Category Archives: Northeast Ohio Events

First time donor gives blood to aid with shortage

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By Eric Alves, Regional Communications Specialist, American Red Cross of Northeast Ohio

March 25, 2020- The COVID-19 outbreak is all anyone can talk about in Northeast Ohio. Beyond the immediate health emergency, the virus is threatening to create additional future public health emergencies due to the current blood shortage.

As of March 23, about 7,000 Red Cross blood drives have been canceled across the country due to coronavirus concerns, resulting in more than 200,000 fewer blood donations. This is why the Red Cross is asking all healthy and eligible individuals to donate lifesaving blood.

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Jenna Ostrowski with Regional CEO Mike Parks

On March 20, the Cleveland Clinic lent a helping hand to put an end to the blood shortage by opening their doors to host a much needed blood drive.

One of the donors present at the blood drive was Jenna Ostrowski, a medical technologist in the Automated Hematology Department. This moment was a milestone for Jenna, as she was a first time blood donor, who was motivated to take the leap to officially become a blood donor due to the need following the outbreak.

“I figured now is the time, since so many people need blood. It’s a good opportunity for caregivers since the drive is right here at the Clinic,” stated Jenna.

Red Cross of Northeast Ohio Regional CEO Mike Parks was present at the blood drive, thanking Cleveland Clinic President Tomislav Mihaljevic for opening the Cleveland Clinic’s doors to host the blood drive and to thank donors like Jenna for giving the gift of life.

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Tomislav Mihaljevic speaking with Mike Parks

Everyone at the Red Cross understands why people may be hesitant to come out for a blood drive, but we want to assure the public that we are taking additional precautions to ensure the safety of our donors, volunteers and staff.

Volunteers and staff are checking the temperature of  everyone before they enter a drive to make sure they are healthy. Hand sanitizer is available for use before entering the drive, as well as throughout the donation process. We are also spacing beds, where possible, to follow social distancing practices between blood donors.

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Red Cross employees follow strict safety procedures, including wearing gloves and changing them often, wiping down all donor-touched surfaces and equipment and preparing the arm for donation with an aseptic scrub.

If you are a first-time donor, like Jenna, click here to learn some helpful best practices.

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If you are healthy, feeling well and eligible to give blood or platelets, please make an appointment to donate as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

To view more photos from the Cleveland Clinic blood drive, visit the Northeast Ohio Region Flickr page.

Heroes honored for ‘Acts of Courage’ in Akron

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By Sue Wilson, American Red Cross volunteer

March 6, 2020- I’ve had the privilege of serving on the board for  the Summit, Portage and Medina County Red Cross for nine years. As part of that, I’ve been honored to emcee the annual Acts of Courage and H. Peter Burg Community Leadership Award event with my co-host and husband, radio personality Tim Daugherty.

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Sue Wilson and Tim Daugherty

Acts of Courage honors individuals who have shown extraordinary courage, compassion, character, and humanity. These stories never cease to have a profound effect on me and every single person in the room.

The 24th annual Acts of Courage honored the following individuals:

Matt Martincin and Chris Deeks

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Matt Martincin and Chris Deeks with Summit, Portage and Medina Counties Chapter Executive Director Rachel Telegdy

As smoke billowed from a second-floor apartment building, early in the morning of June 12, 2019, Medina police officers Matt Martincin and Chris Deeks arrived to see two women trapped in an apartment. Despite having a smoke alarm in the apartment, there were no batteries in the alarm.

After attempts to have the women jump failed, Matt and Chris found a ladder on the back of a contractor’s vehicle and used the ladder to rescue the two women and all seven of their pets.

Here is Chris and Matt’s story:

Gregg Whiteman

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Gregg Whiteman with Rachel Telegdy

What began as an ordinary day at GOJO headquarters in Akron, quickly turned to anything but ordinary.

While in a meeting, Gregg Whiteman received a call from a colleague. Realizing how unusual it was to receive a call from someone who knew he was in a meeting, Gregg answered his phone. He quickly realized that something was wrong and that the co-worker needed his assistance.

Remaining on the phone, Gregg was able to gather the proper information to realize exactly where his colleague was, despite his inability to speak coherently.

Thanks to his persistence, Gregg was not only able to find his co-worker lying on the floor of an office, behind a closed door, but his quick response and immediate call to 911 ensured that the co-worker in need was able to be taken to the hospital, where he was given medication to prevent permanent damage from the stroke he was suffering.

Here is Gregg’s story:

Brian Linder

At the end of a workday in downtown Akron, Brian Linder was walking across the skywalk to the garage to go home. As he was hurrying along to avoid the frigid February cold, Brian spotted an individual unconscious and not breathing.

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Rachel Telegdy with Brian Linder

Having just completed a CPR refresher course a few months prior, Brian began to administer CPR until paramedics arrived on the scene.

Here is Brian’s Story:

Jacob Thompson

On February 24, 2019, there was a high wind advisory for drivers. That day, Jacob Thompson was returning to the Kent State University campus following United States Coast Guard drill training in Port Clinton, Ohio.

As he was driving, the high wind took hold of a trailer and threw a semi-truck that was driving in front of Jacob into the center guardrail.

Jacob immediately pulled his vehicle to the side of the road. Upon approaching the vehicle, he was able to see the driver alive, but confused and unable to get out. Jacob then began to remove the top and debris from the truck in order to access the cab so he could pull the driver to safety from the overturned vehicle.

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Jacob is currently deployed on active duty and was unable to attend the event. However, prior to deploying, Jacob was able to receive his award and taped an acceptance video, which was shown during the evening’s activities.

Paul Diven

In October, Stan Hywet maintenance worker Paul Diven saw a crowd gathering during the annual Ohio Mart arts fair. When he made his way to the commotion, he noticed volunteer Bruce DeBarr, who requires oxygen, not breathing.

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Rachel Telegdy with Paul Diven

Understanding time was of the essence, Paul began to troubleshoot to find the issue with Bruce’s oxygen tank. Once Paul spotted that a part was installed incorrectly, he properly installed the part and began to hear the oxygen flowing, helping Bruce regain consciousness. Once Bruce made a full recovery, Paul returned to work at Ohio Mart.

Doug Price, Marcus Council and Barb Fisher

On May 9, 2019, the Akron Fire Department responded to a home fire, with reports of a child trapped in a basement.

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Marcus Council and Doug Price with Rachel Telegdy

With the home engulfed in flames and the basement full of smoke, Akron firefighters Lt. Doug Price and Marcus Council entered the home in search of the young girl. Despite low visibility, Doug was able to find the child unconscious and lying on the ground and covered. Doug and Marcus removed the child from the burning home. She was transported to the hospital, where she was able to regain consciousness and make a full recovery.

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Barb Fisher with Rachel Telegdy

It was later determined that the child remembered the fire safety instructions she was taught a week earlier by her teacher Barb Fisher, ultimately helping to save her life.

Here is Doug, Marcus and Barb’s story:

Jason Strunk, Leslie Snyder and Seth Bond

While waiting at a red light on his way to helping an elderly family friend grocery shop in Akron’s Middlebury neighborhood, Jason Strunk heard gunfire ring out in the street. That is when Jason saw a mother being shot by her boyfriend, while trying to protect her three children, including an infant.

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Jason Strunk with Rachel Teledgy

Without hesitation, Jason jumped out of his car and began to wrestle with the armed individual. At this time, Leslie Snyder and Seth Bond arrived and witnessed what was happening. Seth began to assist Jason in trying to apprehend the shooter, while Leslie attended to the injured mother and her children.

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Seth Bond and Leslie Snyder with Rachel Telegdy

During the exchange, the shooter’s gun jammed. As the shooter returned to his vehicle to find and return with a knife, Jason grabbed the two older children and placed them in his car, while Leslie placed the mother and baby in her car, while applying pressure to the mother’s wounds. Jason and Leslie were able to drive the family to safety until first responders and paramedics arrived.

Here is Jason, Leslie and Seth’s story:

Each of these  stories share one common theme: that the people involved don’t consider themselves “heroes.” And THEY are the ones who are grateful for being able to help someone.  Wow.

Another highlight of this event is  the H. Peter Burg Community Leadership Award, presented to those who best exemplify Pete Burg’s leadership qualities, his compassion for people and his dedication to the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross. This year’s award recipient is Steve Hendricks.

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Steve Hendricks receiving the award from Rachel Telegdy and H. Peter Burg’s daughter Amy Burg Cole

Steve is market president of the Northeast Ohio region for S&T Bank. He served on the Red Cross of Summit, Portage and Medina Counties board of directors for 9 years and held many leadership positions including board president. After terming off the board, he remains active with the chapter, serving on multiple committees and engaging his team at S&T Bank in Sound the Alarm events throughout the Summit, Portage and Medina Counties. In addition to his Red Cross work, Hendricks serves on multiple boards throughout the area, including the Akron Area YMCA board of trustees. He is also a graduate of Leadership Akron, Class 25

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Akron Area YMCA performing “What a Wonderful World”

Among the tributes honoring Steve, children from the Akron Area YMCA youth program surprised Steve with a performance where they used American Sign Language to sing “What a Wonderful World.”

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The festivities came to an end with a visit by the Akron Fire Department’s fire pup mascot and Northeast Ohio Region Program Disaster Program Officer Tim O’Toole sharing with all those in attendance the importance of smoke alarms and home fire escape plans.

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Tim O’Toole

You too can be a local hero. If you are interested in taking a Red Cross training, such as CPR, life guarding and babysitting, please visit redcross.org/take-a-class to see upcoming classes and to register.

You can also be a hero to someone in need by donating life saving blood. Visit RedCrossBlood.org to find a blood drive near you and to schedule an appointment to give now.

To view more photos from the Summit, Portage, and Medina Counties Chapter Acts of Courage event, visit the Red Cross of Northeast Ohio’s Flickr page.

An extra day to make a difference

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Leap year provides opportunity to help others

By Sue Wilson, American Red Cross volunteer

February 26, 2020- The American Red Cross responds to needs in our community 365 days a year. But this year it’s 366 days. Yes, there’s an extra day to do much-needed work because it’s leap year.

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What is leap year and why is it happening? In a nutshell, the standard calendar year is 365 days, but the Earth takes 365 days 5 hours 48 minutes and 46 seconds to go completely around the sun. This is called a solar year. In order to keep the calendar cycle synchronized with the seasons, one extra day is added every four years. Feb. 29 is one of those days, making 2020 a “leap year.”

So what are you going to do with your extra day?

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How about making it a day to do good for an organization that does so much good every day of the year? The Red Cross may not be top of mind as you go through your day-to-day life. Unless there is a natural disaster that makes the news headlines, it’s hard to remember that the work of the Red Cross and its volunteers goes quietly along 365 day a year, ready and waiting to respond to people who face emergencies.

  • 365 days a year, the Red Cross secures food and lodging for the family struck by a home fire.
  • 365 days a year, the Red Cross is there for a deployed soldier who needs to get home for a family emergency.
  • 365 days a year, the Red Cross is providing life-saving blood to someone who needs it.
  • 365 days a year, everyday people become heroes because they learned skills that helped save a life due to CPR/AED training from their local Red Cross.
  • 365 days a year, the Red Cross is there, ready to help.

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Maybe your life was made better and safer because you learned to swim. Or you became a lifeguard or took a babysitting class through the Red Cross. These things may slip our mind as we go through our daily lives. But on this 366th day, it’s a great time to remember the Red Cross through your donation.

There are so many ways to donate. You can donate online, by mail, phone, text or through your Alexa device. And you can make this leap year last 366 days by setting up monthly donations. For the price of a cup of your daily coffee, you can make a huge difference in the lives of someone who needs the help of the Red Cross every day. You can also specify whether your donation stays local. You can even specify whether you want your money to go where it is “most needed” or perhaps to a specific service or need close to your heart.

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This leap year, make your extra day count. Give to the Red Cross.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer

Northeast Ohio Region weekend disaster report: February 14-16, 2020

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By Eric Alves, Regional Communications Specialist, American Red Cross of Northeast Ohio

February 17, 2020- During Valentine’s Day weekend, with love in the air in Northeast Ohio, the American Red Cross showed compassion and assistance to local residents who experienced a disaster, such as a home fire.

This past weekend, the Red Cross responded to home fires in Bedford, Cleveland, Killbuck, Vermilion and Wellsville, assisting 19 adults, 14 children and provided more than $7,600 in immediate financial assistance to help residents affected by a local disaster get back on their feet.

In 2014, the Red Cross launched the Home Fire Campaign, a nationwide initiative to reduce the number of fire-related deaths by 25 percent. As of the current date, 715 lives had been saved across the country through the Home Fire Campaign, including 15 in Northeast Ohio.

Hurricane Florence 2018

 

Sound the Alarm is a critical part of the campaign. In just six years, our home visits have accomplished so much, including the installation of more than 2 million smoke alarms.

This year, Sound the Alarm will take place from April 18th to May 3rd.

Unfortunately, the lack of working smoke alarms in a home can lead to tragedy. That was the case for Lake Erie/Heartland Chapter board member Rob Griggs and his family. Watch Rob’s story and hear the reason he has worked to prevent other families from going through a similar pain by ensuring working smoke alarms are placed in homes across Northeast Ohio:

For many of us, a smoke alarm is the one item in our homes that we tend to not notice, but for Jackie and her three children, it alerted them to a home fire while they were sleeping, ultimately saving their lives:

For more information on Sound the Alarm and to sign up to volunteer at a smoke alarm installation event near you, visit SoundTheAlarm.org/NEO.

Cancer patients use more blood than those fighting any other disease

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“Give Blood to Give Time” partnership with the American Cancer Society launches 

By Christy Peters, External Communications Manager, Northern Ohio Biomedical Services

February 10, 2020- In November 2019, North Canton resident Casey Richards was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma. Richards was 10 weeks pregnant when doctors discovered a mass that doubled in size over one week. She was immediately scheduled for surgery to remove it and a biopsy revealed the mass was cancerous. A few days later, Richards was admitted to University Hospital’s Seidman Cancer Centerto begin chemotherapy.

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Richards went through four rounds of inpatient chemotherapy and received several blood and platelet products during her treatment.

“Receiving blood products helped with my extreme fatigue during treatment,” said Casey. “It also helped my levels go up faster, so I not only felt better, but it got me back into the hospital to start my next round of chemo and beat this disease faster.”

Blood Donation at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Megadrive 2017

Richards is now in remission and home with her husband Bobby, and their 2 1/2-year-old daughter Parker. She encourages everyone to donate blood to help patients like her.

“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,” Casey said. “So many people benefit from such a generous donation.”

Bloodmobile Blood Drive Columbia, South Carolina 2018

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

American Red Cross Blood Donation Centers

Warzel Blood Donation Center

3747 Euclid Ave., Cleveland

Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.

 

Parma Blood Donation Center

5585 Pearl Rd., Parma

Monday – Thursday: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

 

Summit Blood Donation Center

501 W. Market St., Akron

Sundays, Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Tuesdays: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Wednesdays and Thursdays: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Ashtabula County

Ashtabula

2/12/2020: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Ashtabula Towne Square, 3315 N Ridge Rd E

2/26/2020: 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Elks Lake Lodge 208, 3115 Lake Rd W

Austinburg

2/10/2020: 2:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Austinburg Town Hall, 2794 State Route 307 E.

Conneaut

2/14/2020: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Conneaut Public Library, 304 Buffalo Street

2/20/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., New Leaf United Methodist Church, 110 Gateway Avenue

Pierpont

2/27/2020: 3 p.m. – 8 p.m., Williams-Ducro Funeral Home, 1071 State Route 7 North

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Cuyahoga County

Bay Village

2/25/2020: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Cuyahoga County Library Bay Village Branch, 502 Cahoon Road

Beachwood

2/18/2020: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Cleveland Clinic Administrative Campus, 25875 Science Park Drive, Building 1

2/21/2020: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Beachwood Community Center, 25451 Fairmount Blvd

Berea

2/24/2020: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Berea Recreation Center, 451 Front St

Brecksville

2/20/2020: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Brecksville Community Center, One Community Drive

Broadview Heights

2/17/2020: 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Church of the Assumption, 9183 Broadview Rd

Brooklyn

2/20/2020: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Health-Mor, 1 American Road, Suite 1250

Cleveland

2/12/2020: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., MetroHealth Medical Center, 2500 Metrohealth Drive

2/12/2020: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., 1111 Superior, 1111 Superior

2/12/2020: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Anthony J Celebrezze Federal Building, 1240 East 9th Street

2/13/2020: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., James Ford Rhodes High School, 5100 Biddulph

2/13/2020: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Anthony J Celebrezze Federal Building, 1240 East 9th Street

2/14/2020: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Anthony J Celebrezze Federal Building, 1240 East 9th Street

2/18/2020: 6 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Dave McCall Union Hall, 3421 Independence Road

2/18/2020: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Cleveland Clinic Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, 9500 Euclid Ave.

2/18/2020: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., 1100 Superior Building, 1100 Superior Avenue

2/18/2020: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Dave McCall Union Hall, 3421 Independence Road

2/18/2020: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., CWRU Thwing Hall Ballroom, 11111 Euclid Avenue

2/19/2020: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., CWRU Thwing Hall Ballroom, 11111 Euclid Avenue

2/21/2020: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Cleveland Clinic Miller Tower, 9500 Euclid Avenue

2/22/2020: 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 2187 W 14th St

2/22/2020: 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Omega Psi Phi, 15435 St. Clair

2/24/2020: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Severance Hall, 11001 Euclid Ave.

2/25/2020: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Cleveland State University Main Classroom, 2121 Euclid Avenue

2/25/2020: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Lutheran Hospital, 1730 West 25th Street

2/26/2020: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Cleveland State University Main Classroom, 2121 Euclid Avenue

2/29/2020: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., University Circle United Methodist Church, University Circle United Methodist Church, 1919 East 107th

Cleveland Heights

2/12/2020: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Cleveland Hts Library, 2345 Lee Road

Euclid

2/23/2020: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Our Lady of the Lake Church, 19951 Lakeshore Blvd.

Fairview Park

2/26/2020: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Bain Cabin, 21077 North Park Dr

Garfield Heights

2/25/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Marymount Hospital, 12300 McCracken Road

Independence

2/17/2020: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Independence Community Center, 6363 Selig Drive

Lakewood

2/16/2020: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Lakewood United Methodist Church, 15700 Detroit Rd.

2/24/2020: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Lakewood Women’s Club Pavilion, 14532 Lake Ave.

Mayfield Heights

2/11/2020: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Landerhaven, 6111 Landerhaven Drive

2/14/2020: 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Hillcrest Hospital, 6780 Mayfield Road

Mayfield Village

2/17/2020: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., The Mayfield Branch Library, 500 SOM Center

2/20/2020: 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Mayfield Village Civic Center, 6622 Wilson Mills Rd.

Middleburg Heights

2/28/2020: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Middleburg Hts Comm Center, 16000 Bagley Rd

North Olmsted

2/21/2020: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Cuyahoga County Library North Olmsted Branch, 27403 Lorain Road

North Royalton

2/27/2020: 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Cuyahoga County Library North Royalton Branch, 5071 Wallings Rd

Rocky River

2/17/2020: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Rocky River Civic Center, 21016 Hilliard Rd.

2/23/2020: 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., St Christopher Catholic Church, 20141 Detroit Rd

Shaker Heights

2/16/2020: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., St Dominic Church, 3455 Norwood Drive

Solon

2/19/2020: 1:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Church of the Resurrection, 32001 Cannon Road

South Euclid

2/13/2020: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Notre Dame College, 1857 S. Green Rd

Strongsville

2/13/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Cleveland Clinic Strongsville Family Health & Surgery Center, 16761 Southpark Center

2/21/2020: 10:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m., Cuyahoga County Library Strongsville Branch, 18700 Westwood Dr

Westlake

2/13/2020: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Rd.

2/20/2020: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Westlake Recreation Center, 28955 Hilliard Rd.

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Erie County

Huron

2/27/2020: 12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Huron Public Library, 333 Williams St.

Sandusky

2/12/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Perkins Township Building, 2610 Columbus Ave

2/14/2020: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Firelands Regional Medical Center, 1912 Hayes Ave Sandusky

2/19/2020: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sandusky High School, 2130 Hayes Ave

2/20/2020: 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Holy Angels Catholic Church, 428 Tiffin Ave

2/28/2020: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Firelands Regional Medical Center, 1912 Hayes Ave Sandusky

Vermilion

2/13/2020: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Vermilion High School, 1250 Sanford St.

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Geauga County

Chagrin Falls

2/13/2020: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Bainbridge Town Hall, 17826 Chillicothe Rd

Chardon

2/21/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Munson Town Hall, 12210 Auburn Rd.

Chesterland

2/26/2020: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Mayfield Church, 7747 Mayfield Rd.

Middlefield

2/27/2020: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Middlefield Library, 16167 East High

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Huron County

Bellevue

2/27/2020: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., The Bellevue Hospital, 1400 W. Main St.

Collins

2/15/2020: 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., United Methodist Church, 4290 Hartland Center Rd

New London

2/13/2020: 12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Eagles, 29 West Fir Street

Norwalk

2/17/2020: 1:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 60 West Main St.

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Lake County

Eastlake

2/18/2020: 2:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, 35980 Lakeshore Blvd.

Kirtland

2/20/2020: 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Kirtland Community Center, 7900 Euclid-Chardon Rd.

Mentor

2/14/2020: 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Great Lakes Mall, 7850 Mentor Ave.

2/14/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Pilgrim Lutheran Brethren Church, 9514 Johnnycake Ridge Rd.

2/18/2020: 3 p.m. – 8 p.m., Bellflower Elementary – Paradigm Building, 6477 Center St.

2/24/2020: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., St John Vianney Church, 7575 Bellflower Rd.

2/26/2020: 12 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Mentor Civic Arena, 8600 Munson Rd.

2/28/2020: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Pinegate Community Clubhouse, 6301 Gatewood Dr.

Painesville

2/16/2020: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Painesville United Methodist, 71 North Park Place

2/17/2020: 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Quail Hollow Country Club, 11295 Quail Hollow Drive

2/25/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Morley Library, 184 Phelps Street

2/28/2020: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Lake County YMCA Central Branch, 933 Mentor Ave.

Wickliffe

2/26/2020: 12:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., Wickliffe Community Center, 900 Worden Road

2/27/2020: 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Wickliffe Public Library, 1713 Lincoln Rd.

Willoughby

2/28/2020: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Willoughby Fire Dept, 37000 Euclid Ave.

Willoughby Hills

2/23/2020: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., St Noel Church, 35200 Chardon Rd.

2/28/2020: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Cleveland Clinic Family Health Center Willoughby Hills, 2550 SOM Center Rd.

Willowick

2/23/2020: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., St Mary Magdalene Church, 32114 Vine St

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Lorain County

Avon

2/25/2020: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Richard E. Jacobs Health Campus, 33100 Cleveland Clinic Blvd.

Columbia Station

2/22/2020: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Paramount Dog Training, 27100 Royalton Road

Lorain

2/13/2020: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Horizon Science Academy, 760 Tower Blvd

North Ridgeville

2/20/2020: 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Kemper Science and Engineering, 37501 Center Ridge Road

Oberlin

2/12/2020: 2 p.m. – 8 p.m., Shanks Health and Wellness Center, 200 Woodland St.

Sheffield Village

2/12/2020: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Ohio Business College, 5095 Waterford Dr

How to donate blood

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Red Cross celebrates Black History Month

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By Eric Alves, Regional Communications Specialist, American Red Cross of the Northeast Ohio

February 6, 2020- February is Black History Month and the American Red Cross is celebrating by paying tribute to the men and women who played a pivotal role in shaping the organization.

Here are some of the humanitarians who helped shape the Red Cross:

Steve Bullock – Serving Where the Need is Greatest

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Steve Bullock began his career with the Red Cross in 1962, working as a caseworker. His work took him and his family to military posts throughout the United States, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Twenty years later, he became the Chief Executive Officer and Chapter Manager of the Greater Cleveland Chapter.

Bullock culminated his career at the American Red Cross in 1999, when he was named acting president of the national agency in Washington, DC. He took on the role leading the organization after the resignation of Elizabeth Dole, who recommended him for the post. While serving as acting president, he headed a team of staff members and news media who brought 60,000 pounds of relief supplies to Macedonia to aid nearly 140,000 ethnic Albanian refugees driven from their homes in Kosovo.

Read our previous blog article to learn more about Steve Bullock and his impact on the Greater Cleveland Chapter.

Frederick Douglass – An Influential Ally in Founding the American Red Cross

Frederick Douglass

A leading spokesman of African Americans in the 1800s and friend of Clara Barton, Mr. Douglass offered encouragement when Clara Barton sought advice and support in her efforts to gain U.S. acceptance as a member nation of the global Red Cross network. Douglass’ name is on an appeal for funds after the 1882 Mississippi flood. He also, in his capacity as Register of Deeds for the District of Columbia, signed the original Articles of Incorporation for the American Red Cross when they were submitted to the municipal authorities. The articles legally documented the creation of the American Red Cross.

Gwen T. Jackson – A Dedicated Volunteer Leader Across Decades

Gwen Jackson

Gwen T. Jackson began volunteering with her local Red Cross chapter in 1961, and by 1989 she was the first African American to be appointed as the National Chairman of Volunteers for the American Red Cross. During her tenure, she implemented the results of the Volunteer 2000 Study, completed in 1988 to study the downturn in volunteerism and provide a blueprint for future growth.

While serving with the Red Cross, Jackson provided assistance during major disasters such as Hurricane Hugo and support during the Persian Gulf War. She later became a member of the American National Red Cross Board of Governors in 1992 and was re-elected for a second term in 1995. Jackson was presented with the Cynthia Wedel Award, an award given to outstanding Red Cross volunteers, for her 50 years of dedication and volunteer leadership in 2003. She currently holds an appointment as Chair Emeritus of the American Red Cross Milwaukee Chapter.

These leaders represent the Red Cross’ commitment to diversity and inclusion, to help deliver the mission of the Red Cross and to represent the communities we serve. We look forward to seeing the future leaders who will continue the legacy  of these great humanitarians and lead the Red Cross to great achievements.

Interested in giving back to your community? Come to a Red Cross Volunteer Session!

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By Samantha Pudelski, American Red Cross Volunteer

January 23, 2020- Are you interested in making a difference in your community by assisting individuals in need?

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The American Red Cross of Northeast Ohio has a critical need for volunteers to respond to local disasters, to assist at blood drives and to transport lifesaving blood.

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The Red Cross will be holding informational sessions across Northeast Ohio to help you learn about the many ways you can make a difference as a Red Cross volunteer. You’ll hear from current volunteers and have an opportunity to ask questions. We’ll also have volunteer applications available at the sessions.

California Wildfires 2019

Cuyahoga, Lake and Geauga County Sessions

Saturday, January 25th and Saturday, February 29th

10-11 AM

Red Cross Regional Headquarters

3747 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH

Summit, Portage and Media County Sessions

Saturday, February 1st and Saturday, March 1st

10-11 AM

Red Cross Akron Office

501 W. Market St., Akron, OH

Ashtabula, Columbiana, Jefferson, Mahoning, Trumbull County Session

Wednesday, February 19th

8:30-10:30 AM

Hoge’s Restaurant

16128 E Liverpool Rd., East Liverpool, OH

To RSVP for one of the information sessions above, contact Gail Wernick at 216-431-3328 or gail.wernick@redcross.org.

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Can’t make it to a volunteer session, but interested in volunteering? Click here to visit our volunteer page to learn more about volunteering with the Red Cross and to submit a volunteer application.

Alert: Critical need for blood and platelet donors

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By Christy Peters, External Communications Manager, Northern Ohio Biomedical Services

January 15, 2019- The American Red Cross is asking the public to kick off 2020 by doing something big: Give blood or platelets now to address the critical need for blood donors of all blood types – especially type O – and platelet donors.

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A shortfall in donations can cause delays in care

The family of 12-year-old Dagan Hawkins, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in November, knows this all too well. “While at the hospital, Dagan needed platelet and blood transfusions,” said Dustin Hawkins, Dagan’s father. “There was a time when platelets had to be delivered from another location because they were not available.”

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Dagan Hawkins

You can help restock the shelves

  1. Make an appointment to give blood or platelets by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
  2. Let your friends and family know there is a critical need for blood and platelet donors and ask them to #GiveNow.
  3. Bring someone to donate with you.

Your support can help ensure blood products are there for patients going through cancer treatments, trauma victims, premature babies and others who depend on transfusions for survival.

Be a champion for patients in need

Super Bowl Giveaway (1)

To help tackle the current critical need for blood and platelets, the Red Cross has teamed up with the NFL to offer one lucky winner the chance to experience the Super Bowl live in Miami. Those who come to give by Jan. 19, 2020, will automatically be entered for a chance to win an exciting Super Bowl LIV getaway for two. The Super Bowl LIV getaway package includes two tickets to Super Bowl LIV, entry to the official NFL Tailgate, two tickets to Super Bowl Experience at the Miami Beach Convention Center, round-trip airfare to Miami and three-night hotel accommodations (Jan. 31-Feb. 3, 2020), and a $500 gift card for expenses. Terms apply; visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for more information.

Don’t wait to help. Make your game plan to give now and help save lives.

If you are unable to give now, but will be eligible by February 11, sign up to donate during the annual Landerhaven blood drive on February 11, 2020. Enjoy gourmet food, live music and receive a free t-shirt, as you spread the love to someone in need.

Division VP celebrates 50 years with the Red Cross

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By Eric Alves, Regional Communications Specialist, American Red Cross of Northeast Ohio

January 3, 2020- The start of the new year is a time to not only look forward to the future, but also to reflect on the past. It is fitting that 2020 is synonymous with vision. 2019 was a milestone year for Sue Richter, Crossroads Division vice president.

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Last year, Sue Richter celebrated her 50th anniversary with the American Red Cross, a trailblazing career that started during her time spent in Vietnam.

Sue exemplifies what it truly means to be a Red Crosser. Despite her career achievements and prominent title, Sue views no task too small when helping others in need and advancing the Red Cross’ mission.

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During a recent Sound the Alarm event in Bedford Heights, Sue joined volunteers to install free smoke alarms to help keep families and neighborhoods safe from home fires.

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During a recent regional staff meeting, the Northeast Ohio Region was honored by Sue taking time out of her jam-packed schedule to speak with employees. Her leadership was on full display.

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Having experienced Sue’s mission driven attitude and leadership numerous times, the region presented Sue with an award and a quilt designed by volunteers from the Stark and Muskingum Lakes Chapter, as recognition for her remarkable 50 years of service.

Sue also graciously spoke to Jim McIntyre during a recent episode of the Northeast Ohio Region podcast Be A Hero.

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Sue Richter with her husband Frank

During the episode, Sue talked about career, how the Red Cross helped her meet her husband Frank and of the many Red Cross heroes she admires, she singled one out for making a big impact on her life.

From everyone in Northeast Ohio, thank you Sue for blazing a trail for many, being a role model to all and for continuing to spread the Red Cross’ mission each and every day!

Volunteers celebrating volunteers

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By Kim Kroh, Stark and Muskingum Lakes executive director

December 26, 2019- Stark and Muskingum Lakes volunteer, Barb Thomas, was attending a disaster services department meeting earlier this month and was looking for ways to inspire, uplift, and build camaraderie among the disaster team. ‘Tis the season, and what better way to recognize volunteers than to host a holiday party.  She laughs, saying she may have overextended herself because only 4 disaster volunteers (out of 20) raised a hand indicating an interest in attending a holiday party.

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Nonetheless, Barb got right to work, and her first step was recruiting helpers. Tom and Gwen Johnson eagerly volunteered to assist. Planning was officially underway, and the invitations were distributed. Tom hung all the decorations, and being 6’3”, he was perfect for the job. Gwen used her handy scrapbooking tool to punch out dozens of snowflakes, and Barb made a keepsake ornament for every volunteer.

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Together they transformed the disaster services office into a space with intimate ambiance, colorful lighting, snowflakes, holiday trees, and festive tinsel spiraling down from the rafters. Appetizers, desserts, and punch were on the menu and each volunteer brought a dessert or appetizer to share. The invitation also requested the volunteers to wear an ugly Christmas sweater and holy moly, there were some doozies!

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All in all, more than 30 people attended the party, sharing laughs and creating new memories. Job well done Barb! You were very successful in building camaraderie and reminding our volunteers, being one yourself, just how valuable you are to YOUR American Red Cross!!