American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

🚨 S.O.S. = Save Our Supply! The Red Cross national blood supply fell more than 25% since 7/1 due to a 19K donation shortfall & strong hospital blood use. A robust blood supply is needed for accident victims, surgical patients & people with cancer. Give: rcblood.org/donate

Today, August 8th marks the one-year anniversary of the Maui wildfires, the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century. Most of the town of Lahaina was devastated. 3,710 homes were destroyed or made unlivable, and the confirmed death toll is now 102. As always, the American Red Cross quickly responded to the disaster and worked with partner organizations to bring much needed assistance.

Several workers from the Northern Ohio Region joined the disaster relief operation on Maui, including Regional CEO Mike Parks, Regional Disaster Officer Emily Probst, Disaster Program Manager Tim Reichel, and Regional Communications Director Jim McIntyre. Several regional volunteers deployed as well, including IT specialist Randy Liang and Medina-based volunteer Monica Bunner, who deployed to Maui for three weeks in late August and early September 2023, serving as a Community Engagement and Partnership Manager.

Since she began volunteering with the Red Cross in 2017, Monica has deployed to several national disasters and serves as a disaster responder among other roles here in Ohio. Even with such experience, she had seen nothing quite like the Maui wildfires’ aftermath.

There was an immediate need for Monica to put her experience and organizational skills to work. Hawaii-based Red Cross personnel worked closely with those deployed from across the U.S., and the Red Cross coordinated with partner relief organizations and community representatives.

And each day, Monica saw the importance of Red Cross services. She and other Red Cross personnel took part in helping people find food, shelter, and supplies, locate loved ones, get critical information, receive financial assistance, connect with partner organizations, and find friendly, helpful faces and smiles. And most importantly, through all this, they helped people find hope. Monica said there is, “Definitely hope. Always hope.”

Disasters occur each day, including Tropical Storm Debby, the current Park Fire in California, and home fires. Please consider volunteering or supporting the Red Cross at redcross.org.

Extreme weather in northern Ohio and the southeastern U.S. are making the national blood shortage announced by the on Monday worse.

Powerful storms that tore through the Northern Ohio Region Tuesday afternoon not only caused widespread property damage, but also resulted in the cancellation of several blood drives.

In the Southeast, Debby’s devastating flooding, power outages and travel hazards have forced the cancellation of even more blood drives, causing hundreds of lifesaving blood products to go uncollected when more donations are so desperately needed.

If you are able, please make an appointment to give blood or platelets by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).

Photos provided by Red Cross volunteer disaster responder Dave Huey.

What's wrong with this picture? You guessed it - those beds are empty! The photo was taken at noon on Monday, August 5 at the blood donation center in Cleveland, the same day the declared an emergency blood shortage.

Dangerous levels of heat affecting millions of Americans last month, combined with summer activities and travel all contributed to a shortfall of about 19,000 blood donations in July.

The Red Cross blood supply has fallen by more than 25% since July 1, but demand from hospitals for patients remains strong. Blood distribution to hospitals is outpacing the number blood donations coming in, which is rapidly drawing down the blood supply.

As we reach peak hurricane season this month, tropical weather may further threaten the blood supply. Tropical storms and hurricanes like Debby that cause widespread power outages, travel hazards and flooding can result in blood drive cancellations and lower donor turnout, threatening an already low blood supply.

Since we in Northern Ohio aren't experiencing extreme weather, let's fill those beds and help ease the blood shortage by rolling up a sleeve and donating a pint of blood or platelets. Visit redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment.

More than 200 responders are on the ground in Florida, including 5 volunteers from Northern Ohio, supporting a dozen evacuation centers and shelters as people seek refuge from what was once Hurricane Debby. Disaster vehicles are packed with emergency relief supplies, ready to canvass hard-hit neighborhoods to provide help and hope when it is safe to do so.

In addition to Debby, disaster teams across the country are busy responding to raging wildfires, extreme heat and severe weather. These responders, who work tirelessly on the front lines, are the backbone of our efforts. From setting up and managing shelters to providing essential supplies and support, their dedication and compassion ensure that those affected by these disasters receive the help they need. You can help ensure that our volunteers can be there to support disasters like this and countless other crises by donating to our Disaster Relief Fund. Your gift enables us to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Donate by visiting redcross.org today.

Meet a superstar from Northern Ohio! 🏅 Mahogany Coward of Canton has been traveling from state to state this summer, providing essential aid to those affected by extreme weather conditions. From responding to historic flooding in Iowa to aiding Californians who lost their homes to wildfires, she's on a mission of compassion. 🌍❤️

We're keeping a close watch on Tropical Depression Debby, as the storm moves toward Florida. Four volunteer disaster workers from Northern Ohio are heading that way ahead of the storm to prepare shelters and make other plans to care for people who may be affected.

Here we are on August 1st, the beginning of high season for hurricanes.
Are you ready? Read more of volunteer Eilene Guy's blog post below:

Here in northern Ohio, we’re lucky: We don’t suffer the way they do on the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, where 2024 has already started to be a memorable hurricane year.

But that’s not to say we’re immune from summer/fall disasters: tornadoes, flash flooding, even human-caused emergencies.

So, it’s a good time to review American Red Cross preparedness advice:
• Build a kit of things you’ll need to grab if the unexpected occurs;
• Have an evacuation plan that you’ve reviewed with your family recently;
• Stay informed about your community’s risks and how local officials will alert you with important information. Plus, download the free Red Cross Emergency app for weather alerts and more safety tips.

But there’s one more thing you can do right now: Get ready to be a disaster responder.

“Today, the Red Cross is responding to more large disasters – almost twice as many – than we did a decade ago,” said Jessi Caruso, who manages disaster volunteer engagement across the northern Ohio region. “With natural disasters coming at us one right after another, we need more volunteers trained and ready to support families who are suddenly in need.”

Disaster volunteers provide shelter, comfort, hot meals, health services and recovery support across the country. There are also roles in logistics, transportation, damage assessment, volunteer support, lodging and liaison with other response partners. Some jobs can even be done remotely, by people who can’t leave home.

The Red Cross is always looking for new volunteers who are team-oriented and want to make an immediate difference. That’s why taking the free on-line training is so important.

If you’d like to be ready to help those near home or across the country who have been hit by a disaster, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday. If you need help filling out the volunteer application, send an email to [email protected], or call 216-431-3328.

staff and volunteers were called to help residents after an apartment fire in Lakewood yesterday afternoon. So far, we've assisted 18 people, including Blaine. He was notified about the fire and left work to get home and rescue his pet snake, a 5 yr. old Boa constrictor named Yuki. Yousef Mazen is a brand new Red Cross volunteer who is helping Blaine and all those impacted by this disaster get the help they need until they are able to return to their apartments.

Northern Ohio employee, Nasir Ahmad recently deployed to Baghdad on a special assignment. Regional CEO Mike Parks was there to send him off, and wrote the following:

"Last Thursday, on the 25th of July, I travelled to Camp Atterbury in Indiana, to participate in the sendoff for Team 55. Team 55 is a group of 21 Red Crossers from around the United States who are deploying to military bases around the globe to help support United States service members who are stationed overseas.

Our own Nasir Ahmad, Northern Ohio’s first Service to Armed Forces Mobile Specialist, is a member of Team 55. The sendoff was the end of a pre-deployment training period that helped prepare the team members for their assignments. Both Trevor Riggen, President of Humanitarian Services, and Michael Jordan, Vice President of SAF/International Services US Field Operations, travelled to Indiana to address the team—thanking them for their sacrifice and willingness to support our deployed service members. They each shared personal stories of their time in the Peace Corps (Trevor) and deployments as a U.S. Marine (Michael) and the vital role the Red Cross played in their lives.

I had the privilege of joining Nasir and his teammates at a barbeque lunch that was supported by volunteers from the Indiana Region. It was great to spend some quality time with Nasir prior to his departure. I was also able to personally express the well-wishes of his Northern Ohio colleagues, many of whom were gathered in Cleveland for an all-staff meeting at the same time as the sendoff.

My personal highlight of the trip to Camp Atterbury was to see how prepared Nasir is for his deployment and how appreciative he is for the support of his colleagues in Northern Ohio. As Nasir heads to Baghdad, Iraq to support our service members, I’m confident he’ll bring them the same degree of joy and comfort he’s been able to bring all of us over the past year. He’ll be in our thoughts and prayers as we look forward to his return in six months!"

Early Monday morning, July 29th, Nasir emailed this quote:
"I'm at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Our fellow Red Crossers here are great and the volunteers are extraordinarily committed. But I'll be leaving here soon and arriving at my deployment site so, hopefully, my next email to you will be from Baghdad, Iraq."

Our dedicated volunteers were a rock many families in distress clung to over the weekend. They tirelessly worked in six different counties to help those who were displaced by fire regroup and rebuild. Heartfelt thanks to generous donors who made possible the financial aid in this time of crisis.

What's the best time to prepare your emergency kit? Before you need it! Take the time now to make sure you have what you and your family need if you have an emergency or need to evacuate your home quickly! Water, food and medications should definitely be included. Find a complete list of items and other important tips here: https://rdcrss.org/3ttO2BA

Summer is going by but it's not over yet! There's still lots of time for bonfires, camping and outside activities. With all that fun, there's also plenty of chances to get a tick bite. Make sure you stay safe while outdoors. Follow the tips below to keep ticks away and enjoy the rest of summer!

When disaster strikes, take action! As a Disaster Action Team volunteer, you can help comfort and support people who are forced from their homes due to fires, storms, and other emergencies. Todd, who is from Northern Ohio, is doing that right now in New Mexico, helping people recover after historic wildfires there.

Be like Todd - Join our disaster team and make sure people don't face disasters alone. RedCross.org/volunteer

Recently, Northern Ohio Red Cross volunteer Pat Buckhold visited the Cleveland MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station). She shared the support offered through our Service to the Armed Forces with a group of newly enlisted military members and their families. Thank you Cleveland MEPS for having us!

To learn more about how the Red Cross helps members of the military, veterans and their families prepare for, cope with, and respond to, the challenges of military service, tap here: https://www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/military-families

Do you know someone who rescued a family from a home fire? A passerby who performed CPR to save a life? The Northern Ohio Hero Awards recognize ordinary people who put themselves in harm’s way or risked their own lives to save or improve another life or lives. Help us find the heroes in your community! To nominate your hero and find more information, including nomination deadlines, tap here: https://rdcrss.org/38gysnm

Do you bleed orange and brown? Join us for the annual Cleveland Browns Blood Drive & help save lives this summer! Give at Cleveland Browns Stadium this Sat., July 27 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. or at 12 other locations across Northern Ohio. Donate and get a free Browns T-shirt and be entered to win tickets & pregame passes to the Vikings preseason game Aug. 17.

Make your appointment now at RedCrossBlood.org with sponsor code "BROWNS", call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the free Red Cross Blood Donor App. GO BROWNS!

The American Red Cross and it's volunteers had another busy weekend helping those affected by disasters. We responded to home fires in the Region and provided nearly $3,000 in immediate assistance for those impacted. And, around 11 p.m. last night, our volunteers were called in to assist Cleveland Fire as they battled a blaze on W. 25 St. in Cleveland. We provided snacks and drinks to approximately 60 firefighters, who were thankful for the support after fighting the fire in warm temperatures for a few hours.

Thank you to our staff and volunteers who were there to help all who needed us this weekend!

Be sure your pets have plenty of water at all times. And be sure to download the pet first aid app for guidance on you pet's health, what to do in emergencies and how to include pets in your preparedness plans.

In honor of last Wednesday, we wanted to share some important information about tattoos + blood donation. There's no waiting period in Ohio to give blood after a tattoo, if you got it in a state-regulated facility with fresh ink & needles. So roll up your sleeve, show off your ink and help save a life!

Have other questions about your eligibility to donate blood? Our eligibility specialists are available to help at 1-866-236-3276. Or you can find answers to common eligibility questions at rcblood.org/eligibility.

Before leaving for Iowa to help with the ongoing recovery efforts following historic flooding, the executive director of the American of North Central Ohio, Todd James cut the ribbon for the chapter's newly remodeled offices. Here's what he wrote:

When you work as hard as our American Red Cross team does every day, it is important that the space you are working in is comfortable and that you look forward to spending time there. We are excited to say that our North Central Ohio Chapter headquarters in Findlay is such a place! Recently, the office was completely renovated top to bottom, inside and out, as part of a nationwide office refresh initiative by the Red Cross.

With fresh paint inside and out, building repairs, new flooring, new fixtures in the bathrooms, more accessibility including automatic doors, a new parking lot, new signage and more, our office is now a place where volunteers, community partners, families who are meeting with disaster recovery specialists and all visitors will feel welcome and comfortable.

It is surprising how much your mood can be lifted when you are working in a bright, clean, welcoming space and we are glad to offer such a space to our team and those we serve. We are very involved in our community, offering our location to partners and community organizations who need a meeting or workspace and now we can offer, in my opinion, the best location in town for groups to meet, a real showcase for the Red Cross and our commitment to our stakeholders and our community.

During a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, July 18th , representatives of the Findlay- Hancock County Chamber of Commerce and the Findlay Fire Department joined Red Cross board members, volunteers and employees to dedicate the newly refreshed space, along with a representative from U.S. Senator JD Vance’s office. On the day after Ohio’s junior Senator accepted the nomination for Vice President from the Republican Party, I accepted a proclamation stating, in part, “The Red Cross has long been a beacon of hope and support for countless individuals and communities in times of need, and your renovated office will undoubtedly enhance your capacity to deliver these critical services more efficiently and effectively.”

If you couldn’t join us for our Open House, we invite you to stop by our office at 125 Fair St. in Findlay and see for yourself. We will give you the “nickel tour” and tell you about the many volunteer opportunities available, so you can make this your home away from home.

Help score a touchdown for patients in need! Join us for the annual Cleveland Browns Blood Drive Saturday, July 27! Give blood at Cleveland Browns Stadium from 8 am - 2 pm or at 12 other locations across NE Ohio. Come to give and get an exclusive Browns T-shirt and be entered to win 4 tickets and 4 pregame passes to the Aug. 17 preseason game against the Vikings. Make an appointment today at redcrossblood.org with code BROWNS or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Give blood and help save lives! Join us for a special blood drive in memory of Euclid police officer Jacob Derbin this Thursday, July 18 from 10:30 am - 4 pm at Cleveland Clinic Euclid Hospital. Visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter code CCF or call 1-800-RED CROSS to make an appointment. Give and help ensure patients have the blood they need this summer!

One week after Hurricane Beryl’s landfall, almost 300,000 customers remain without power and air conditioning as dangerous high temperatures continue to smother southeast Texas. On top of this, many face the loss of their homes or the need for extensive repairs.
• The actual number of people without power is much higher as companies report impacted customers and not how many people actually live in affected homes.
10 American Red Cross volunteers from Northern Ohio are there to help. And one Red Cross leader shares a poignant, personal reflection from the affected region below.

In Beryl’s Wake: Red Cross Disaster Leader Gives a Personal Take on what Texans Face Following the Hurricane American Red Cross Vice President of Disaster Operations and Logistics Brad Kieserman details the life-threatening circumstances Texans face in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl.

More than 15 home fires wreaked havoc across the Northern Ohio Region this weekend. 42 children and adults were affected and our amazing volunteers were there to help them all. We provided nearly $10,000 in immediate financial assistance and will follow-up in the coming weeks to provide additional recovery resources.

When disaster strikes, your support allows the Red Cross to be there and help as long as we're needed. Join us and make a lifesaving impact: redcross.org/donate

Grateful for our blood drive sponsors!

Join us for a life-saving event! ❤️🩸 The University Circle Police Department and the Cleveland Sight Center are hosting an American Red Cross of Northern Ohio blood drive on Wednesday, July 17, from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM at 1909 E. 101st Street, Cleveland, OH 44106.

Sign up at RedCrossBlood.org (sponsor code: UCPD) or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. 📅📞

Why Donate?
- Help those in critical need 🏥
- Each pint earns $10 for Cleveland Sight Center Preschool field trips 🎒
- Receive gifts like Red Cross T-shirts 👕, Cleveland Guardians tickets 🎟️, or Mitchell’s Ice Cream certificates 🍦

Walk-ins welcome! 🚶‍♂️ Don’t forget your ID and to hydrate before donating. Snacks provided onsite. 🍩

It’s Picnic Month. We know there’s a lot of fun activities to pack in this summer, but make sure you pick a day to give blood or platelets, too! Blood and platelet donors are critically needed now. Sign up today: rcblood.org/appt

Meet Karin and Cassandra, 2 of the 10 remarkable volunteers from Northern Ohio, leaving their homes to help the people of Texas amidst the devastation from Hurricane Beryl. They embody the spirit of Red Cross - selfless service. With a 13% rise overnight in the number of people taking refuge in emergency shelters, their role is even more critical. The unbearable heat and widespread power outages make their mission a challenging one. Your donations empower us to recruit, train, and deploy volunteers like them. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Together we can recover from any storm.