Author Archives: American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Four ways to stay safe this 4th of July

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By Samantha Pudelski, American Red Cross volunteer

Fourth of July plans usually include fireworks, barbeques, and spending time near
water to stay cool in the warm July sun. Whether you plan to do all of these things or
just one of them, the American Red Cross wants you to enjoy a safe and fun fourth of
July holiday. Think of these four areas of safety this holiday weekend:

  1. Fireworks Safety
     The safest way to enjoy fireworks is by attending a public firework show that
    is put on by professionals.
     If you are planning to set off fireworks at home, make sure to:
    o Light fireworks at a safe distance from people, animals, structures,
    vehicles or anything that is flammable. Do not point or throw
    fireworks anyone or anything.
    o Never give fireworks to small children.
    o Follow the instructions on the fireworks packaging.
    o Have a supply of water close as a precaution.
    o If you the person lighting the fireworks, wear eye protection.
    o Only light one firework at a time. Never attempt to relight a “dud.”
    o Store fireworks away from children and pets, in a cool, dry place.
     There are many free community fireworks displays throughout Northern
    Ohio planned for the July 4 th weekend. Visit your city’s website for details or
    the links below to find fireworks displays near you.
    o Northern Ohio area fireworks
    o Youngstown area fireworks
    o Northwest Ohio, Southeast Michigan area fireworks

  2. Water Safety
     Anyone near water, whether it is a pool, lake, water park or other body of
    water, should know how to swim.
     At minimum, everyone should have water competency, meaning they can
    enter the water, take a breath, stay afloat, change positions, swim for a
    distance and get out of the water safely.
     Always swim in an area where lifeguards are on duty.
     Get out of the water at the first sign of thunder or lightning. Stay indoors and
    away from water at least 30 minutes after the last streak of lightning or roar
    of thunder.
     Watch children in or near the water closely and constantly.
     Pools and spas should be fenced with adequate, four-sided fencing.
     Children and inexperienced swimmers should wear a properly fitted U.S.
    Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Everyone on a boat should wear a life
    jacket, regardless of their ability to swim.

 If swimming in an open body of water, such as a lake, river or ocean, make
sure to swim with a buddy and walk carefully into open waters.
 If you get caught in a rip current, stay calm and try not to panic. Signal to
those on shore that you need help. Swim parallel to the shore until free of the
current and then swim towards the shore.

  1. Grilling Safety
     Grilling sparks more then 10,000 home fires each year.
     Always supervise a barbeque grill when it’s being used.
     Never grill indoors or in any enclosed area.
     Make sure people and pets stay away from the grill.
     Keep the grill away from the house, deck, tree branches or anything that
    could catch fire.
     Never add charcoal-started fluid to coals that have already been lit.

  2. Heat Safety
     Stay hydrated – drink enough water to help prevent heat illness.
     Make a plan to stay cool during the hottest parts of the day.
     Gather emergency supplies – create a kit for your home and when you’re on
    the go.
     Learn how to recognize and respond to heat illness. Learn CPR and first aid.

Bonus Number 5: Have some Free Time this Fourth of July? Donate Blood and
See a Movie

This July, The Red Cross, has teamed up with Universal Pictures’ new film,
TWISTERS to help avoid a summer blood shortage. Anyone who comes to give blood
or platelets with the Red Cross between July 1 and July 31 will get a Fandango Movie
Ticket via email. Learn more about the partnership and get more details here.

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

First-time blood donor leads efforts to increase donations to aid those with sickle cell disease

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By Eilene E. Guy, American Red Cross volunteer

When Dr. LaTrice Snodgrass puts her mind to a project, she goes all in.

Recently, she partnered with the American Red Cross and others to stage a blood drive targeted at the Black community, to benefit people living with sickle cell disease (SCD).

Dr. LaTrice Snodgrass and Kim Kroh, executive director of the Heartland, Stark and Muskingam Lakes chapter of the Red Cross

Not only did she spearhead the event, she literally rolled up her sleeve to donate blood – for the first time.

Through this donation, LaTrice learned that her blood is negative for three components, which makes her an ideal SCD donor. Blood transfusions from donors like LaTrice are vital to let SCD patients live comfortable, healthy lives.

LaTrice knows the importance of blood donations from her own racial community. More than 100,000 Americans — mostly African Americans — have sickle cell disease, which causes acute pain and over time damages vital organs. Her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, put out a national call to boost donations from African Americans. “I told my sisters, we need to do this,” she said.

“I know there is a resistance in the Black community to trusting the medical establishment, but we have to overcome that. Our blood is truly lifesaving.” she said, explaining her decision to give blood for the first time, despite not being enthusiastic about needles.

SCD is an inherited condition that distorts soft, round red blood cells, turning them hard and crescent shaped. As a result, blood can’t flow smoothly to carry oxygen throughout the body, causing fatigue, severe pain, tissue and organ damage and even strokes.

Kim Kroh, executive director of the Heartland, Stark and Muskingam Lakes chapter of the Red Cross, was delighted to support LaTrice’s initiative. The project soon recruited the Strong Family Wellness Weekend, sponsored by Sean and Shaheedrah Strong, as well as the Black Nurses Association, Akron Children’s Hospital and Beacon Charitable Pharmacy, where LaTrice serves as CEO.

The drive at the Canton Civic Center exceeded its collection goal and, importantly, involved a lot of first-time donors.

“When the time comes for me to donate again, I plan to. And I’m going to reach out to my sorority sisters and friends to remind them that they need to donate again too,” she said.

Kim Kroh from the Red Cross, who has been giving blood for years, was on hand to support LaTrice through her first “poke.”

“I have a passion for (the cause of) sickle cell,” Kim said. “I know a teenager with sickle cell. What they go through is just terrible.”

The Red Cross supplies some 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply and launched a specific Sickle Cell Initiative three years ago to boost blood collection for this set of recipients.

Although Kim’s blood isn’t uniquely beneficial for SCD patients, it’s also vital: Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, to deal with complications of childbirth, treatment for cancer, surgery or emergency room trauma.

To learn more about SCD or to make an appointment to donate blood, visit RedCrossBlood.org, use the free Blood Donor App or call 1-800-REDCROSS.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross volunteer

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

Recognizing blood donors on World Blood Donor Day

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Increased need for donors during summer months

By Eilene E. Guy, American Red Cross volunteer

Why in the world would anybody willingly roll up a sleeve and take a needle jab, to give up a bag of precious blood?

“My mother, she gave I don’t know how many gallons,” one donor recently told me. This middle-aged daughter was honoring her late mother’s example of generosity.

Eilene E. Guy, Red Cross volunteer and blood donor

“Back in 1970, a friend of mine was going to have surgery, so I went to Cleveland to donate for him,” another donor recalled. With his donation the day we talked, that man was approaching his 35-gallon mark!

On this, World Blood Donor Day, the American Red Cross salutes the estimated 6.8 million people in the U.S. who donate blood. That yields about 13.6 million units (a “unit” of blood is about one pint) of whole blood and red blood cells a year.

That’s a whole lot of blood!

But consider: Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood or platelets. That amounts to some 29,000 units of red blood cells every day.

And this isn’t an option. Blood is saving the lives of critically injured emergency room patients, mothers and newborns experiencing complications of childbirth and folks having surgery. It’s sustaining hundreds of thousands of people undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer and tens of thousands who rely on blood transfusions to cope with the effects of sickle cell disease.

We’re fortunate to live in an age of modern medicine, but one challenge remains: There’s no way to “manufacture” blood.

So until that magic day, it’s a measure of our humanity that so many donors step forward to save the lives of others – in most cases, people they’ll never know.

The fact is, only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood every year. That often leaves the supply agonizingly short. Over the last month, for example, the Red Cross collected about 20,000 fewer units of blood than needed to maintain a safe and stable national blood supply.

That’s worrisome, because blood donations typically drop during the summer months. At the same time, the need doesn’t stop.

Which brings us back to the source, blood donors.

I know from personal experience that it takes about an hour to go through the whole process: Screening to be sure I’m healthy and don’t have any disqualifications (The U.S. Food and Drug Administration decides what that would be, such as exposure to communicable diseases like malaria, or recent tattoos or piercings.); donating; and recovery (Water, juice and snacks are encouraged to jump-start the body’s replacement of the blood removed.)

You don’t need to know your blood type to make a blood donation. And if you think you’ve been disqualified, give it another try: You, or the rules, may have changed.

You can schedule your blood donation by using the free Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 

On this World Blood Donor Day and every day, “bravo” to those who make the choice to save or sustain a life.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross volunteer

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

Give blood and get a free Cedar Point ticket

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By Samantha Pudelski, American Red Cross volunteer

It’s almost summer, which means lots of time at the pool, summer barbeques, vacations and trips to Cedar Point. It’s also when blood donations tend to decline, as donors are busy with all of their summer activities. Unfortunately, the need for blood is constant in our community and across the country, and we need donors like you to help ensure those who need blood are able to receive it.

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. This includes accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients and those battling cancer.

This summer, the American Red Cross and Cedar Fair theme parks are teaming up again to encourage donors to help save lives this summer. All you need to do is donate blood at select blood drives through August 1st and you’ll receive a free Cedar Point ticket.*

To find a Cedar Point blood drive near you and schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code “CEDARPOINT”. Appointments for these blood drives are highly encouraged.**

*All those who come to donate at select blood drives will receive one free ticket, valid for entry to Cedar Point, while supplies last. Tickets are valid during the 2024 season and other restrictions may apply. Check park website for information on capacity, open dates and hours.

**Donors without appointments are not guaranteed a Cedar Point ticket, as
supplies are limited.

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

As extreme weather events increase, so does the need for Red Cross services and volunteers

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2024 is predicted to be an extremely active year

By Tim Poe, American Red Cross Volunteer

Polyrhythms of raindrops drum at the window, accented by rolling bellows of thunder, a severe late May storm approaches. Lights flicker. I am relieved the roof, damaged weeks ago, has finally been repaired. Yet as a Northern Ohio resident I am fortunate, as the region is less prone to natural disasters. Earlier, I watched reports from the latest of this spring’s tornado outbreaks. Amidst the catastrophic scenes, as always, American Red Cross volunteers and staff members are there, ensuring those impacted have food, shelter, care, comfort, and resources to begin recovering.

March 30, 2023. Amory, Mississippi. Red Crosser Eric Besson examines damage to a home on Thursday in Amory, Miss. As many as 2,000 structures across Mississippi received major damage or were destroyed by tornadoes on March 24. More than 380 trained Red Cross disaster workers are on the ground in Mississippi, Georgia and Alabama, as the nonprofit organization works with partners to make sure everyone has a safe place to stay, meals, emotional support and comfort in the aftermath of deadly tornadoes on March 24. Photo by Scott Dalton/American Red Cross

As extreme weather events become more frequent and severe–and 2024 is predicted to be an exceptionally active year–the need for Red Cross services is increasing. Already, the Red Cross responds to almost twice as many large disasters than it did a decade ago, and in just the last 10 months, 125 volunteers from Northern Ohio have assisted residents affected by hurricanes and wildfires across the U.S. Four Northern Ohio volunteers are currently deployed to Texas and Iowa.

As eventful as 2023 was, with weather-related disasters forcing an estimated 2.5 million people from their homes, one-third of them for longer than a month, according to the New York Times, 2024 may be even more severe.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that, as of May 8, 2024, the US has had seven confirmed weather/climate disaster events, each with losses over $1 billion, resulting in the deaths of 70 people. The NOAA also states there were 384 preliminary tornado reports in April, more than double the 1991-2020 average and the second highest April count on record.

March 31, 2023. Rolling Fork, Mississippi. Red Crosser Yolanda Gainwell visits with Karebya Christmas on Friday outside Christmas’ heavily damaged home in Rolling Fork, Miss. Christmas was home with her three children – ranging in age from 2 to 11 years old – when the tornado arrived. Just like Christmas’ grandmother taught her, she brought the family into the bathtub and put a pillow on top of them. No one was injured, but her home suffered major damages, disrupting their lives, as well as the self-owned business she ran from the home. On Friday, Christmas received help at a drive-through distribution center, where the Red Cross and partners distributed rakes, shovels, totes, clean-up kits, flashlights, batteries and more. Displaced, Christmas is staying at a hotel in Ridgeland, Miss. until at least Monday. As she finished talking with Gainwell, Christmas thanked her for coming to talk with her at her home, but with the damage rendering it uninhabitable, she hesitated to call it a home. “I don’t know what to call it – my blessing in disguise, maybe,” she said. Photo by Scott Dalton/American Red Cross

As summer approaches, the likelihood of an extremely active hurricane season and above-average wildfire season looms. Jim McIntyre, Regional Communications Director for the American Red Cross, Northern Ohio Region, recently conducted an interview with meteorologist Trent Magill of WEWS News 5. Jim and Trent discussed recent events, the need for planning and Red Cross services, and the outlook for the hurricane and severe storm season. Trent states, “everything we’re seeing shows above average intensity,” and that “it’s going to be a rough season.” Continuing, Trent says “Everyone should have a plan.”

Hopefully, you are wondering what you can do. For one, make sure you are prepared and have a plan. For another, please consider volunteering with the Red Cross. Volunteers account for 90% of the Red Cross workforce and represent a wide array of cultures, backgrounds, ages, gender identities, lifestyles, and beliefs, just like those we serve. Everyone is welcome, and free online training is provided.

April 9, 2023. Little Rock, Arkansas. William Burkey, a member of the Red Cross disaster mental health team, and Jamie Harms, a member of the disaster health services team, work together to bring comfort and hope to Paula Rocha, whose home was damaged by a tornado that struck Little Rock, Arkansas, and several nearby towns. Photo by Kevin Suttlehan/American Red Cross

Three key positions are especially needed: Disaster Action Team volunteers, who help families in need following a disaster; Shelter Services volunteers, who support day-to-day activities in an emergency shelter; and Disaster Health or Mental Health Services volunteers, who use their professional skills as licensed healthcare providers to assist those impacted by a disaster. Please consider joining, as I can personally attest you will work alongside outstanding people and the see difference Red Cross services provide.

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

    Mike’s 2024 Memorial Day message

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    By Michael N. Parks, Regional CEO, American Red Cross of Northern Ohio
    Rear Admiral, United States Coast Guard (Retired)

    Friends and family of the American Red Cross of Northern Ohio – this weekend, we recognize and celebrate Memorial Day—the national holiday when we remember and honor those service men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our nation’s freedom.  I recently attended an event when trivia questions were asked about Memorial Day.   I was amazed, and admittedly disappointed, by the lack of basic knowledge about this important holiday.  As members and supporters of the American Red Cross, I feel strongly that we should understand the importance of this day of remembrance since our organization’s history is inextricably linked to the history of Memorial Day.  With that as a preamble, I’d like to share the following “Did you know?” thoughts:

    Mike Parks

    +  Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day, honoring those who died during the Civil War.

    +  Memorial Day was first celebrated on May 30, 1868.

    +  Memorial Day’s birthplace was in Waterloo, New York (although there’s still debate about this, Congress declared it so in 1966).

    +  Memorial Day’s first official speech was given by General James Garfield to a crowd of 5,000 at Arlington Cemetery.

    +  Memorial Day was originally observed on the 30th of May until it was changed in 1968 to be observed the last Monday in May.

    +  Memorial Day became a national federal holiday by an act of Congress in 1971.

    +  Memorial Day is the occasion when gravesites in Arlington Cemetery, and veteran’s cemeteries around the country, are decorated with American flags.

    +  Memorial Day events typically include the playing of “Taps,” a 24-note bugle call originated in 1862. 

    +  Memorial Day is different than Veterans Day (no apostrophe & observed on November 11th) in that it honors those who have fallen while in service of our nation.

    My final “Did you know?” is the National Moment of Remembrance Act designates 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day each year as a moment of silent remembrance across the United States of America.  Please take 45 seconds to watch the below video.  I wish each of you and yours a memorable Memorial Day and God Bless America!!  Best regards…Mike

    Four generations dedicated to serving our country and community

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    Sons follow in mom’s footsteps

    By Samantha Pudelski, American Red Cross volunteer

    Did you know that May is National Military Appreciation Month and that the American Red Cross has been serving the military for more than 140 years? The Red Cross works with military and veteran families through its Service to the Armed Forces program, including supporting military families during deployments and emergencies, providing home comforts and critical services on military bases and assisting veterans after their service ends.

    Alaina Foster, US Air Force

    At the head of the Northern Ohio Region’s Service to the Armed Forces and International Services is Regional Program Director Dr. Alaina Foster. An Air Force veteran who is part of a four-generation family of U.S. service members, she understands the importance of serving those who serve our country. Her grandfather, father and husband all served in the Army, and two of her sons followed in her footsteps to serve in the Air Force. She decided to join the Air Force after high school, serving one tour as an air traffic controller and a munitions maintenance scheduler.

    Richard West, US Army Veteran and Alaina’s father

    Following her service, she returned back to her home in Northeast Ohio and studied to be a state-tested nursing assistant (STNA). It was during her studies as an STNA when she had her first interaction with the Red Cross, which held some of the trainings as part of the program. After completing her STNA program she went on to earn multiple degrees, the most recent being a doctorate in education from Kansas State University.

    Through her schooling, she discovered a love for higher education and paired that with her military experience to serve veterans who were using higher education to transition back to civilian life. She remembers the feeling of being unsure of where her career would take her when she completed her duty and transitioned back to civilian life, and said it was an honor for her to be able to give back to her community and fellow veterans. Last year, Alaina, was presented the opportunity to join the Red Cross of Northern Ohio as the Regional Program Director for the Service to the Armed Forces and International Services.

    Jacob Blade, center, with siblings Jade and Jaz

    Alaina said one of her favorite aspects is working with the volunteers who are passionate about helping service members.

    “They work for hours on end…the reward for them is to assist the client,” she said. “They aren’t getting any financial award or benefits other than to help another human being. That’s what the Red Cross mission is all about.”

    Joshua Blade, US Air Force

    There are a lot of exciting initiatives coming up that Alaina also shared. One that is near
    and dear to her is the development of a workshop where she is combining her experience in higher education and what the Red Cross has to offer to support our veterans. The Service to the Armed Forces Virtual Resiliency Workshops are live, interactive virtual sessions that seek to bring together veterans to connect and learn the tools to build upon their natural resilience. Additionally, she is working with the Tiffany Circle, a community of women leaders who advance the American Red Cross mission, to host a baby shower for women veterans.

    Alaina’s joy and passion for the Red Cross and serving those in the Armed Forces
    shines brightly. She encourages everyone to connect with the Red Cross. “The
    American Red Cross is a phenomenal organization and is here to serve anyone who
    needs us.”

    Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

    Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross volunteer

    The beeps are annoying – but they help save lives

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    Volunteers, partners make families safer with Sound the Alarm events

    More than 1,500 people in Northern Ohio can sleep more peacefully, knowing that if a fire occurs in their home, they’ll be warned by working smoke alarms installed by the American Red Cross, its volunteers, and its partners.

    Having working smoke alarms reduces the risk of serious injury or death due to home fire by half.  That’s why each spring, the Red Cross of Northern Ohio embarks on the Sound the Alarm Initiative, a three-week effort to install smoke alarms and share vital home fire safety information with residents in vulnerable neighborhoods.

    This year, Sound the Alarm events began on April 20th and continued through May 4th.  During that time, 1,846 free smoke alarms were installed in homes throughout the region, making 719 homes and the 1,530 people who live in them safer.

    “Sound the Alarm is a signature event, not only in the Northern Ohio Region, but throughout the country,” said Mike Parks, Regional CEO. “It’s baked into the DNA of the Red Cross mission, which is to prevent and alleviate human suffering.”

    The effort to install smoke alarms and teach residents how to prevent home fires and create escape plans for their families began in Cleveland in 1992, in partnership with the Cleveland Division of Fire. The program became the Home Fire Campaign when it was rolled out nationwide by the Red Cross in 2014. 

    Sound the Alarm is an integral part of the Home Fire Campaign.

    “We could not install the number of smoke alarms, or make as many homes and families safer without the help of volunteers,” said Emily Probst, Regional Disaster Officer for the Red Cross of Northern Ohio. “This year, more than 300 volunteers donated over 1,000 hours to help more than a dozen communities become more resilient.”

    The alarms are installed at no charge to residents – but they are not free to the Red Cross.  Donors and sponsors help defray the cost of the alarms.

    “The generosity of our donors and the support of our sponsors make our lifesaving mission possible,” said Michelle Polinko, Regional Chief Development Officer.  “We are so fortunate to have so many people who are dedicated to the mission of the Red Cross, and who want to help save lives.”

    This year, Sound the Alarm sponsors included Buckeye Broadband, Enbridge, First Energy, Goodyear and Westfield.

    To date, 2,117 lives have been saved across the country, thanks to the efforts of Red Cross volunteers, partners and supporters who have visited homes across the country, installing smoke alarms and making families safer.

    While the Sound the Alarm initiative runs each spring, residents can request smoke alarms for their homes any time by visiting soundthealarm.org/noh.

    Sound the Alarm events were held in Cleveland, Lorain, Akron, Canton, Massillon, Toledo, Tiffin, Austintown, East Palestine, Orrville, and Monroe, Michigan.

    See more photos of many of the Sound the Alarm Events in our photo albums here. 

    Recognizing National Nurses Week

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    By Kathryn Dean, RN, American Red Cross volunteer

    During National Nurses Week, May 6-12, the Red Cross wants to recognize the important value that volunteer nurses bring to the mission of the Red Cross. 

    Since the inception of the American Red Cross in 1881, nurses have been at the heart of the organization. Initially assisting mainly in disaster relief and war support efforts, their role today has greatly expanded to include veteran support, educational services and training, academic support, children’s programs, blood drives and so much more.

    I spoke with Patricia Horvath, RN, MSN, who works as the Volunteer Regional Nurse Lead for Northern Ohio. She is responsible for a team of 90 volunteer nurses in Northern Ohio and for the recruitment, retention and recognition of nurse volunteers. 

    American Red Cross of Northern Ohio Volunteer Regional Nurse Lead Patricia Horvath (right) presents volunteer nurse Rosanne Radziewicz with her Red Cross nurse’s pin.

    Her contributions to the role have successfully brought the nurse volunteer numbers back up after a period of loss following COVID-19. However, nurse volunteers are always needed and she wants to encourage any nurse considering volunteering with the Red Cross to do so.

    “For National Nurse Week, one of the best opportunities that we can put forward to nurses is to find a way to become a Red Cross nurse volunteer,” she said. “Not only does it give you your own joy to contribute to others — nurses are basically humanitarians, that’s who’s drawn to the profession. Our purpose is to make the community healthy, and the best way to do that is to volunteer through the Red Cross.”

    To recognize the service of nurse volunteers, the Red Cross has a tradition of awarding nursing pins to those nurses who have completed at least 20 hours of service. 

    “We are very keen on making sure that our nurses receive the Red Cross nurse pin,” Patricia explained. “It has a long history in the Red Cross and was originally called ‘The Badge.’ Being awarded the pin is a formal process that we do during volunteer recognition month.” 

    Each pin is uniquely numbered, registered with that person for life, and logged nationally.

    There are other benefits to volunteering. Patricia explained that the Red Cross offers many free continuing education units (CEUs) for nurses, which helps to maintain their requirements for licensure. In addition, Ohio nurses who obtain multi-state nurse licensure have the opportunity to travel outside of the state to respond to domestic disasters.

    Nurses bring their unique education, experience and desire to help others to the forefront every day when they volunteer with the Red Cross. 

    “All lines of business the Red Cross has … everything that we do, there’s a role for a nurse.”

    Explore the volunteer opportunities available at the Red Cross here and get started in your volunteer journey. To learn more about the history of nursing at the Red Cross, tap here.

    Earth Month should be every month

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    As April comes to a close, we spotlight the NOH Green Team

    By Rachel Hepner, Executive Director, American Red Cross of Western Lake Erie

    Red Cross employee Erica Eckel reusing office supplies

    Sustainability isn’t just another word the Red Cross throws around, it’s part of our fabric…our biodegradable fabric that is. The Red Cross has built and trained “green teams” around the country that not only work together to spread sustainable initiatives, but also engage local teams on ways WE can be more sustainable at our chapters and in our day-to-day lives. Since we started, we’ve installed water refill stations at most of the facilities in the region, planted trees, distributed reusable water bottles to staff and invested in smart thermostats.

    I’m sure you are wondering how you can help. Well, here are a couple easy ways to become part of the solution.

    Turn off the water! According to the EPA, letting your faucet run for five minutes while washing dishes can waste 10 gallons of water and uses enough energy to power a 60-watt light bulb for 18 hours. Sidenote: if you make your kids do the dishes that wastes 3x as much water…just have them take out the trash instead.

    Red Cross employee Kristen Gallagher’s rain barrel
    1. Buy a houseplant. “But I don’t have a green thumb and I kill all my houseplants!” No, you won’t! Just set a weekly reminder that says, “wet my plants” as often as the plant species requires! It’s that simple!

      FUN FACT: Studies have shown that indoor plants can improve focus, decrease depressive moods, and lessen symptoms of anxiety. When your mind and body are relaxed, it can improve your blood pressure, heart rate and cortisol levels.
    2. Carpool! Sure, sometimes you don’t want to talk to people, or don’t have the same taste in music, but carpooling is a great way to reduce emissions. Maybe a game of “name that tune” will help pass the time.
    3. Plant a pollinators garden. Here we go with the green thumb thing again…BUT a pollinator garden provides a habitat and nutrition for species which have lost much of their natural resources. It creates a safe environment for bees, which the world relies on as the most important pollinator organism. Bees help our food people! If you want to start small, visit your local Red Cross office to grab a packet of wildflowers! Your local flying pollinators will be buzzing with excitement!
    Red Cross worker Tracie Endress uses a water bottle filling station

    These are just small examples of how you can be a part of the sustainability movement. Want to learn more or join a local “Green Team” or have an idea? Email us at NOHGreenteam@redcross.org.

    Stay sustainable!

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