How Can You Help Baton Rouge?

Posted on August 22, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

The Red Cross continues to provide hope, shelter and meals to those affected in Louisiana.

If you are asking yourself, “How can I help them?” Well, it’s as easy as sending a text (if you can’t do it yourself, may I recommend finding your nearest 5-year-old as they are shockingly amazing at it.) Simply text LAFLOODS to 90999 and a ten dollar donation to the American Red Cross will appear on your next cellular phone bill. Those with iPhones can also make a $5-$200 donation through iTunes and the App Store.

This donation will help us provide services and relief items to those affected by flooding in Louisiana.

Seven days in to the response, Red Cross shelters have hosted over 42,000 overnight stays. Nearly 2,800 remain in shelters. This is a number not typically seen this many days into an operation.

We have distributed 250,000 meals and snacks in shelters and communities.

Many are starting the work of rebuilding their lives; this is the next phase of a disaster response. Teams of Red Cross workers, including more than a dozen volunteers from Northeast Ohio, are in communities where the waters have receded, surveying the damage done and helping families navigate available financial and well-being assistance. Red Cross trucks from around the country are out providing meals and cleaning supplies to those tackling the job of repairing their homes.

The current estimate for the Red Cross response in Louisiana stands at $30 million.

August 19, 2016. Denham Springs, Louisiana. Destiny, 8, helped carry a Red Cross clean-up kit to her home. (Her mom Hope and Aunt Linda are in the background). Photo by: Marko Kokic/American Red Cross

August 19, 2016. Denham Springs, Louisiana. Del Ruiseco gives Red Cross relief supplies, including clean-up kits and water, to Melanie Taylor. Photo by: Marko Kokic/American Red Cross

August 19, 2016. Denham, Louisiana. Project Homecoming relief workers Karin Peri-Ramos (l) and Christina Drake (r) deliver Red Cross clean-up kits to families beginning to recover from the flooding in southern Louisiana Photo by: Marko Kokic/American Red Cross

August 19, 2016. Denham Springs, Louisiana. Judy and Randy Bergeron show Red Cross relief worker Lynette Nyman their home after the flood. Photo by: Marko Kokic/American Red Cross

August 19, 2016. Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Red Cross volunteer Greg Clover from San Diego, CA, surveys relief supplies, including water and clean-up kits, ready for distribution to families affected by the flooding in southern Louisiana. Clover serves as manager at the main relief supply warehouse in Baton Rouge. Photo by Marko Kokic for the American Red Cross

August 18, 2016. Denham Springs, Louisiana. “I can’t cry in front of my family,” says Navy veteran Benjamin Bonin, who tells the harrowing story of floodwaters rushing through his neighborhood in Denham Springs to Red Cross relief worker Lynette Nyman. “I heard screams from across the street,” says Bonin. He evacuated with his family as soon as he could, but not before helping others who were more vulnerable and unable to get out alone. “I pulled people out all day and all night.” Bonin welcomed iced water from the Red Cross during flood relief efforts. Photo by: Marko Kokic/American Red Cross

August 18, 2016. Denham Springs, Louisiana. Tears fill Fonda’s eyes as she ran, arms opens, from her flooded Louisiana home. Her first request? “I want a hug,” says Fonda Buckley as she embraces Red Cross volunteer Cora Lee. Photo by: Marko Kokic/American Red Cross

August 19, 2016. Denham Springs, Louisiana. Red Cross volunteer Sarah Carman delivers relief supplies in Denham Springs, Louisiana. Photo by: Marko Kokic/American Red Cross

NEO Red Cross Continues to Support Victims in Louisiana

Posted on August 18, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

According to meteorologists, more than 6.9 trillion gallons of rain – enough water to fill 10.4 million Olympic pools – deluged Louisiana this week.

On Wednesday night, more than 4,100 people were still seeking refuge in 30 Red Cross and community shelters in Louisiana. And the flooding danger is not over. More rain is falling in Louisiana and flood waters are moving down-river, which could cause damage in new areas. The Red Cross is closely monitoring the situation to be ready to mount an additional response if necessary.

August 16, 2016. Gonzales, Louisiana. Courtney Robinson (center) says she is nearly certain that her home is destroyed because of the record flooding in southern Louisiana. She is staying at a Red Cross shelter with her children and husband. They fled with some essential items, such as food, water, and a change of clothes for them and their five children. Courtney shared their story with Red Cross relief worker Elizabeth Stander, and Rachel Ambeau, who is also displaced and staying at the Red Cross shelter, in Gonzales, Louisiana. Photo by: Marko Kokic/American Red Cross

August 16, 2016. Gonzales, Louisiana. Red Cross relief worker Elizabeth Stander takes time to visit with people affected by recording flooding, including Courtney Robinson, at the Red Cross shelter in Gonzales, Louisiana. Photo by: Marko Kokic/American Red Cross

August 16, 2016. Gonzales, Louisiana. Flooding. Photo by: Marko Kokic/American Red Cross

August 16, 2016. Red Cross shelter, Lamar Dixon Expo Center, Gonzales, Louisiana. Courtney Robinson (center) says she is nearly certain that her home is destroyed because of the record flooding in southern Louisiana. Shes staying at a Red Cross shelter with her children and husband, Jeff Harper. In advance of the flood, they fled with some essential items, such as food, water, and a change of clothes for them and their five children. Photo by: Marko Kokic/American Red Cross

August 16, 2016. Gonzales, Louisiana. Redina Lee talks with Sharon Butler-Walker, a new Red Cross volunteer. Redina says the Red Cross shelter has been good. “I’m blessed here. I don’t have to pay anything.” Redina is staying at the Red Cross shelter in Gonzales, Louisiana. Photo by: Marko Kokic/American Red Cross

August 16, 2016. Gonzales, Louisiana. David Moore in a flooded neighborhood. Photo by: Marko Kokic/American Red Cross

August 16, 2016. Gonzales, Louisiana. Sharon Butler-Walker is a new Red Cross volunteer, who is inspired to help others because she loves helping and she says theres a great need for volunteers. She brought Glenda Hill to her temporary lodging at the Red Cross shelter in Gonzales, Louisiana. Photo by: Marko Kokic/American Red Cross

August 16, 2016. Gonzales, Louisiana. Friends and family, including (l-r) Kyla Delacruz, Brandi Anariba, Kelsie Baires, Amy Lee, and infant Tyson Baires, are among hundreds of people staying at a Red Cross shelter after historic flooding in southern Louisiana. The Red Cross is providing everything, says Kyla. But we lost everything. After this Im not sure what were going to do, she says. They shared their stories with relief worker Lynette Nyman. Photo by: Marko Kokic/American Red Cross

Red Cross volunteers – including 16 from right here in Northeast Ohio – continue to help thousands of people in Louisiana in what is the worst natural disaster to hit the United States since Superstorm Sandy in 2012. This response is anticipated to cost at least $30 million – and this number may grow as we learn more about the scope and magnitude of the devastation.

The flooding in Louisiana has left many areas without power and phone service, making it difficult for loved ones to connect. Local emergency lines have also been inundated with calls for help. The Red Cross has two ways to help families reconnect:

The Red Cross Emergency App features a “Family Safe” feature that allows people to check on loved ones who are in an area affected by an emergency and instantly see if they are okay – even if that loved one hasn’t downloaded the App on their device. The App is free and can be found in the app store for your mobile device by searching for “American Red Cross” or by going to redcross.org/apps.
The Red Cross is encouraging people to register on our Safe and Well website, www.redcross.org/safeandwell, to help people reconnect. If you are concerned about a loved one, visit the “Search” page, enter the person’s name and pre-disaster phone number or complete address. If you are outside the disaster area and you hear from loved ones without access to a computer, you can register them through Safe and Well. That way, other loved ones can be reassured as well.

Large disasters like this flooding create more needs than any one organization can meet, and the Red Cross is working closely with the entire response community – federal, state, county and local agencies, other non-profit organizations, churches, area businesses and others – to coordinate relief efforts and deliver help quickly and efficiently, keeping in mind the diverse needs of the community.

The Red Cross urgently needs the public to join us in supporting Louisiana by making a financial donation today. Help people affected by the Louisiana Floods by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word LAFLOODS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from these disasters.

NEO Volunteers Deploy to Louisiana Flooding

Posted on August 16, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Red Cross disaster workers — including 8 from here in Northeast Ohio — are helping thousands of Louisiana residents with a safe place to stay and food to eat despite closed roads and continued flooding making it challenging to get relief supplies to where they are needed.

Volunteers, Sue and Linda left from the Cleveland office in an emergency response vehicle this morning. A second team left from Youngstown.

The truck (lovingly referred to as an ERV by Red Cross staff) will be used transport cleaning items like mops, buckets and bleach or hot meals prepared by our partners at one of the eight Southern Baptist kitchens out in to the communities affected by the flood.

The current flooding in Louisiana is the worst natural disaster to strike the United States since Superstorm Sandy.

Monday night more than 8,400 people sought refuge in 36 Red Cross and community shelters in Louisiana. More than 1,000 Red Cross disaster volunteers have been mobilized from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to help with the Louisiana relief efforts. The Red Cross is also mobilizing over 60 ERVS — like the two that left Northeast Ohio this morning — with nearly 40,000 ready-to-eat meals, and dozens of trailers filled with shelter and kitchen supplies.

“People in Louisiana urgently need our help now,” said Mike Parks, Regional CEO. “Please consider making a financial donation to the Red Cross today.”

HOW TO HELP People in Louisiana are facing a dire situation. Floodwaters still cover neighborhoods. An estimated 25,000 homes are damaged, affecting at least 75,000 people. Thousands of people have no power when it feels like 99 degrees outside and more than 100 roads are closed. People can donate by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word LAFLOODS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recovery from these disasters.

FINDING LOVED ONES Residents of the affected areas can connect with their loved ones by using the “I’m Safe” button on the Red Cross Emergency App which is free and can be found in the app store for someone’s mobile device by searching for “American Red Cross” or by going to redcross.org/apps.

People can also visit http://www.redcross.org/safeandwell to register on the Red Cross Safe and Well website, a secure and private way that friends and family connect. The site also allows people to update their status on Facebook and Twitter.

JOINT RELIEF EFFORT The Red Cross is working closely with the entire response community to coordinate relief efforts and deliver help quickly and efficiently, keeping in mind the diverse needs of the community. Some of the organizations sending help to the area include Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, the NAACP, Islamic Relief USA, Church of the Brethren Children’s Disaster Services, Save the Children, AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps, AFL-CIO, Verizon, Duracell, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Baton Route YMCA and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints volunteers.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER To become a Red Cross volunteer, visit redcross.org/neo and click on VOLUNTEER today to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how to submit a volunteer application.

Wanted: AmeriCorps Workers for NEO American Red Cross Corps

Posted on August 12, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

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WHO: Highly energized and passionate individuals who are prepared to serve full-time (including nights and weekends) to serve the mission of the American Red Cross

WHAT: Red Cross Corps (RCC) is a National AmeriCorps program with a goal of building capacity to deliver Preparedness Education across the country. Members will aim to reach 750 youth and 250 adults with Preparedness Education. In addition, each member will train 5 volunteers to help make Preparedness Education a sustainable community program.

WHEN: Members complete the program on August 11, 2017

WHERE: Summit, Portage and Medina Counties Chapter
501 West Market St.
Akron, Ohio 44303

Click here for a full listing of American Red Cross AmeriCorps programs (National and State)

WHY: Red Cross Corps members will have an unique opportunity to impact their communities with life-saving preparedness education. By serving with the Red Cross, members are not only part of a national movement of service, but will also be connected to a humanitarian organization that strives to help people when they need it most!

Member Benefits:

Living allowance up to $14,000 (taxable) for 11 months of service
$5,775 Education Award. The Segal Education Award is good for seven years from the end of service and can be used to repay qualifiedstudent loans or for future education at eligible schools. National members age 55 and older at the time of service may be eligible to transfer the award to certain family members. Learn more about the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award.
Possible forbearance of qualified student loans. Note that interest continues to accrue. However accrued interest on qualifiedloans is eligible for payment by the National Service Trust.
Health plan benefits. Members are eligible to enroll in an Affordable Care Act compliant health plan.
Childcare benefits if you qualify. Learn more about our childcare benefits.

Plus, you will be following in the footsteps of our own Tim Reichel, Disaster Program Manager for the Stark County and Muskingum Lakes Chapter.

If you are interested in applying, please visit: http://www.myamericorps.gov

Power Outage Preparedness

Posted on August 10, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

That you are able to log onto this blog and read this article is a testament to the reliability of the company that supplies your electricity. Unfortunately, stormy weather can knock out power, as it did Tuesday night for some 20,000 First Energy customers.

And as sweltering as the summer of 2016 has been, the demand for power has been great. Sometimes, electrical equipment can be overloaded with so many air conditioners running. That, too can cause power outages. While outages aren’t always predictable, it’s easy to be prepared and keep your loved ones safe during one.

HAVE A KIT

The top items in your power outage kit should include water, a battery powered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries. It is important not to use candles during a power outage because they a more likely to start a fire. Other items include:

Medications (7-day supply) and required medical items
Family and emergency contact information
Extra cash
Non-cordless telephone
Full tank of gas

For more information on building a kit, check out our 72-hour kit blog post.

FOOD

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Use perishable food from the refrigerator first, freezer items second and non-perishable food last. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours and a freezer half-full will stay cold for 24 hours.

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electrical equipment, including appliances, equipment or electronics you were using when the power went out. It is important to do this because when the power comes back on, surges or spikes can damage equipment. You can protect appliances that can’t be unplugged, like refrigerators and freezers, with a surge protector.

CAUTION: CARBON MONOXIDE KILLS

Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside an enclosed area. Cooking in enclosed areas with alternate sources for electricity can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and fire. These tips below will help you prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

Always locate unit away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
Install carbon monoxide alarms in your to provide early warning of any accumulating carbon monoxide.
If you hear the carbon monoxide alarm sound, move to a fresh air outdoors or an open window or door. Call for help from that location and remain there until emergency personnel arrive to assist you.

For more information on what to do during a power outage please visit http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/power-outage.

Get more information on surviving during this summer’s relentless heat here. And download the Red Cross Emergency App, to monitor more than 35 different severe weather an emergency alerts, to help keep you and your family safe this summer and throughout the year.

Red Cross, Partners Help Euclid Residents Prepare for and Prevent Home Fires

Posted on August 9, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Lincoln Electric Volunteers, Euclid Fire Department Personnel Participate in Fire Safety Walk

Nearly 100 homes in Euclid now have working smoke alarms, following one of the largest Fire Safety Walks ever held in Northeast Ohio. 283 smoke alarms were installed on Saturday, August 6, 2016, with the enthusiastic help of volunteers from Lincoln Electric and our partners at the Euclid Fire Department.

“We were able to get into 95 homes and install 283 alarms. That is approximately 3 per home,” said John Gareis, Regional Manager of Preparedness and Community Planning in Northeast Ohio.

Combined with a similar effort last summer involving Lincoln Electric volunteers and the Euclid Fire Department, almost 650 smoke alarms have been installed in that Euclid neighborhood as part of Operation Save-A-Life, the American Red Cross initiative in Northeast Ohio to reduce the number of casualties in home fires by 25%. John Gareis continued, “While the total number of alarms is less than last summer, our targeted area has far fewer homes in them – making this install more efficient overall!”

As was the case last summer, Lincoln Electric CEO Chris Mapes worked alongside employees to install the smoke alarms, and to provide residents with valuable fire safety information. And Mike Parks, Regional CEO of the Red Cross in Northeast Ohio contributed to the effort, along with Red Cross volunteers and staff.

Mike Parks, Chris Mapes and John Gareis

“The partnership between Lincoln Electric, Euclid Fire, and the American Red Cross is a winner to be sure and a model for others, not only in the Region but throughout the country,” Parks said. “I know the event had an extremely positive impact, and will help prevent the loss of life due to home fires.”

Last year, more than 100 lives across the country were saved after smoke alarms were installed by the Red Cross and our partners.

Home fires remain the biggest disaster threat to individuals and families in the United States. There are three home fires, on average, in Northeast Ohio every night. Operation Save-A-Life, part of the national Red Cross Home Fire Campaign is in direct response to that dire threat, with the Red Cross committing to install 2.5 million free smoke alarms in neighborhoods at high risk for fires, and to educate those residents about fire prevention and preparedness.

More than 12,500 smoke alarms were installed in homes in Northeast Ohio last year.

If you would like a free fire safety inspection of your home, and free installation of smoke alarms, log onto redcross.org/neoosal. You can also visit redcross.org/homefires to find out more about how to protect you and your family from fire. You can also become a Red Cross volunteer. And you can help by donating to Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations to Disaster Relief will be used to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.

Click on the photo to see a gallery of pictures taken during the Euclid Fire Safety Walk.

Photo credit: Cal Pusateri, American Red Cross Communications Volunteer

Ring! Ring! Goes the Bell – Back to School Safety Tips

Posted on August 4, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

It’s almost time for the school bells to ring again and the American Red Cross has steps everyone can follow to help make the trip back to the classroom a safe one.

“Safety should be the top priority for all students, especially younger children and those heading to school for the first time,” said Tim O’Toole, Regional Disaster Officer for the region. “Whether riding, biking or walking to school, we want everyone to arrive and then return home safely.”

Back to school_stop for bus tip.png

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY If children ride a bus to school, they should plan to get to their bus stop early and stand back from the curb while waiting for the bus to arrive. Other safety steps include:

Wait to board the bus until it has come to a complete stop and the driver or attendant has signaled to get on.
Tell children they should only board their bus – never an alternate one.
Always stay in clear view of the bus driver and never walk behind the bus.
Cross the street at the corner, obey traffic signals and stay in the crosswalk.
Never dart out into the street, or cross between parked cars.

GET TO SCHOOL SAFELY If children ride in a car to get to school, they should always wear a seat belt.

Younger children should use car seats or booster seats until the lap-shoulder belt fits properly (typically for children ages 8-12 and over 4’9”) and ride in the back seat until they are at least 13 years old.
If a teenager is driving to school, parents should mandate that he or she use seat belts. Drivers should not use their cell phone to text or make calls, and should avoid eating or drinking while driving.
Some students ride their bike to school. They should always wear a helmet and ride on the right in the same direction as the traffic is going.
When students are walking to school, they should only cross the street at an intersection. If possible, use a route with crossing guards.
Parents should walk young children to school, along with children taking new routes or attending new schools, at least for the first week to ensure they know how to get there safely. Arrange for the kids to walk to school with a friend or classmate.

WHAT DRIVERS SHOULD KNOW Drivers should know what the yellow and red bus signals mean and be aware that children are out walking or biking to school and slow down – especially in residential areas and school zones. Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is getting ready to stop and motorists should slow down and be prepared to stop. Red flashing lights and an extended stop sign indicate the bus is stopped and children are getting on or off. Drivers in both directions must stop their vehicles and wait until the lights go off, the stop sign is back in place and the bus is moving before they can start driving again.

Parents should also make sure the child knows their phone number, address, how to get in touch with their parents at work, how to get in touch with another trusted adult and how to dial 9-1-1. They should also teach children not to talk to strangers or accept rides from someone they don’t know.

TAKE A FIRST AID CLASS Red Cross training can give someone the confidence and skills to help with everyday emergencies from paper cuts to school sports injuries. A variety of online and in-class courses are available at redcross.org/takeaclass. People can download the free Red Cross First Aid App (redcross.org/apps) for instant access to expert advice whenever and wherever needed.

Two Tips for Keeping Your Child’s Commute Safer this Week

Posted on August 4, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

This week is heating up in Northeast Ohio and that means hot-hot-hot! vehicles.

Here’s two tips for keeping your child’s commute safer during these steaming days:

For more reading, check out Sarah’s post on Red Cross Chat.

(And a special “Thank you” to Lt. Rick Edwards of the Akron Police Department for stopping by to talk with us.)

Video created and produced by Ryan McDivitt, American Red Cross Volunteer

More Than a Half-Century of Red Cross Service

Posted on August 1, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Anmol Nigam, American Red Cross Communications Volunteer

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Photo credit: Paul Wadowick, American Red Cross Communications Volunteer

When Jay Rosenthal was in his youth he witnessed an event so provoking, he would later decide to spend over fifty years of his life to prevent a recurrence.

It was the 1950’s, and Jay was roughly twelve years old, enjoying a beautiful Fourth of July at a the cool waters of a local pool along with hundreds of other people from his area. A sudden downpour prompted a mass exit from the pool.

As the crowd emptied, Jay would recall an “announcement on the PA system about a lost three year-old boy.” The body of the boy was found in the pool. He could not swim. Jay watched as the lifeguards attempted without success to resuscitate the boy.

Jay remembers with sadness and says, “in the fifties CPR and AEDs were only something of the future.”

It was from that moment, Jay would devote his life to preventing the loss of life by learning how to save lives and by training others to be safe in and prepare for emergencies. Jay continues to help the people in his community by his fifty-three years of service to the American Red Cross.

Jay now helps staff the Lake to River Chapter headquarters in Youngstown and teaches CPR and first aid classes.

Karen Conklin, Executive Director of the Lake to River Chapter, is one of Jay’s biggest fans. “Jay comes here every day to volunteer. He is so valuable. If we can’t find something we ask him. He is a fabulous First Aid /CPR instructor but his passion is teaching kids to swim. Ask him if he has any idea how many children and adults he has taught. He might have 53 years in, but thousands can swim because of him.”

When he’s not volunteering for the Red Cross, Jay coordinating a “Learn-to-Swim” program in community schools.

When we asked Jay the secret to his commitment, his response was “it’s in the blood.”

Give Blood and #give10 with the Cleveland Browns

Posted on July 29, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Team Encourages Volunteerism, Blood Donations as Training Camp Begins

Rain in Berea on Friday, July 29 did not dampen the spirits of Cleveland Browns fans who turned out for the opening of the 2016 training camp. And once again, the Red Cross was invited to camp to encourage fans to give blood during the annual Cleveland Browns Blood Drive on Saturday, July 30.

Browns Fan Becky Browand

We also invited fans to #give10.

The Browns’ #give10 initiative is meant to inspire fans to help their communities by volunteering for 10 hours each year. And there’s no better place to begin volunteering than the American Red Cross.

“Red Cross volunteers help people in their darkest hour, following a fire, flood or other disaster that forces them from their homes,” said Pat Buckhold, Regional Volunteer Officer for the Northeast Ohio Region. “But there are many other opportunities to give back, by teaching First Aid/CPR, helping members of the military connect with their families, or offering behind the scenes support as a receptionist or caseworker.”

Red Cross volunteer Carol Grant and Browns fan Susan Walter of Cleveland

Volunteers also help at blood drives, like the Browns Blood Drive being held at 13 separate sites in Northeast Ohio on Saturday, July 30. Fans who attend Browns training camp can donate blood at the Berea Recreation Center, 451 Front Street from 8:00 am-2:00 pm. All presenting donors at each blood drive location will receive a commemorative Browns T-shirt (while supplies last) and have the chance to win great Browns-related prizes.

Browns intern Sydney Golic and Red Cross volunteer Carol Grant

The blood drive couldn’t be more timely. We are in the midst of a significant blood shortage and have issued a blood emergency declaration, calling for donors to give now. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (733-2767) or log onto redcrossblood.org to make an appointment to donate blood.

To become a Red Cross volunteer, go online and click on the volunteer tab, or call 216-431-3328.

And Go Browns!

Photo credit: Jim McIntyre/American Red Cross

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American Red Cross of Northern Ohio Region