Lifeguard Honored for Saving Classmate’s Life

Posted on January 9, 2017 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

“I let you save my life!”

Allison Uplinger teased Baylie White as the two graduates of Shelby High School walked through the hallways of their alma mater on Thursday, January 5th. Baylie had just received the American Red Cross Certificate of Merit, the highest award offered by the Red Cross (so high, in fact, that it is even signed by President Obama) for a lifesaving act.

Allison Uplinger and Baylie White at Shelby High School, after Baylie received the American Red Cross Certificate of Merit for saving Allison’s life

Last spring, while Baylie and Allison were finishing their senior year, Allison began to choke in the cafeteria. Baylie, who has received Red Cross First Aid training as a certified lifeguard, knew immediately what was happening, and what to do. After several sharp blows to Allison’s back, the food was dislodged and Allison was able to breathe again.

“I have been lifeguarding for several years, and so I always renew my first aid certification,” Baylie said after receving the framed certificate on the stage of the Shelby High School Performing Arts Center. The award was given by Lara Kiefer, Executive Director of the Lake Erie/Heartland Chapter, and board member Chris Hiner, the President of Richland Bank.

Chris Hiner, Lara Kiefer and Baylie White at the Shelby High School Performing Arts Center

Allison, who has not yet received Red Cross First Aid training, said it’s on her to-do list. “Since I plan to be a teacher, I know how important it is to be able to help a choking child.”

The Red Cross offers training in First Aid/CPR/AED, Lifeguarding, even babysitting. Some classes can be taken online. You can search for the class most convenient for you here.

Shelby High School Principal John Gies joined Chris Hiner and Lara Kiefer in congratulating graduate Baylie White for her Certificate of Merit, award to her after she saved the life of classmate Allison Uplinger last spring. Photos by Jim McIntyre/American Red Cross

Festival of Trees Celebrates Silver Anniversary

Posted on December 7, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Holiday Tradition Continues with Annual Fundraiser in Wooster

The room was beautiful, the food was abundant, and the mood was festive for the 25th Anniversary of the Festival of Trees, a fundraiser for Red Cross disaster relief in Wooster.

Highlights included a live auction of the beautifully decorated trees ringing the room, a special award given to John Gareis, Regional Preparedness Manager, and a special mission moment delovered by Nick Cleveland. His family survived a home fire in Wooster last summer, and he called the immediate assistance provided by the Red Cross at the time extremely helpful.

See a photo gallery from the Festival of Trees on the Lake Erie/Heartland Chapter Facebook Page, at https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossLakeErieHeartland/.

If you missed the Festival this year, but would still like to help the Red Cross help families like the Clevelands, #GiveWithMeaning by donating to Red Cross disaster relief. Log on to redcross.org, call 1-800 Red Cross, or text RED CROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Red Cross Volunteers Credited with Saving Man’s Life

Posted on September 14, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Performed CPR, Used AED to Save a Man at the Wayne County Fair

Farm animals. Funnel cakes. First Aid.

All are traditions of the Wayne County Fair.

The Red Cross has been providing first aid to fair goers for more than 60 years, as a service to the community. This year, that service helped save at least one life.

A man attending the fair on Monday, September 12, suffered cardiac arrest and collapsed. Red Cross first aid workers rushed to perform CPR. They also applied a newly-acquired AED (automated external defibrillator) while awaiting the arrival of Wayne County EMS personnel.

The man survived. “The ER staff said the Red Cross saved his life, as there was no way he would have made it if he had to wait for the squad to reach him inside the fairgrounds,” said Lara Kiefer, Executive Director of the Lake Erie/Heartland Chapter.

Captain Doug Hunter of the Wayne County Sheriff’s office also credited the Red Cross crew, in a video posted on Facebook. Capt. Hunter said, ” I want to recognize the life-saving efforts of the representatives of the Wayne County Red Cross.” He continued,
“They frantically started doing what they are trained to do and tried to revive this man.” He went on to describe the use of the AED. “It was not looking good folks. I had pretty much written this man off as not going to survive, but they kept going.”

Captain Hunter also credits a nurse from the Wooster Community Hospital for assisting.

“It was truly a remarkable moment,” Captain Hunter said, in describing the moment the man first showed signs of life. “The people from the Red Cross at the Wayne County Fairgrounds saved this man’s life.”

Most first aid requests involve far less serious ailments, but the service provided by the Red Cross was deemed so important, a facility was built on the fairgrounds for use as a first aid station during the run of the fair every year.

About 120,000 people attend the Wayne County Fair, and the Red Cross provides first aid service free of charge. Red Cross first aid workers respond to 200-300 incidents each year. Taxpayer money is saved, by reducing the number of calls made to 911.

Our first aid service at the fair has been valued at approximately $20,000.

But for the man who suffered cardiac arrest on Monday, no value can be placed on the life-saving skills of the Red Cross first aid responders.

You can learn the same life-saving skills employed by the Red Cross by taking a class, to learn First Aid, CPR and AED. Training for other skills, such as babysitting and swimming and water safety are also offered. Go to redcross.org/takeaclass.

Photo credit: Mary Williams/American Red Cross

They Went Over the (Black) River to Run for the Red (Cross)

Posted on April 30, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Annual Fundraiser Draws Dozens of Participants

Despite gray skies and frosty temperatures, more than 80 runners and walkers turned out for the 2016 Run for the Red 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, April 23. The event was held at the Bur Oak Pavilion in the Black River Reservation of the Lorain County Metro Parks.

Photo credit: Cal Pusateri/American Red Cross Volunteer

The top three finishers for men and women in various age groups received medals to commemorate their accomplishments. Regional Major Gifts Officer Pam Zoltowicz had the honors of handing out the awards. See the results of the run here.

Lara Kiefer, Executive Director of the Lake Erie/Heartland Chapter participated, along with her husband Joe and son Grant, who won the male 20-29 category, finishing the 3.1 mile run in 24:33. He ran at a pace of under eight minutes per mile. This was his first 5K.

The Red Cross thanks Moose Lodge 778 in Elyria and Nordson Corporation for their sponsorship of the 2016 Run for the Red.

Log onto redcross.org/neo to keep up to date with future fundraisers and other events, or to donate funds, blood, or to volunteer.

226 Smoke Alarms Installed in Madison Township

Posted on April 25, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

98 homes

228 residents

24 volunteers

226 smoke alarms

Those are the numbers associated with last week’s Fire Safety Walk in Madison Township, near Mansfield. The Operation Save-A-Life event was part of a nationwide effort to reduce deaths from home fires 25% by 2019.

Red Cross staff and volunteers partnered with the Madison Township Fire Department and Target employees to enter 88 homes, share fire safety tips with 228 residents, and install 226 smoke alarms.

“Each home should have a smoke alarm on every floor,” said Lara Kiefer, Executive Director of the Lake Erie/Heartland Chapter. “We appreciate the help we received from the Madison Township Fire Department and the local Target store to reduce the chances of fire fatalities in our community.”

There is no charge for the smoke alarms or for their installation. Residents throughout Northeast Ohio are encouraged to log onto the Operation Save-A-Life page at redcross.org/neoosal to schedule an appointment for a free fire safety inspection and free smoke alarm installation.

Target, Madison Fire Fighters, volunteers for the fire walk

Dining for a Cause

Posted on April 7, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

What pairs well with an amazing chef and a beautiful restaurant? Raising money to benefit the mission of the American Red Cross in Ashland, Erie, Holmes, Huron, Lorain, Richland, and Wayne Counties – of course!

On March 11, 86 people attended the Red Tie Affair at Chez Francois in Vermillion. The chef prepared an exclusive five course meal of seasonal favorites, paired with the finest of wines.

The event raised $15,500 for Red Cross services at the Lake Erie/Heartland Chapter.

We would like to say a special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Columbia Gas, as well as our mission sponsor, Nordson Corporation. Other sponsors of the evening include Wickens, PolyOne, Buckeye CableSystem, Pepperidge Farm/ Payne Nickles (shared sponsorship), Bettcher Foundation, and Mercy Health.

For more photos from the event be sure to visit our Facebook page (and like us while you are there!)

Dozens Donate Blood at Drive Held in Honor of Norwalk Boy

Posted on January 7, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Turnout a Success Ahead of National Blood Donor Month

Have you made a resolution to donate blood in the New Year?

January is National Blood Donor Month, the perfect time to resolve to be a regular blood donor! Extreme winter weather and seasonal illnesses often make it difficult for the Red Cross to maintain a sufficient blood supply at this time of year. Healthy, eligible donors are urged to give blood this January!

To that end, nearly 100 people capped off 2015 by donating blood in honor of Evan Minor, who was diagnosed with Acute T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia last March. The amount exceeded the goal set for a special Red Cross blood drive, held on December 16^th at St. Alphonsus Church in Norwalk.

Dad – Dan Minor, Evan, Mom – Kristi and brother Ian

Evan has received more than 20 units of various blood products, according to his mother, Kristi Minor. Kristi says more than 90% of Evan’s bone marrow was cancerous at the time of his diagnosis. He has received support from many people in the community and on Facebook.

The need for blood donations is ongoing. You can make an appointment to donate blood by logging onto redcrossblood.org. And you can speed up the process by visiting the Red Cross Rapid Pass website. Donors can answer questions online on the day of their appointment, before heading to the donation center. Visit redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to learn more.

Blood donors with the most recent version of the Red Cross Blood Donor App can now view their health history information, including blood pressure, hemoglobin levels and pulse rate, on their digital donor ID card within the app. The donor card in the app can also be used as a donor’s official form of identification when donating. Download the app by texting “BLOODAPP” to 90999 or searching “American Red Cross” in app stores.

Festival of Trees Draws Hundreds, Generates Thousands

Posted on December 3, 2015 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Fundraiser Benefits American Red Cross Disaster Relief

The 25th Annual Festival of Trees drew hundreds of people to the Shisler Conference Center on the campus of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences in Wooster on December 1.

Beautiful holiday trees, wreaths and centerpieces decorated by local artisans and supporters of the Red Cross were auctioned off during spirited live bidding.

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Silent bidders purchased gift packages and unique artwork as well.

: Chris Davis, Chairperson, Lake Erie/Heartland Chapter Board of Directors

Photo credit: Jim McIntyre/American Red Cross

“The generosity of the Wayne County community is overwhelming,” said Chris Davis, Chairperson of the Board of Director for the American Red Cross Lake Erie/Heartland Chapter. “The Festival of Trees raises funds for Red Cross Disaster Relief, and we surpassed our goal! We are so grateful to our dedicated volunteers and generous donors.”

If you missed this year’s Festival, be sure to keep it in mind for next year. As board chair Chris Davis puts it, “It’s the perfect way to kick-off the holiday season in Wayne County.”

Heroes in the Heartland Honored

Posted on October 1, 2015 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Volunteers are the backbone of the American Red Cross. More than 340,000 people volunteered their time and talent to the Red Cross nationwide last year. Of that number, 350 volunteers are from the Lake Erie/Heartland Chapter, which covers seven counties, from Erie to the north to Holmes in the south. Many of them were honored during a celebration for “Everyday Heroes” on September 24.

Volunteers participate in a range of activities. They may provide assistance to people displaced by a disaster – like a home fire or flood – providing access to shelter, meals and other immediate needs. They provide disaster victim with mental health support, and help reunite family members separated by disasters. At large scale disasters, volunteers provide food and water to firefighters and other first responders. They help hold blood drives to make sure our hospitals have adequate supplies. Volunteers teach CPR and first aid, and provide services to military members and their families. And they travel, anywhere Red Cross services are needed.

Among the volunteers honored at Chapter headquarters in Wooster are Brenda Greegor, who logged more hours volunteering than any other board member. Pat Shaw was honored for being the most active blood services volunteer. Mike Priest was the volunteer who spent the most time at First Aid Stations. Ron Armentrout had most Chapter Services volunteer hours. And William “Bill” Chapman donated more hours working disasters than any other volunteer.

Bill also got top volunteer honors for most overall hours logged.

“Some of our volunteers have been with us for more than 40 years,” said Chapter Executive Director, Katie Myers-Griffith. “They provide invaluable services to the residents of the seven counties in our chapter. I can’t thank them enough.”

Those who attended the celebration for “Everyday Heroes” were treated to a picnic dinner, and several received raffle gifts provided by businesses in the community.
But the real gift is in knowing how dedicated Red Cross volunteers are always ready to help.

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If you are interested in volunteering in your community, please visit our website: http://www.redcross.org/neo and click on Volunteer on the left side of the screen. You may also call 216-431-3328 or email, NEOvolunteer@redcross.org.

Jessica’s Red Cross story

Posted on August 12, 2014 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Jessica Sandoval, a summer intern with the Lorain County Chapter, displays her Leadership Lorain certificate.

Following my sophomore year as a marketing major at University of Dayton, I became involved with the Lorain County Chapter of the American Red Cross through the Leadership Lorain County Internship Program. As the Communications Specialist Intern, I was responsible for increasing Red Cross awareness and donations through effective communications, public relations and the use of social media tools.

Previous to my assignment, I knew very little about the American Red Cross, but I was quickly amazed by this incredible organization. The American Red Cross is a non-profit organization and not a federal agency. As such, it receives no regular federal funding. The Red Cross also does a lot more than host blood drives. Each region is well equipped with a Disaster Action Team, Disaster Mental Health Team, and an array of other volunteers. They also offer services to the Armed Forces—from preparing soldiers and their families for deployment to getting those same soldiers emergency contact with their families while overseas.

Based on my experience, I do not think the public is well aware of the extent to which the Red Cross helps our local, as well as national, communities.

While attending a Friday Forum at the Cleveland City Club to hear President and CEO of the American Red Cross, Gail McGovern, speak I met a volunteer who truly changed my life. The woman, who dedicates 100% of her time to volunteering, and I discussed her career in the medical field and a trip she took to India to treat patients in a poor village. I commended her on her voluntarism and expressed how I wished my future profession in the business world would allow me to help people the same way hers does. I commented that those in the medical field have the ability to go the extra mile and help people in a more profound way than any other profession. She informed me it is not an extra mile, but a different mile.

During my time at the Lorain County Chapter I helped prepare for the annual 5K Run for the Red, and have witnessed the chapter go through a merger with the Firelands Chapter. I also created several campaigns for different chapter events including Christmas in July which supported the annual Holiday Mail for Heroes and the Pillowcase Project sponsored by Disney. I contributed blogs on chapter events and also created a Social Media and Marketing timeline for the annual 5K. I also canvased for our 5K, made phone calls in hopes of obtaining donations, and spread Red Cross awareness whenever and wherever I could. As a marketing major, I believe I learned so much about my future profession as well as what it is like to work for a non-profit organization. I had the opportunity to become CPR Certified as well as take Disaster Overview and Fundamental courses.

Whether it was hearing a volunteer’s Red Cross Story, or learning something new about my major (or even myself), I was inspired every single day when I stepped over the threshold of that history Lorain County building. I could not agree more with President and CEO of the American Red Cross, Gail McGovern, when she says, “the depth and breadth of all the Red Cross does still amaze me, and it’s an incredible privilege to play a part in it.” I plan on continuing my involvement with the American Red Cross as I complete the last two years of school and well into my future.

NOHredcross

American Red Cross of Northern Ohio Region

Category Archives: Lake Erie/Heartland