Pictures are His Passion

Posted on April 11, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

The American Red Cross celebrates the work and support of the hundreds of thousands of Red Cross volunteers during National Volunteer week, April 10-16.

Volunteers fulfill many roles, from coordinating blood drives, to responding to home fires in the middle of the night, to traveling to areas ravaged by natural disasters.

One such volunteer is Cal Pusateri, a professional photographer who uses his skills to help document the good work done by other volunteers in the Northeast Ohio Region.

Why I Volunteer

By Cal Pusateri, Communications Volunteer, American Red Cross Northeast Ohio Region

Over the years, I have volunteered for more than a few 501-c organizations. Giving my time has more meaning to me than a simple donation.

When approached to volunteer for the American Red Cross, I signed up for a strictly greedy reason, Boosted Ego!

I take photos, and when the ARC uses one (ego boost), hopefully, a person or persons are inspired to join the ARC.

Thank you, American Red Cross, for allowing me to become a ARC Volunteer.

The Vermilion restaurant has a waterfront location

2nd Annual City of Cleveland Veterans Day Parade

Simulated wreckage and fire

Photo Credit: Cal Pusateri/American Red Cross Volunteer

18th annual Bloodsuckers Buffet Wednesday, April 13

Posted on April 8, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Join us for the 18^th annual Bloodsuckers Buffet Wednesday, April 13, 7 a.m to 7 p.m. at Windows on the River in the Powerhouse at Nautica. All who come to donate will enjoy a 98.5 WNCX live broadcast all day, free goody bag with great gifts from our sponsors, complimentary parking, food and raffle prizes. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), visit redcrossblood.org and enter code “Bloodsuckers” or use the Blood Donor App to schedule your appointment today.

Donating blood at the Bloodsuckers Buffet on April 13? Save time at the blood drive by completing the new Red Cross RapidPass online health history before you go that day! To learn more and get your pass, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions.

Every day the American Red Cross needs 14,000 blood and platelet donations to meet the needs of patients. We can’t do it without you! Join us for the 18^th annual Bloodsuckers Buffet and help make a difference! The blood drive is Wednesday, April 13, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Windows on the River in the Powerhouse at Nautica. Enjoy a live broadcast with 98.5 WNCX, goody bag, complimentary parking, food and raffle prizes. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), visit redcrossblood.org and enter code “Bloodsuckers” or use the Blood Donor App to schedule your appointment today.

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!)

A Report on the Flooding in Louisiana

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

By: Pam Williams, volunteer

Since the flooding in the south began three weeks ago, nearly 2,000 Red Crossers working alongside partners have provided 4,700 overnight stays in 60 shelters; served 290,000 meals and snacks; distributed more than 119,000 relief items including comfort kits and cleaning supplies; and provided nearly 9,000 health and mental health consultation.

I deployed to Louisiana as part of the External Relations team. As a Government Operations Lead, I helped coordinate necessary services and activities with local, state, federal and Tribal government partners and worked with our Community Partner Services volunteers who identify non-government partners, private agencies and/or organizations and members of the affected communities to assist those affected by the disaster.

This was my 22nd deployment and several of them have been in response to floods. My friends think I’m off to see the country, and I suppose they’re right, but I’m seeing it in pain. However, while each disaster and each response is different I have found one constant – I am seeing people at their best. Whether it is Red Cross volunteers who leave their lives and families to respond, community groups who step up to help their neighbors or those affected by the disaster who are amazingly resilient there is a spirit that moves people forward.

Since returning to Northeast Ohio, here are some of the things I have learned about the response in Louisiana:

This is the largest sheltering operation for the Red Cross in Louisiana since Hurricane Gustav and Ike in 2008, and Hurricane Isaac in 2012.
As many as 12,000 people have been impacted by the flooding across the state with hundreds of residences either destroyed or receiving major damage.
The Red Cross estimates that we will spend between $8.5 million and $11.5 million helping people affected by spring floods and storms across Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana and Tennessee – and we haven’t raised anywhere near the millions of dollars we’re spending to provide the relief needed.
Since the flooding began, the Red Cross and our partners have provided more than 3,000 overnight stays in 30 shelters; served 216,000 meals and snacks; distributed 53,000 relief items including comfort kits and cleaning supplies; and provided 3,800 health and mental health consultations in Louisiana alone. Over three weeks into this response operation we are still sheltering affected residents and pockets of previously unidentified people are popping up everyday. There are over 430 areas that continue to be marked as inaccessible so our Disaster Assessment teams can’t yet get in to see how badly the homes have been affected.

The Red Cross has also deployed hundreds of volunteers (like me) to staff these disasters–and we are appealing for additional Red Cross volunteers now. The time and talent of every volunteer makes a real difference in people’s lives. Go to redcross.org/volunteer today to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how to submit a volunteer application.

Sunday March 13, 2016. Rayville, Louisiana. Bobby Ray Griffin and Mildred Means took on more than a foot of water in their Rayville, Louisiana, home. They had already spent much of the day removing flood-damaged furniture from their home when Red Cross volunteers came through their neighborhood with snacks and water. Photo by Daniel Cima/American Red Cross

March 14, 2016. Monroe, Louisiana. At 9-months-old, Jakenzie Bradford is one of the youngest staying at this Monroe, Louisiana, Red Cross shelter. She and her family where displaced when floodwaters entered their home nearly a week ago. The Red Cross provides a safe place where children and families can feel comfortable and secure as they begin the road to recovery after disasters like floods. Photo by Daniel Cima/American Red Cross

Preparedness Day, Tomorrow at Various Locations

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

In partnership with Dominion East Ohio, we are holding Preparedness Day from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on April 2, 2016, at locations throughout the Northeast Ohio region.

Stop by and learn the importance of being “Red Cross Ready” in the event of a disaster and pick up a FREE first aid kit (sponsored by Dominion East Ohio)!

Volunteers from the Red Cross and Dominion will be at the following locations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.:

Walmart Supercenter: 3551 N Ridge Road East, Ashtabula, OH 44004
Starwood Great Northern Mall – 4954 Great Northern Blvd. North Olmsted, Ohio 44070
Eastwood Mall/Niles – 5555 Youngstown-Warren Rd., Niles, Ohio 44446
Starwood Belden Village/ Canton – 4230 Belden Village St. NW, Canton, Ohio 44718
New Towne Mall/ New Philadelphia – 400 Mill Ave. SE, Suite C8, New Philadelphia, OH 44663
Buehlers/Orrville – 1114 W High St, Orrville, OH 44667
Chapel Hill Mall/Akron – 2000 Brittain Rd #830, Akron, OH 44310
Starwood SouthPark Mall 500 SouthPark Center, Strongsville, Ohio 44136

Vacation in Palm Beach

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

By: Tina Daniels, Account Specialist – American Red Cross Northern Ohio Blood Services Region

It was cloudy on March 19, 2016 and I was on vacation with a friend in Palm Beach Shores, Fla. We decided to have lunch at the Sail Fish Marina and walk along the beach. It began to rain so we took cover under a hotel parking lot canopy. While waiting for the rain to stop, a gentleman collapsed directly in front of us and had a grand mal seizure.

Photo courtesy of Tina Daniels

I had first taken a Red Cross CPR class back in 2002 and progressed on to become an EMT for the city of Hudson, Ohio. Everything suddenly came back to me and I felt confident enough to help. I had not used my lifesaving skills in awhile but somehow I remained calm and knew exactly what to do. I immediately called 911 and spoke to the dispatcher about the condition of the gentleman and told her I needed an ambulance. She asked for my exact location but I didn’t know the address so I handed my cell phone to the gentleman next to me. I asked the victim’s wife if he had ever had a seizure before and if he had any medical conditions. She explained that he had not had a seizure in years but was a diabetic. I rolled him onto his side, took his pulse, made sure his airway was clear, and supported his back with my thigh while he was having his seizure. At one point he had stopped breathing so I stimulated his back by rubbing it and he began to breathe again. Although I did not have to perform CPR, I felt confident that I would have been able to thanks to my Red Cross and EMT training. Thankfully, the Riviera Beach Paramedics arrived within a few minutes and transported him to the hospital.

I often think of him, and wonder how he is.

Metropolis Red Cross Responds to Latest Battle

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

Article reprint courtesy of today’s Daily Planet

As so-called “Heroes” battle in the skies above the city, the American Red Cross of Metropolis Chapter has quietly begun to set up services for those displaced by the most recent disaster.

“When villains call out Superman, Red Cross workers know that a disaster response will not be far behind,” said Tim O’Toole, Regional Disaster Manager for the Metropolis Chapter. “Now that we have the dark knight of Gotham added to the mix, we have braced for an even larger response.”

Those displaced by the fighting can find shelter by visiting www.redcross.org/shelter. Red Cross volunteers will be on site to provide financial assistance and vital services, including mental health.

As first responders continue to work on the destruction left in the wake of these super men (and reportedly at least one woman), the Red Cross is on scene to provide coffee, water and snacks to those fighting the blazes.

For more information on the response of the Metropolis Red Cross, or to get info on your local chapter, subscribe to www.neoredcross.org.

You can also donate to “this” and other local disasters by going to www.redcross.org/donate, calling 1 800 RED CROSS, or texting RED CROSS to 90999.

(Batman v Superman opens today. For times and locations check out this link here.)

My first time donating blood – and why I can’t wait to do it again

Posted on March 23, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By: Kyle McPhillips, student at Bay High School

Most of my life, I’ve known right from wrong. I’ve known things I should do, and I definitely have been taught things I shouldn’t. I’ve learned by watching my parents, sister, grandparents, cousins, friends, reading and just hearing stories. I’ve learned how to be a better person by watching and listening to people around me.

I often hear how great my Great-Grandpa Kowalski was, and how great the world would be if we were all like him. He was Papa to my mom and her brothers and sisters, and a hero and best friend, especially to my grandma and my Uncle Andrew. He was in the Army, served in the war, lived his life to serve others, and donated blood any chance he could. Over his lifetime, I was told he gave countless gallons of blood.

The stories about my great-grandpa were in the back of my mind when Bay High had a blood drive. Also, one of my sister’s friends passed away from a rare blood disorder, ITP. These thoughts helped me realize that a few seconds of pain from getting poked by a needle would be worth it to help someone who really needed it. Who knows how many lives he saved over his years of donating blood, or how many people with ITP survived because of a blood donation?

Aside from wanting to do the right thing, I also found out that my blood type is O+, and that this blood type is in high demand. Because I’ve been fortunate to grow up healthy, I realized it’s also my responsibility to donate whenever I can.

Did you know that you can donate blood every 56 days? My first experience went really well. Our school had a blood drive, we all signed up, and it was as simple as missing a class or two and doing a good deed. The volunteer staff made me feel very comfortable. They knew it was my first time, as it was for many others there. After checking my iron level and getting me settled into a chair, they cleaned up the area of my arm, marked a “good vein” and then told me to look away while she inserted the needle. It wasn’t super comfortable, but it also wasn’t horrible either. After breaking my elbow and having stitches in my lip a couple times, this was easy in comparison.

I know there is so much pressure on kids today to do well in school, excel in sports, get good test scores and so much more, but things like the blood drive helped me realize that there’s more to life than many of those things, and that simply being a good person and helping others is most important of all. It’s also nice to know I’m helping someone who doesn’t even know me, and it’s a good feeling to do that and not expect anything in return, except some juice and cookies.

I told myself that 56 days after my first donation I was going to do it again. It’s been almost 70 days, and I haven’t been back because I’ve just been so busy with school activities. But, I can’t make excuses, because donating blood is as important, and maybe more important, than other things I am doing. I know my great-grandpa, who only got to spend three months with me before he died, is smiling knowing that I’m trying to walk in his footsteps.

Prevent and Alleviate: Providing Fire Safety Education to Everyone

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

You may think that preventing and alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies – the two actions our mission charges us to do – is a tall order.

With over 4.5 million residents to educate and assist, it can be a little overwhelming.

And yet, when eating an elephant – take one bite at a time.

The first bite: teaching our young community members more about how to keep themselves (and their families) safe before, during and following a disaster.

We are proud to announce that we have hit our annual goal by teaching the pillowcase project, sponsored by Disney, to 2,892 local school-aged children!

The pillowcase project teaches kids about disasters that can happen here in Northeast Ohio, and what they and their families can do to prepare for and respond during an event. Home fire education is the most prevalent piece of this program, as we respond to an average of three home fires across Northeast Ohio each night.

During the program kids are taught about smoke alarms, what to do when a smoke alarm sounds, knowing exit strategies for each room, creating a family meeting spot and so much more.

But this education isn’t just for the children of our community.

We are dedicated to sharing these safety tips with everyone. That’s the second bite of the elephant.

Through Operation Save-A-Life we are helping families learn more about fire safety as well as providing the tools necessary to put that education into practice, should the time come.

As of March, 2016, we have installed over 8,844 smoke alarms in homes throughout Northeast Ohio.

That’s just 1,156 off from the stretch goal we gave ourselves in June, 2015. Our region currently leads the nation in number of smoke alarms installed.

We are very proud of what we have accomplished. And our dedicated work and planning is paying off. We see it in the success stories of families like this one from last summer, and this one from December.

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, to the Red Cross workforce who made those numbers happen. Thank you to those who continue to educate, install and provide hope to families and individuals in each of the communities that we serve.

You can eat an elephant – one bite at a time.

Thank you!!

Greater Cleveland Heroes Honored

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

A psychiatric nurse who puts his life on the line to treat his patients.

A FirstEnergy Meter Reader who used his first aid training to help a severely injured man.

A U. S. Army Colonel who commands a medical unit responsible for working in combat zones.

A Patient Navigator who helps adolescent and young adult patients recover from cancer.

A Coast Guard pilot who rescued a mariner after his sailboat was smashed on the Fairport Harbor break wall.

A Cleveland Police Detective and two Patrol Officers who administered life-saving aid to an injured man.

And a miniature horse who brings comfort and joy to hospitalized children.

The 2016 American Red Cross Greater Cleveland Hero Award winners were honored on Friday, March 11 during a luncheon ceremony at the First Merit Cleveland Convention Center. More than 400 people helped pay tribute to the heroes. They heard Regional CEO Mike Parks update Red Cross efforts to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. And they saw a video featuring the heroes telling their stories.

Sara Shookman, co-anchor of the 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM news on WKYC TV 3 hosted the ceremony. Channel 3 News covered the event, along with WOIO and Fox 8.

In addition to the hero honorees, Dr. Akram Boutros, President and CEO of The MetroHealth System was presented with the Community Leader Award.

Mike Parks delivers keynote address

MC Sara Shookman, WKYC TV 3

Community Leader Award Winner Akram Boutros & Mike Parks

Mike Parks & Thomas Huggins

Mike Parks & David Bailey

David Bailey interviewed by Fox 8

Mike Parks & Col. Thomas Dundon

Mike Parks & Amelia Baffa

Mike Parks & Harry Ramsey

Katrina & Harry Ramsey, Mike Parks

Mike Parks & Det. John Graves

Mike Parks and Ptl. Theresa Cavett

Mike Parks & Ptl. Matthew Cavanaugh

Toril Simon & Petie the Pony

Mike Parks, Sue Miller, mKim Gustely, & Toril Simon

Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV)

Photo credit: Cal Pusateri/American Red Cross Volunteer

Here are the 2016 Greater Cleveland Heroes:

Thomas Huggins, Visiting Nurse Association

Psychiatric nurse Thomas (Thom) Huggins of the Visiting Nurse Association of Ohio goes above and beyond to help people who are in emotional or mental torment. Even when they first refuse his help.

Thom visits their homes repeatedly until the patients begin to trust him and to believe him when he tells them that their medication will help, and that their condition is not a sign of weakness. He knows that if a patient’s mental health and stability improve, the patient’s life will be better and the entire community will benefit.

His courage and compassion have allowed hundreds, if not thousands of individuals to continue their journey to healthy, safe, and independent living.

“To see the spark start to the return to their eyes, that they get it, and to see them feel relief from their symptoms,” says Thom, “What could I ever do that would be better than being a part of that?”

David Bailey, First Energy Corp.

Dave Bailey, a Meter Reader at First Energy, was just finishing up a job at a home in Concord Township when he was approached by another man with a look of horror on his face. The man was a carpenter who was working nearby and had severely injured his hand with a saw. Dave took control of the situation. He recalled the emergency first aid training he received as part of his job. Dave told the man to keep pressure on the wound to help control the bleeding, and helped keep him calm while they waited for emergency medical personnel to arrive. Dave then activated the emergency lights on his truck to help guide the ambulance crew to their location.

Dave, who is preparing to retire after 15 years with First Energy, is grateful he was able to help a fellow human being in need.

Col. Thomas Dundon, DDS, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center

Dr. Thomas Dundon is not only Chief of Dental Services at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, he is also a U. S. Army Colonel. He has twice been deployed to war zones in the Middle East. Dr. Dundon has devoted his entire military and professional career to serving Army Reservists and Veterans, and is currently Commander of the 912^th Dental Company.

Dr. Dundon was awarded the distinguished U.S. Army Bronze Star, a medal denoting meritorious achievement or service in a combat zone for his deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2008. Through his leadership as the Dental Commander for the entire northern region of Iraq, Dr. Dundon helped more than 12,000 coalition forces and civilians receive quality dental care.

In addition to his military deployments, Dr. Dundon has led numerous dental teams on humanitarian missions to impoverished areas throughout the world, improving access to dental care for thousands of people.

Amelia Baffa, UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital

Adolescents and young adults with cancer can face unique challenges. They are often caught between pediatric and adult oncology. The medical and social needs of these patients often differ from the needs of infants, younger children and adults.

Amelia Baffa recognizes the challenges these patients face as a Patient Navigator for teen and young adult cancer patients at the Angie Fowler Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Institute at UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital.

She is nationally recognized for her efforts to develop fertility preservation programs for this age group.

Prior to her role as an adolescent and young adult (AYA) Patient Navigator, Amelia was a driving force behind the transformation of blood conservation at the hospital. The standards and guidelines she helped create limited unnecessary pediatric blood transfusions. She then went on to help other children’s hospitals develop and implement similar programs. The impact of her efforts has been significant across the country.

Harry Ramsey, United States Coast Guard

Winds were whipping up waves on Lake Erie after sunset on October 8^th, when a distress call was received: a sailboat was in danger of smashing into the Fairport Harbor break wall. The seas were 6-9 feet with winds exceeding 20 knots, as a Coast Guard response boat, piloted by Boatswain’s Mate Harry Ramsey arrived. The sailboat did indeed hit the break wall and was taking on water. Despite the extremely challenging weather conditions, and the dangerous proximity to the break wall, Petty Officer Ramsey expertly maneuvered the Coast Guard vessel to rescue the boater from his sinking sailboat. He executed the transfer flawlessly.

The Coast Guard credits Boatswain’s Mate Harry Ramsey’s bravery, professionalism, and dedication for saving the life of the boater, and preserving the lives of his crew.

Detective John Graves, Patrol Officer Theresa Cavett, Patrol Officer Matthew Cavanaugh, Cleveland Division of Police

Police aren’t often called to chase down someone in need of medical attention. But it happened one night in December 2015, when Detective John Graves was the first on the scene of a serious car crash on Cleveland’s near west side. Witnesses said a bleeding man ran from the crash. Detective Graves spotted him and gave chase on foot, finally apprehending the man in a yard nearby. He had severe arm and leg wounds. Arriving on the scene, Officer Matthew Cavanaugh applied a tourniquet to the injured leg, utilizing his recent first-aid training. Officer Theresa Cavett used the man’s belt as a tourniquet on his arm, and tried to keep him from going into shock. Emergency Medical personnel then took man to a nearby hospital, where doctors said a bullet had hit the man’s femoral artery, and that he would have died without the officers’ quick and competent medical attention.

Petie the Pony, Victory Gallop Therapeutic Riding School

Petie the Pony has been bringing joy into the lives of children for nearly 20 years. He visits patients at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, offering a form of therapy that no doctor or drug can match. His big brown eyes and his soft muzzle offer warmth and kindness to every child he meets. He is never impatient, and always finds a way to break through the barrier of pain or sickness to bring joy to children.

Preparing Petie is no easy task. His handlers Sue Miller, Kim Gustely and Toril Simon of Victory Gallop, a therapeutic horseback riding school, must go through a painstaking procedure to be sure he meets the hospital’s cleanliness standards. Petie must then negotiate a revolving door and an elevator to access patient rooms. But the visible joy he brings to a child who hasn’t smiled in weeks is a gift well worth the effort.

NOHredcross

American Red Cross of Northern Ohio Region