms with skills that will be beneficial both now and in the future.

Upon arrival, each guest received a raffle ticket, giving them a chance to win beautifully crafted diaper cakes and a variety of $25 gift cards, other miscellaneous baby items and a stroller, all generously donated by supporters. Additionally, there was a grab table featuring hand-knitted blankets and outfits, as well as a table filled with gender-specific clothing. The moms were encouraged to take anything they needed from these tables, ensuring they left with plenty of useful items for their new arrivals.

“A Very Merry Baby Shower” was more than just an event; it was a heartfelt expression of gratitude and support for our women veterans. It brought together different parts of the community to celebrate and assist those who have served our country, making it a truly special day for everyone involved.

Mike’s Thanksgiving message

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By Mike Parks, Rear Admiral (Retired) U.S. Coast Guard
Regional CEO American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Cynthia and Mike Parks

Friends and family of the American Red Cross of Northern Ohio—greetings!!!  This week our nation will celebrate Thanksgiving Day.  Throughout the years, Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays—family & friends, food & football, feasting & fellowship–what’s not to like (especially if you’re alliterative)?? 

As I’ve enjoyed more Thanksgivings over the years, I’ve come to truly appreciate the real meaning of this national holiday filled with so many traditions—that is giving thanks and sharing gratitude!!  We have so much to for which to be grateful!! 

I hope everyone can take some time during this holiday week to reflect on our blessings and share our gratitude.  Every day so many people rely on the support and services provided by the American Red Cross.  For those who will be continuing to serve our communities over the holiday—thank you for your sacrifice!! 

So, wherever this Thanksgiving holiday finds you, please know I’m grateful for you!  I wish you and your loved ones a most wonderfully memorable and Happy Thanksgiving!!  Please stay safe and well—enjoy this special time!!  Best wishes… Mike

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

Will you be there for patients in need?

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By Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

Look at me! I’m a blood donor, could I be wearing any more clothes?!

Ryan Lang, Blood Donor and Friends enthusiast

The short answer: yes! I could have a fun pair of “Friends” socks courtesy of the American Red Cross when I donate blood over the next few weeks.

To celebrate 30 years of the iconic TV show “Friends,” the Red Cross is asking donors to grab their bestie and make donating blood a holiday tradition. Those who come to give now through December 8th, 2024, will receive two pairs of custom “Friends” + Red Cross socks, while supplies last – one to keep and one to give to a friend.

Friends x Red Cross socks

Everything’s better with friends, especially giving lifesaving blood. Not only does it strengthen the bond of friendship, but it also doubles the impact in the community.

A couple of things to remember before donating:

  • Sleep! Whether that’s taking a great nap with your friend, a la Joey and Ross in “The One with the Nap Partners,” or a good night’s sleep in your own bed, be sure and rest up.
  • Hydrate! And we’re not talking about a latte at Central Perk. Water is essential. Plan on drinking an extra 16 ounces of H20 the day of your donation.
  • Eat! Iron rich foods are recommended, like eggs, meat, spinach, and more. Remember, Joey doesn’t share food, and you shouldn’t either – not on donation day.

So grab a friend and visit redcrossblood.org to schedule your donation appointment today! And if you download the Red Cross Blood Donor app, you and your friend can track where your donation goes through the “blood journey” feature.

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

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By Gail Wernick, Regional Volunteer Services Officer, American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

As I begin my 15th year with the American Red Cross, I would like to share a message of appreciation to the truly special Red Cross team and volunteers with whom I have had the privilege of working to deliver our mission.

This fall I deployed for the first time in-person to be a part of the Hurricane Helene Disaster Relief Operation in Asheville, North Carolina. On deployment, I joined a team of dedicated Red Crossers to share volunteer opportunities with surrounding communities.  Due to intermittent internet availability, the team often connected with new volunteers personally to complete volunteer intake to begin volunteering as soon as possible! The Disaster Event Based and Local Community Volunteer teams supported volunteer scheduling, with more than 200 calls/texts to coordinate and prepare for the volunteers’ engagement. The team created volunteer recognition messaging and unique ways to say THANK YOU!  Each day, some more than 12 hours, was filled with new experiences, learning quickly, and adjusting to the evolving needs of the disaster operation. I will always remember my Red Cross deployment experience and the kind people I met, who inspired me and helped make a meaningful difference each day.

Thank you for delivering service in the community to help your neighbors when needed most. Your efforts are greatly appreciated, and we are most grateful for your service as a Red Cross Disaster volunteer.

Featured in the photo above, Red Cross volunteer deployment team members, disaster event based and local community volunteers from Asheville, North Carolina.

Glen McCandless, a disaster event based volunteer, featured on the far right in the photo above, volunteered at the AG Center every day for two weeks consecutively. He said, “Volunteering at the shelter and helping others in the midst of so much devastation is like salve for the soul.”

The Red Cross shelter supervisors we met extended their sincere appreciation for the dedicated disaster volunteers from the local community who tirelessly volunteered, many whose own lives and homes have been impacted by the disaster, to prepare and serve meals and offer support. Whether a volunteer gave two hours or several days of their time to help, we are grateful to them for helping deliver the Red Cross mission! 

More than 1,400 Disaster Event Based Volunteers joined the Red Cross in North & South Carolina this October and November, engaging in more than 640 volunteer commitments to provide comfort, care and hope by assembling and distributing emergency supplies, preparing and serving meals, setting up and cleaning up and supporting residents impacted by Hurricane Helene. 

The Red Cross is here to help make your volunteer experience the best it can be! Please continue to volunteer with us and encourage your friends and family to join you. Thank you for exploring and sharing our most-needed ongoing volunteer opportunities at www.redcross.org/volunteer.  We are working hard to prepare for, respond to and help communities recover from disaster. Become a part of the Red Cross Disaster Action Team at www.redcross.org/dat.

Red Cross needs professionals to aid service members, veterans and their families

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By Eilene E. Guy, American Red Cross volunteer

Everyone knows (or should know!) that the American Red Cross excels at recruiting volunteers for a variety of important activities: giving blood; offering shelter, food and support for disaster victims; teaching swimming and lifesaving; responding with first aid and CPR/AED.

May 2, 2024. Lawton, Oklahoma. The American Red Cross provides comfort kits to all new recruits soon after their arrival at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. Often, Red Cross volunteers are the first faces new service members see after they take their Oath of Enlistment and the last before they say goodbye to their families prior to deployment. A Red Crosser will be there to share how the Red Cross can support military members and their families through the Hero Care Network and other programs. Photo by Scott Dalton/American Red Cross

Did you know we also recruit licensed behavioral health professionals to help members of our armed forces and their families deal with the challenges of deployment and life on the home front?

The Red Cross Resiliency Program is a suite of free activities, virtual workshops and small-group discussions that focus on skill-building and stress-management techniques. Facilitators get special training from the Red Cross on military life and culture.

Dr. Alaina Foster, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, manages Service to the Armed Forces and International Services for the Northern Ohio Region. She’s impressed with programs that build on the resiliency veterans already have.

“I recently attended a Mind/Body workshop that taught me helpful breathing techniques I can use without anyone noticing. I’m glad I was able to participate!”

The Resiliency Program focuses on three areas:

  • Coping with Deployments: A Psychological First Aid Course – Facilitator-led instruction, role play and group discussion for adult family members of service members facing upcoming deployment, current deployment and/or recent deployment.
  • Adult Reconnection Workshops – Support for service members, veterans and their families to effectively cope with the challenges related to the transitions within military life through hands- on interactive activities. Topics include stress solutions, trauma talk, emotional grit, and tools for the caregivers of wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans.
  • Child Reconnection Workshops – Providing developmentally appropriate evidenced based strategies to help military children navigate the challenges of transitions within military life.

Obviously, the quality of these programs depends on skilled facilitators. Our military members, veterans and their families deserve trained professionals.

Debra Kellar, who specializes in volunteer engagement for the Red Cross in northern Ohio, is eager to recruit more facilitators.

“Volunteers who have careers as licensed behavioral health professionals are an asset to the Red Cross workforce. Their specialized training allows us to connect with active military members and their families through workshops that are tailored to the unique experiences/culture of this audience.”

If you’re a licensed behavioral health professional who feels called to help our men and women in uniform, and their families, build reconnection and resiliency skills, please email NEOvolunteer@redcross.org or call 216-431-3328.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross volunteer

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer