Volunteer nurses contribute mightily to Red Cross disaster response

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They help people affected by disaster in numerous ways

Laverne Nerlich got the call Saturday morning, July 27.

Recently retired, and an empty nester, Laverne decided to offer her skills and experience as a disaster nurse to the American Red Cross as a volunteer.  She received training and was assigned to be on-call.

Fire in an apartment building in Parma Heights had forced dozens of residents to flee their homes the night before.  Her services as a disaster health worker were needed to help the people who had been displaced.

It was her first day on the job.

 

Laverne Nerlich and Rosanne Radziewicz console residents of the Camelot Aparrtments

Laverne and her fellow disaster health worker, Rosanne Radziewicz, approached dozens of people who were filing into the nearby Greenbrier Middle School building,  where the Red Cross had set-up shop.  Disaster workers were offering financial assistance to folks who were suddenly homeless.  Laverne and Rosanne were offering to help refill prescription medications that were left behind when the fire alarms sounded.  They were also helping residents replace eyeglasses, oxygen concentrators, and other durable medical equipment.  But perhaps most importantly, they were offering a sympathetic ear and, in some cases, a shoulder to cry on.

 

Camelot Apartments resident Paula Krych was one of many people assisted by the Red Cross the day after fire chased her from her home

“Being forced to leave your home because the building is on fire is a very traumatic experience,” said Tim O’Toole, Regional Disaster Officer for the Red Cross.  “People need help with some very basic necessities that we often take for granted.  That’s why our disaster health workers are so vital to a response of this magnitude.”

It’s wonderful to be part of a hands-on organization that does so much for people when they need it,” said Rosanne.  “I wanted to be able to give help to people after I retired.”

The Red Cross can only provide help to people when they need it when volunteers like Rosanne and Laverne offer their time and talent.  To learn more about the many ways you can be a part of the world’s largest humanitarian organization, visit RedCross.org/volunteer, or call 216-431-3328.

As of Thursday, August 1, 90 residents of the Camelot Apartments on Huffman Road had received Red Cross assistance.

 

 

Meet me at the corner! Plan for your family’s safety

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By Beth Bracale, American Red Cross volunteer

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Beth Bracale

If I close my eyes, I can still see the flames shooting out from the windows of the house across the street. I can hear the agonized screams that drew us to our own windows that night to see what had happened. I was five years old, and that was my first experience of sheer terror – both someone else’s and my own.

Believe it or not, no one got hurt that night. Both of the senior sisters who shared the home had escaped the fire, one out the front door, one out the back. Their screams were the agony of each believing the other to still be trapped in the inferno. When neighbors reunited them, they fell sobbing into each other’s arms.

No one is ever fully prepared for disaster, but families can plan together to minimize the suffering. What if the sisters had had a plan? Would that night have gone differently had they designated a meeting spot in case they got separated in an emergency?

As foster parents, it’s required that we have a clear escape plan in case of disaster, one that everyone in the family can understand and remember. Even young children can learn what to do. All the students in the school where I taught, ages four through 14, practiced how to exit the school if there was a fire, how to exit a bus in an emergency, and what to do if a tornado was headed toward our neighborhood.

So I wasn’t prepared for the day my class of four-year-olds sat on the story carpet, listening to my assistant talk about emergencies. They raised their hands eagerly to share what they knew about fire drills. Stay in line. Walk, don’t run. Remain silent. Wait in our class’ spot on the corner until we got the “all clear” to return to our room. They had it all right.

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Photo credit: Eilene Guy, American Red Cross volunteer

“But what if an emergency happened at home?” my assistant asked.

“If a bad man comes in the house, you hide in the closet,” one child announced. Others nodded in agreement.

“What if a tornado is coming?” she asked.

“You run outside,” another child responded. More nods. I made a mental note to teach about tornado safety in the near future.

“What if you smelled smoke in your house or saw that something was on fire?” she quizzed.

“You call 911,” a student said confidently. “Yes, but what do you do before that?” she asked.

“Hide in the closet,” he said. The other children agreed.

Hide in the closet. Images of that house fire from years ago leaped into my head. And I imagined children inside, hiding in the closet.

We did a lot of learning and practicing that day. We sent the students home with information for their parents to use in creating family safety plans.

You can find information about keeping children safe on the American Red Cross website at https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/fire-safety-for-kids.html.

Don’t put it off. Create your own plan today!

Trumbull County woman honored for saving a life with CPR

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Anna Forrester has mixed feelings about being honored with the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award.  It’s one of the highest awards given to someone who saves a life by using skills obtained in a Red Cross class.

Anna saved a man by performing CPR.

Here’s how it all unfolded back on December 20, 2018:

Anna works for Gateways to Better Living, a non-profit agency serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  She was in the home of a client when he became unresponsive.  After determining the man was no longer breathing and did not have a pulse, she called 9-1-1 and began chest compressions.  He began to respond shortly before EMS arrived.

The citation issued by the Red Cross states, “Without a doubt, the skills learned in the American Red Cross Training Services course helped to save the life of this gentleman.”  Anna also received a certificate, signed by Red Cross President and CEO Gail McGovern and Chairman Bonnie McElveen-Hunter.

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The award was presented to Anna in front of family and friends by the Trumbull County Commissioners.  And here’s where the mixed feelings come in.  While Anna says she’s happy the man is alive, she’s shocked at the attention she has received.

 

“He’s alive because of you,” said Elizabeth Merritt, the instructor who taught Anna lifesaving CPR skills. “That is extremely special.  He can put his socks on because of you!”

Anyone can learn how to use first aid and CPR, and how to use an AED by taking a Red Cross Training Services class. Visit redcross.org/take-a-class to find a class near you.

 

Lubrizol helps Sound the Alarm in Brooklyn

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

July 25, 2019- In Northeast Ohio, the American Red Cross  responds on average to three home fires every 24 hours. 

This week, the Red Cross of Greater Cleveland responded to a fire at the Cherry Tree Village apartment complex in Strongsville. The fire affected 24 apartments and more 60 individuals, including families and children, who received Red Cross assistance.

Prevention

Part of our mission is to help communities and residents prevent fires from occurring, and to reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths due to home fires.  On July 23, 2019, several employees from Wickliffe’s own Lubrizol Corporation volunteered to help install free smoke alarms and create escape plans, making homes safer and helping save lives.

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During the Brooklyn installation event, Lubrizol employees installed 185 smoke alarms and 75 homes safer.

Sound the Alarm home fire safety and smoke alarm installation events are part of the Home Fire Campaign, which the Red Cross launched in 2014 to reduce fire deaths and injuries. So far, it has reached more than 1.8 million people, saved more than 600 lives, and made more than 750,000 households nationwide safer.

Response

Just as disasters do not discriminate in terms of whose lives they destroy, the Red Cross does not discriminate in terms of whose lives we help rebuild. The Red Cross does not turn away people who need assistance after a disaster. We are committed to helping everyone in need.

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Lubrizol employees Josh Swift and Amber Smith help install a smoke alarm in a home in Brooklyn, Ohio

As the largest humanitarian organization in the world, the Red Cross has the ability to use your donation to reach more people in need, more quickly. Your donation to the Red Cross helps provide food, shelter, relief supplies, emotional support, recovery planning and other assistance during disasters.

To help the Red Cross provide hope and comfort to individuals in Northeast Ohio experiencing their darkest hours, please visit our Crowdrise page to provide a financial donation. Any amount donated truly helps with their recovery.

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Lubrizol employee Sarah Schlicher provides fire safety information to Ramona Ortiz of Brooklyn, Ohio

Volunteer

If you cannot assist financially but would like to help residents following a disaster, there is another way you may help. Without the tremendous dedication of our volunteers, the Red Cross would not be able to serve the 22 counties and 4.5 million residents of Northeast Ohio. Volunteers make up 90 percent of our workforce. Our volunteers are without a doubt the face of the Red Cross. Visit redcross.org/neo to learn more and to apply to become a Red Cross volunteer.

To see more photos from the Lubrizol Brooklyn installation event, please visit our Flickr page.

Northeast Ohio Region weekend disaster response report: July 19-21, 2019

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

July 22, 2019- While many Northeast Ohio residents were dodging the nearly 100 degree temperatures and the storms the heat brought through the region,  American Red Cross of Northeast Ohio Disaster Action Teams left the comfort of cool homes to assist residents in need.

During the weekend of July 19-21, the Red Cross responded to 10 incidents, assisted 84 individuals and provided more than $11,000 in immediate financial assistance.

One of the responses occurred in the Wooster area in Wayne County. Following flash flooding after heavy rain in Apple Creek and the surrounding areas, the Red Cross opened and helped operated a shelter at Grace Church, which received 8 overnight residents.

 

There was another significant response over the weekend in Trumbull County.  In Kinsman, a road was washed out, isolating residents in 25 homes and prompting a boat rescue. The Red Cross provided financial assistance to the affected residents, including 56 adults and 22 children.

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Without the tremendous dedication of our volunteers, the Red Cross would not be able to serve the 22 counties and 4.5 million residents of Northeast Ohio. Volunteers make up 90 percent of our workforce. Our volunteers are without a doubt the face of the Red Cross. Visit redcross.org/neo to learn more and to apply to become a Red Cross volunteer.

On the wrong side of the hospital room – a nurse becomes the patient

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By Doug Bardwell, American Red Cross volunteer

Kristin Palocko  had been engaged for a year and was looking forward to her first wedding dress fitting in 2017. Working the night shift as a critical care nurse, she was often tired, but suddenly she was more fatigued than normal.

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“That night, a doctor came into my room at the emergency department and told me that I have a bleeding disorder called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP),” recalled Kristin.

With TTP, blood clots form in small blood vessels throughout the body. The clots can limit or prevent the oxygen-rich blood from reaching the various organs that need it.

The condition is extremely rare, affecting maybe only two people in a million. “We barely touched on it in nursing school…it’s that rare. Luckily, with so many great hospitals in our area, it’s no longer fatal.”

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Prior to the 1980s, the disease was 97 percent fatal. Now with early detection and with plasma exchange, it’s considered very treatable. Treatment can last days or even months.

“This started me on a roller coaster of a 12-day hospital stay, a central dialysis line in my neck, and multiple units of red blood cells and plasma.” Kristin received 330 units of plasma, taking four hours each for 10 of those 12 days.

“It was an eye-opening experience being on the receiving end of treatment and being on the other side of the monitors. As a nurse, I realize the value of each unit of blood. It’s like liquid gold for our patients.”

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With three months medical leave, routine doctor’s appointments, countless blood draws and continual prayers, Kristin’s condition is still stable today. TTP could come back at any time, but some people have gone 17 years without a relapse.

“Less than six months after diagnosis, I married my best friend, Brad. Ever since I’ve been diagnosed, he’s been a frequent blood donor.”

“Two years later, I am feeling blessed for everyone’s thoughts and prayers through it all—especially the blood donors. They have helped me, and numerous others, in our time of greatest need with their generous donations. Without those willing to give of their time (and blood) there would not be treatment for TTP.”

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Kristin goes to Cuyahoga Valley Church and recently saw the sign there that volunteers were needed for an upcoming American Red Cross blood drive.

“After all that plasma I used during my treatment, I felt guilty, and I realized I needed to do something to give back. So, between shifts I went to the church during the blood drive and I volunteered.”

If you’d like to volunteer at a blood drive, we would love to have you. Volunteers are invaluable to the daily operation of the Northeast Ohio Region of the American Red Cross and are truly the heart and soul of the organization. Click here to register as a volunteer or sign up here to become a donor.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer

How to beat the heat

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Tips for preparing for – and staying safe during – a heat wave

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Beaches will no doubt be busy places this weekend, as temperatures in Northeast Ohio are expected to soar into the 90s (don’t forget the sunscreen!)

Here are some tips for preparing for extended periods of excessive heat:

  • Listen to local weather forecasts and stay aware of upcoming temperature changes.
  • Be aware of both the temperature and the heat index. The heat index is the temperature the body feels when the effects of heat and humidity are combined.
  • Discuss heat safety precautions with members of your household. Have a plan for wherever you spend time— home, work and school—and prepare for power outages.
  • Know those in your neighborhood who are elderly, young, sick or overweight. They are more likely to become victims of excessive heat and may need help.
  • If you do not have air conditioning, choose places you could go to for relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day (schools, libraries, theaters, malls).
  • Be aware that people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than are people living in rural areas.
  • Get trained in First Aid to learn how to treat heat-related emergencies.
  • Ensure that your animals’ needs for water and shade are met.

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During a heat wave, we encourage you and your family to:

  • Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical updates from the National Weather Service (NWS).
  • Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
  • Eat small meals and eat more often.
  • Avoid extreme temperature changes.
  • Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
  • Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
  • Postpone outdoor games and activities.
  • Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.
  • Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors.
  • Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
  • Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.

More helpful information, including how to treat heat-related illnesses and preparing for power outages can be found here.

And if you find relief from the heat at a beach, whether it be at Atwood Lake, Pymatuning State Park, or along the shores of Lake Erie, be sure to observe the rules of water safety.

And have fun!

 

Hyland workers join humanitarian effort by mapping remote African community

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Employees work with the local Red Cross on the Missing Maps project

By Jim McIntyre, American Red Cross

July 15, 2019 – Many of us take maps for granted. Nearly every corner of the United States can be found on a map.

Not so for many of the world’s most remote communities. And that can be a big problem when disaster strikes, or a large-scale epidemic or pandemic breaks out. Imagine the difficulty of reaching people affected by a natural disaster or illness when the one paved road leading to their village has been destroyed and no alternate, unpaved roads are shown on any maps.

The Missing Maps project is an effort being undertaken by the American Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and many other non-governmental organizations to map the world’s most remote communities. With the help of mapping volunteers, more than 40 million vulnerable people have been put on a map. The hope is to raise that number to 200 million people by the year 2021.

The project got a boost recently from employees at Hyland in Westlake, Ohio. About two dozen workers gathered in a room in the basement of their sprawling campus on a Friday afternoon in July to help map a remote area of Kenya.

Hyland workers mapping a remote area of Kenya

“This activity has real humanitarian value,” said Carolyn Wild, the Red Cross regional philanthropy officer who led the session. “I think the Hyland workers recognize that and totally immersed themselves into the project.”

Other Red Cross staff members assisted in facilitating the project as well, including regional philanthropy officer Jill Patterson, development specialist Staci Thomson, and lead grants specialist Ben Bisbee.

“The Hyland folks are really pumped for the next event,” said Ben. “Some even whispered about wanting to take a team visit to the African community they were mapping for.”

Red Cross workers help facilitate Mapathon at Hyland on July 12, 2019.  From top left:
Staci Thomson, Ben Bisbee, Jill Patterson, Carolyn Wild

“We are excited about helping the people of this remote area in Kenya by mapping their village,” said Tracy Petrakis, community engagement manager at Hyland. “The Mapathon was an important part of Hyland’s Summer of Service, and we’re happy to partner with the Red Cross.”

In all, nearly 3,700 buildings in Bomet County, Kenya, were mapped by the Hyland employees.  See more photos from the Hyland Mapathon here.

If you are interested in hosting a mapping session with your company or group, send the request to contactneo@redcross.org.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross Volunteer

Give blood: Help patients in need this summer

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July 12, 2019- With the weather in Northeast Ohio heating up and families away enjoying vacations,  there are fewer blood drives being held. This creates a difficult situation for the blood supply, and the American Red Cross is facing an emergency need for blood and platelet donors after a significant shortfall in blood donations during the Independence Day holiday week and ongoing challenges finding new blood donors.

Following the Fourth of July week, about 450 fewer blood drives were organized by businesses and other community groups than during a typical week as people across the country celebrated the holiday with activities and travel. This led to about 17,000 fewer blood donations than needed for patients in a single week, causing the Red Cross to now have less than a three-day supply of most blood types available – and less than a two-day supply of type O blood – for patients. At least a five-day supply is desired.

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Eligible individuals are urged to give now to help avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients this summer.

Don’t wait – help now:

  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 #BloodEmergency and ask them to give now.
  3. Bring someone to donate with you.

Blood transfusion is the fourth most common inpatient hospital procedure in the U.S., and these blood products can only come from volunteer donors. Yet, only 3 out of 100 people in the U.S. give blood. It’s crucial that the Red Cross has a sufficient blood supply on hand to meet the needs of patients every day and to be prepared for emergencies that require significant volumes of donated blood products

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Upcoming Northeast Ohio blood donation opportunities:

To help with the blood supply crisis, all across the Red Cross of Northeast Ohio region, there are blood donation opportunities, ensuring there is a blood drive near you:

Ashtabula County:

Andover

7/16/2019: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Andover Christian Church, 200 Stillman Ave

7/20/2019: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Andover United Methodist Church, 181 South Main Street

Ashtabula

7/17/2019: 2 p.m. – 8 p.m., Community Counseling Center, 2801 C Court

7/23/2019: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Kent State University, 3300 Lake Rd. West

7/25/2019: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Ashtabula County Medical Center, 2420 Lake Ave.

7/31/2019: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., YMCA, 263 W. Prospect

Conneaut

7/24/2019: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 876 Grove St.

Geneva

7/21/2019: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Peoples Church, 300 South Ridge East

7/22/2019: 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Assumption Church, 594 West Main Street

Jefferson

7/18/2019: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Ashtabula Cnty Commissioners, 25 West Jefferson Street

7/19/2019: 1:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Jefferson Church of the Nazarene, 55 E. Satin Street

Cuyahoga County:

Beachwood

7/19/2019: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Beachwood Community Center, 25451 Fairmount Blvd

7/20/2019: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Beachwood Public Library, 25501 Shaker Blvd.

7/23/2019: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Cleveland Clinic Administrative Campus, 25875 Science Park Drive, Building 1

7/23/2019: 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Cleveland Clinic, 26900 Cedar Road

Berea

7/27/2019: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Berea Recreation Center, 451 Front St

Brecksville

7/18/2019: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Brecksville Community Center, One Community Drive

Chagrin Falls

7/16/2019: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., United Methodist Church, 20 South Franklin Street

Cleveland

7/13/2019: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Warzel Blood Donation Center, 3747 Euclid Avenue

7/14/2019: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Warzel Blood Donation Center, 3747 Euclid Avenue

7/14/2019: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., St Leo The Great Church, 4940 Broadview Road

7/15/2019: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Warzel Blood Donation Center, 3747 Euclid Avenue

7/16/2019: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Lutheran Hospital, 1730 West 25th Street

7/16/2019: 12:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., Warzel Blood Donation Center, 3747 Euclid Avenue

7/17/2019: 6 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Dave McCall Union Hall, 3421 Independence Road

7/17/2019: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Dave’s Market MidTown, 1929 East 61st street

7/17/2019: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Dave McCall Union Hall, 3421 Independence Road

7/17/2019: 12:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., Warzel Blood Donation Center, 3747 Euclid Avenue

7/18/2019: 12:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., Warzel Blood Donation Center, 3747 Euclid Avenue

7/19/2019: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Warzel Blood Donation Center, 3747 Euclid Avenue

7/19/2019: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Fairview Hospital, 18101 Lorain Ave.

7/20/2019: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Warzel Blood Donation Center, 3747 Euclid Avenue

7/21/2019: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Warzel Blood Donation Center, 3747 Euclid Avenue

7/21/2019: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Our Lady of Angels Church, 3644 Rocky River Drive

7/21/2019: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., University Circle United Methodist Church, University Circle United Methodist Church, 1919 East 107th

7/22/2019: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Warzel Blood Donation Center, 3747 Euclid Avenue

7/23/2019: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center, 9500 Euclid Ave.

7/23/2019: 12:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., Warzel Blood Donation Center, 3747 Euclid Avenue

7/24/2019: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way

7/24/2019: 12:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., Warzel Blood Donation Center, 3747 Euclid Avenue

7/25/2019: 12:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., Warzel Blood Donation Center, 3747 Euclid Avenue

7/26/2019: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Warzel Blood Donation Center, 3747 Euclid Avenue

7/26/2019: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Cuyahoga County Administration Building, 2079 E. 9th Street, 4th Floor

7/27/2019: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Warzel Blood Donation Center, 3747 Euclid Avenue

7/27/2019: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Omega Psi Phi, 15435 St. Clair

7/28/2019: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Warzel Blood Donation Center, 3747 Euclid Avenue

7/29/2019: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Warzel Blood Donation Center, 3747 Euclid Avenue

7/29/2019: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Cuyahoga Community College Metro Campus, 2900 Community College Ave.

7/30/2019: 12:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., LifeBanc, 4775 Richmond Road

7/30/2019: 12:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., Warzel Blood Donation Center, 3747 Euclid Avenue

7/31/2019: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., One Cleveland Center, 1375 E.9th St., Building Management

7/31/2019: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Carl B Stokes Court House, 801 West Superior Ave

7/31/2019: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Galleria Erieview Plaza, 1301 East 9th Street

7/31/2019: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Frank J Lausche State Office Building, 615 Superior Avenue N.W.

7/31/2019: 12:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., Warzel Blood Donation Center, 3747 Euclid Avenue

Cleveland Heights

7/15/2019: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Cleveland Hts Library, 2345 Lee Road

7/31/2019: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Cleveland Heights Community Center, 1 Monticello Blvd.

Fairview Park

7/24/2019: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Fairview Recreation Center, 21225 Lorain Road

Garfield Heights

7/22/2019: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Garfield Hts Civic Center, 5407 Turney Road

Highland Hills

7/25/2019: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Metropolitan Plaza, 22901 Millcreek Boulevard

Independence

7/23/2019: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Park Center Building I, 6100 Oak Tree Blvd

7/29/2019: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Independence Community Center, 6363 Selig Drive

Lakewood

7/19/2019: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., O’Neill Healthcare- Lakewood, 1381 Bunts Rd.

7/22/2019: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Lakewood Womens Club Pavilion, 14532 Lake Ave.

7/29/2019: 3 p.m. – 8 p.m., Lakewood YMCA, 16915 Detroit Rd.

Mayfield Heights

7/16/2019: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Hillcrest Hospital, 6780 Mayfield Road

Mayfield Village

7/17/2019: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Mayfield Village Civic Center, 6622 Wilson Mills Rd.

7/25/2019: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 700 Beta Drive

North Olmsted

7/19/2019: 10:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., North Olmsted Community Cabin, 28114 Lorain Rd.

North Royalton

7/30/2019: 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Cuyahoga County Library North Royalton Branch, 5071 Wallings Rd

Olmsted Falls

7/25/2019: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Cuyahoga County Library Olmsted Falls Branch, 8100 Mapleway Dr

Parma

7/13/2019: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Parma Blood Donation Center, 5585 Pearl Road

7/14/2019: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Parma Blood Donation Center, 5585 Pearl Road

7/15/2019: 12:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., Parma Blood Donation Center, 5585 Pearl Road

7/16/2019: 12:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., Parma Blood Donation Center, 5585 Pearl Road

7/17/2019: 12:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., Parma Blood Donation Center, 5585 Pearl Road

7/17/2019: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Cuyahoga County Library Parma-Snow, 2121 Snow Road

7/18/2019: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Parma Blood Donation Center, 5585 Pearl Road

7/19/2019: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Parma Blood Donation Center, 5585 Pearl Road

7/20/2019: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Parma Blood Donation Center, 5585 Pearl Road

7/21/2019: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Parma Blood Donation Center, 5585 Pearl Road

7/22/2019: 12:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., Parma Blood Donation Center, 5585 Pearl Road

7/23/2019: 12:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., Parma Blood Donation Center, 5585 Pearl Road

7/24/2019: 12:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., Parma Blood Donation Center, 5585 Pearl Road

7/25/2019: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Parma Blood Donation Center, 5585 Pearl Road

7/26/2019: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Parma Blood Donation Center, 5585 Pearl Road

7/27/2019: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Parma Blood Donation Center, 5585 Pearl Road

7/28/2019: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m., Parma Blood Donation Center, 5585 Pearl Road

7/29/2019: 12:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., Parma Blood Donation Center, 5585 Pearl Road

7/30/2019: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Cuyahoga Community College West Campus, 11000 Pleasant Valley Rd

7/30/2019: 12:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., Parma Blood Donation Center, 5585 Pearl Road

7/31/2019: 12:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., Parma Blood Donation Center, 5585 Pearl Road

Rocky River

7/21/2019: 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., St Christopher Catholic Church, 20141 Detroit Rd

Seven Hills

7/26/2019: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Seven Hills Cmnty Rec Center, 7777 Summitview Drive

Solon

7/16/2019: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Signature of Solon, 39000 Signature Drive

7/30/2019: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Cleveland Clinic Solon, 29800 Bainbridge Road

7/30/2019: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Church of the Resurrection, 32001 Cannon Road

Strongsville

7/16/2019: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Cleveland Clinic Strongsville, 16761 Southpark Center

7/26/2019: 10:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m., Cuyahoga County Library Strongsville Branch, 18700 Westwood Dr

7/27/2019: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Ehrnfelt Recreation Center, 18100 Royalton Rd

Valley View

7/16/2019: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Valley View Community Center, 6828 Hathaway Road

Westlake

7/21/2019: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 28455 Center Ridge Road

7/22/2019: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Rd.

Erie County:

Huron

7/17/2019: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., St Peter Catholic Church, 430 Main St.

7/25/2019: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Huron Public Library, 333 Williams St.

Sandusky

7/17/2019: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Kroger Marketplace, 226 E Perkins Ave

7/25/2019: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Holy Angels Catholic Church, 428 Tiffin Ave

7/26/2019: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Firelands Regional Medical Center, 1912 Hayes Ave Sandusky

7/27/2019: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sandusky Mall, Rt. 250 Milan Rd.

7/30/2019: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., American Legion, 3615 Hayes Ave

Vermilion

7/22/2019: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Ritter Public Library, 5680 Liberty Ave.

7/23/2019: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Vermilion High School, 1250 Sanford Street

Geauga County:

Burton

7/13/2019: 2 p.m. – 8 p.m., Joes Vinyl Window Shop, 15020 Shedd Road

Chagrin Falls

7/20/2019: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., RiPT Fitness, 8464 E. Washington St.

Chardon

7/14/2019: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Church of Saint Mary, 401 North St.

7/18/2019: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Munson Town Hall, 12210  Auburn Rd.

Chesterland

7/16/2019: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Geauga West Library, 13455 Chillicothe Rd.

Huron County:

Greenwich

7/30/2019: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., The Ripley Church, 4130 Edwards Road

Norwalk

7/15/2019: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 60 West Main St.

7/26/2019: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Fisher-Titus Medical Center, 272 Benedict Ave.

Plymouth

7/18/2019: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Plymouth Village Community Building, 48 West Broadway

Willard

7/24/2019: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., St Francis Xavier School, 25 West Perry St.

Lake County:

Eastlake

7/24/2019: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Lake County Captains, 35300 Vine Street

7/26/2019: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Four Points by Sheraton, 35000 Curtis Blvd

Kirtland

7/29/2019: 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Kirtland Public Library, 9267 Chillicothe Rd.

Madison

7/15/2019: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Cornerstone Friends Church, 2300 Hubbard Rd.

Mentor

7/14/2019: 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., St Gabriel Church, 9925 Johnnycake Ridge Rd.

7/15/2019: 12 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Mentor Civic Arena, 8600 Munson Rd.

7/26/2019: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Lowes of Mentor, 9600 Mentor Ave.

7/26/2019: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Hope Ridge United Methodist Church, 9870 Johnnycake Ridge Rd.

7/29/2019: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Pinegate Community Clubhouse, 6301 Gatewood Dr.

Painesville

7/15/2019: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., First Church Congregational, 22 Liberty St.

7/31/2019: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., 1922 Coffee & Brew, 1505 Madison Ave

Perry

7/16/2019: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Perry United Methodist Church, 3875 Main St.

Willoughby

7/25/2019: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square

Willoughby Hills

7/18/2019: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Willoughby Hills Community Center, 35400 Chardon Rd.

Willowick

7/19/2019: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Willowick Community Center, 321 East 314th Street

Lorain County:

Avon

7/15/2019: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., French Creek Family YMCA, 2010 Recreation Lane

7/24/2019: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., VFW hall, 36950 Mills Rd

7/29/2019: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Costco Avon, 35804 Detroit Road

Columbia Station

7/14/2019: 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Christ Church, 23080 Royalton Rd.

Elyria

7/31/2019: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Am Red Cross Lorain County, 2929 West River Road North

Wellington

7/24/2019: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Penfield Township Community Center, 41012 State Route 18

Please make an appointment to give now.

Northeast Ohio Region weekend disaster response report: July 4-7, 2019

Posted on by

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

July 8, 2019- As residents across Northeast Ohio were enjoying barbecues, fireworks, nice weather and the start of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game festivities, the American Red Cross was actively assisting individuals who were experiencing their most difficult moments.

During Independence Day weekend, July 4-7, the Red Cross of Northeast Ohio responded to 13 incidents, including a structural collapse in Lorain. The disaster team assisted 34 adults, 24 children and provided more than $13,000 in immediate financial assistance to help these individuals get back on their feet following the local disaster.

Another weekend incident the disaster team responded to over the holiday weekend, was a home fire resulting from arson on Dudley Avenue in Cleveland.

Arson1

Dudley Avenue home fire

“It has been a busy time with home fires recently in Northeast Ohio. We have responded to multiple fires in the last few weeks under suspicion of arson. This is one of the wonderful attributes of this organization. We are so inclusive that we provide assistance to anyone who is in need, despite how the disaster began,” said Ben Bellucci, the disaster program manager for the Greater Cleveland Chapter.

“This past weekend, the volunteers were beyond amazing,” Ben added. “With the average temperatures in the 90s and high humidity, the disaster action team was up at all hours providing light in many individuals’ darkest hours. We can’t do it without our volunteers, and the generosity of our community, who all make it possible.”

Just as disasters do not discriminate in terms of whose lives they destroy; the Red Cross does not discriminate in terms of whose lives we help rebuild. The Red Cross does not turn away people who need assistance after a disaster. We are committed to helping everyone in need.

As the largest humanitarian organization in the world, the Red Cross has the ability to use your donation to reach more people in need, more quickly. Your donation to the Red Cross helps provide food, shelter, relief supplies, emotional support, recovery planning and other assistance during disasters.

To help the Red Cross provide hope and comfort to individuals in Northeast Ohio experiencing their darkest hours, please visit our Crowdrise page to provide a financial donation. Any amount donated truly helps with their recovery.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer