Tag Archives: University of Akron

American Red Cross Taps Nursing Pool For New Blood Donor Ambassadors

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By Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

Since the Civil War and the earliest days of the American Red Cross, nurses have been some of the biggest supporters of the mission. Red Cross founder Clara Barton was a nurse who risked her life supporting soldiers in the field. It is her legacy that all these years later inspires nursing students from colleges and universities across Northern Ohio to take part in the volunteer blood ambassador program. 

Dr. Mariann Harding of Kent State Tuscarawas is the Regional AS-L Coordinator with Kim Kroh, Executive Director, American Red Cross of Heartland, Stark and Muskingum Lakes

Dr. Mariann Harding, professor of nursing at Kent State University, Tuscarawas Campus, is coordinator for the Academic Service Leadership (ASL) program in Northern Ohio. ASL provides nursing students and nurses returning to college for their bachelor’s degree opportunities to volunteer in the local community.  Currently, about a hundred students participate in the program from Kent State University, both the Kent and Tuscarawas campuses, Case Western Reserve University, and the University of Akron.  

“Students in the Foundations of Nursing class have been volunteering as blood donor ambassadors for several years,” Dr. Harding said. “The donor ambassador experience has been a way to combine service with clinical-based learning.” 

Not only is the ASL program good for the community, Dr. Harding says it is also rewarding and beneficial for her students. “(They) enjoy giving back to the community and find volunteering a meaningful experience. They also learn about the donation process and the safeguards taken to protect the donated blood,” Dr. Harding added. “Many have given blood for the first time during their experience!” 

Kent State University Tuscarawas student, Penelope Cantu is a Red Cross Academic Service-Learning Blood Donor Ambassador volunteer.

Kent State University Tuscarawas student, Penelope Cantu, is a Red Cross ASL Blood Donor Ambassador volunteer. “Having the opportunity to volunteer at Red Cross blood drives has given me insight into how big of an impact blood drives are,” she said. “I had the pleasure of engaging with all kinds of people and listening to why they donate. Their stories helped me realize how much of a difference we all can make when we donate.” 

Find out more on the Blood Ambassador program and other volunteer opportunities here.

Akron athletic trainers recognized for using Red Cross training to save life

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By Eric Alves, American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

January 20, 2021- Have you ever wanted to get CPR and AED training, but you thought you would never have an opportunity to use your training to save a life? Well, hopefully today’s post will change your mind.

John Walters and Kalie Jenkins are athletic trainers at the University of Akron.

On January 11, 2020, while working during an indoor track meet at the Stile Athletic Field House, a spectator in the stands began to experience chest pains.

John and Kalie quickly responded to the aid of the gentleman. Instantly their Red Cross training kicked in as they delivered breath and chest compressions and administered an AED, until first responders were able to arrive to assist.

Thanks to the quick thinking and responsiveness of John and Kalie, the spectator survived and made a full recovery.

During a virtual ceremony last week, the American Red Cross of Greater Akron and the Mahoning Valley presented John and Kalie with the Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders, the highest award given to an individual, or team of individuals, who saves or sustains a life, outside of a medical setting, as part of their employment or while on duty.

A screenshot from the virtual award presentation. Left to right/top to bottom: John Walters, Kalie Jenkins, Phil Ormandy, Max Elder, Susan Sparks, Red Cross Training Services, and Rachel Telegdy.

“I am always amazed when someone takes the wherewithal to act. That is the hardest step,” stated Phil Ormandy, American Red Cross Training Services, during the presentation. “I am very proud of you [John and Kalie] and thankful that you put your training in action to save a life.”

“Thankfully John and Kalie were at the right place at the right time. I am proud of them and the University of Akron for holding these trainings,” said Max Elder, John and Kalie’s coworker, who nominated them for the award.

The American Red Cross offers training programs in various areas from first aid, CPR, AED administration, water safety, babysitting and more. Learn more about Red Cross lifesaving courses here.

If you wish to nominate someone for a lifesaving award, visit redcross.org/take-a-class/lifesaving.