Message from our CEO: Gail McGovern

I can’t imagine living in a world where someone reached out for help during a time of need, and no one stepped forward to give it.

Our Red Cross community came together this year to make sure we didn’t live in that world. Every 60 seconds, the mission of the American Red Cross has benefited 250 people.

Together, we saved the day for those people who counted on us–sometimes, only at a moment’s notice.

I hope I can count on you to make a year-end, tax deductible gift today to the Red Cross, and save the day this holiday season and beyond:

Click HERE to donate on-line to the American Red Cross or send a check to your local Red Cross Chapter.

Your gift will save the day when the next disaster strikes, or when a neighbor’s house burns down. It will be there when someone needs lifesaving blood. It will connect military families with their loved one in service and provide training in CPR, aquatics safety and first aid. It will provide the comfort of a helping hand.

We don’t know what 2010 will bring. We don’t know which of our neighbors will need a helping hand, or when they will need it. But there’s one thing we can make sure of, together, today: we’ll be there when victims of disasters and other emergencies rely on us to save the day.

With only hours left in 2009 please make your year-end, tax-deductible gift to the Red Cross now.

Thank you so much for your support. My best wishes to you and your family for a very happy new year!

Gail

Gail McGovern
President and CEO
American Red Cross

To make a gift to your local American Red Cross Lakeland Chapter please send a check to:

American Red Cross Lakeland Chapter

PO Box 8295

Green Bay, WI 54308-8295

or on-line at: www.arclakeland.org

Get your Groceries & Donate Blood

Still need to pick up the surf and turf for New Years Eve? While you are out shopping on Wednesday, December 30 or Thursday, December 31, why not also give blood. Festival Foods in DePere is hosting a blood drive from 9:00am-2:00pm for the general public. The American Red Cross Donor Coach will be parked in the parking lot. Walk-ins always welcomed!

If you can’t make it to donate at the Festival Foods Blood Drives, you still have a chance to donate before the end of the year.

 

 

 

 

 

Denmark Community Blood Drive

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 435 Wisconsin Ave

Thursday, Dec. 31, 10am-2pm

All donors will receive a FREE T-SHIRT!

Or

American Red Cross Deckner Center

2131 Deckner Ave, Green Bay

Thursday, Dec. 31, 8:00am – Noon

American Red Cross Pair up with Old Navy

The video below was created in partnership with our Old Navy store and our American Red Cross East Centeral WI Chapter in Oshkosh. This collaboration was part of their million dollar give-away. Each store was given $1,000 to give-away and then go out into the community to make a difference. Our local store choose us. The video is now within the SIX finalists across the country! We are thrilled. This means more prizes and good may come. Part of the contest is to have people watch the video. SO PLEASE check out our Video and help us win additional dollars to help support life saving programs and services.

Click here to see video and type in 6613 for the store number:  http://www.oldnavyoneandamillion.com/oldnavy/

Store 6613 in Oshkosh, assisted their local Red Cross with funding for a “Choking Charlie” and Baby Rescue Mannequins.

Happy Holidays

Greetings!  
In this season of hope, there’s one gift you can always count on to save the day. When the next disaster strikes. When a neighbor’s house burns down. If someone needs lifesaving blood, or the comfort of a helping hand. It’s the Red Cross that is there.  We thank you for your support in providing hope to those in need.

Wishing you and your family a happy and joyful holiday season!    

Sincerely,  

Your Friends from the American Red Cross Lakeland Chapter

Building On History

Training Demonstration for Nursing Assistant Training Program

On December 1 the American Red Cross- East Central Wisconsin became the most recent Wisconsin chapter to offer the Nursing Assistant Training Program. The state-approved program will give attendees the appropriate knowledge and skills to pass the state certification test and become a Certified Nursing Assistant.

The Lakeland Chapter has offered the training program in Green Bay, WI for 17 years and until recently was the only program in Wisconsin that did. The program has been provided By the Western WI Chapter in Altoona for over a year and now is in Waupaca. Other chapters are also considering the program.

Dawn Krull, Director of Health and Safety Services, says that the experience of the Lakeland Chapter’s program can help others with everything from forms to best practices. “Working as a region we can pool our resources together.”

The skills and knowledge gained from this course enable nurse assistants to provide quality care for residents in nursing homes, as well as supplemental information and skills to enable them to provide quality health care for clients at home and patients in hospitals.

According to the Department of Labor, 21 percent of all health care industry jobs are in nursing and residential care facilities and the health care industry makes up 11 percent of the employment industry in the Fox Valley according to a 2006 report.

The Red Cross has a long tradition of volunteer service in health care including Jane Delano who organized supplies and 8,000 nurses to be made available during World War I and Clara Barton who brought supplies and food to wounded soldiers during the Civil War.

The next session of the Green Bay program begins on January 11 and runs through February 19. The next session at Waupaca County Red Cross office begins January 7 and runs through February 1. The program is designed with input from educators, caregivers, and long-term industry representatives from across the United States.  The American Red Cross Nurse Assistant Training course is approved by the State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services and provides students with job skills needed to become a qualified CNA.

The cost of the course is $750 and $115 for the state test to complete certification.  There are still spots available in Green Bay, so registration is still open. For copies of the training program registration packet, please call the Health and Safety Services Department at 920-227-4290 or 1-800-733-9909 or pick up a registration packet from the department at 2131 Deckner Ave., Monday-Friday, 8 AM – 4:30 PM.

American Red Cross Assists a Family Affected by Early Morning Home Fire in Sturgeon Bay

The American Red Cross Lakeland Chapter responded to a home fire in Sturgeon Bay around 1:30am on Thursday, December 10. The fire displaced one family of two adults and two children.

Two American Red Cross Disaster workers assisted the family based upon their immediate emergency need with hotel, monetary assistance for clothing and food. We also provided the family with comfort kits (which include soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, washcloth, comb, facial tissue, deodorant, razors, shaving cream and lotion) and homemade quilts.

Red Cross volunteers also assisted 30 emergency personnel responding to the fire with water and Gatorade.  

Red Cross disaster assistance is free and is made possible by community donations. You can help individuals of this disaster and others by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Lakeland Chapter’s local disaster relief fund. For information call the Lakeland Chapter at 920-468-8535 or visit www.arclakeland.org.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

 

“Follow” or “Friend” Red Cross for the Latest Safety Tips

The American Red Cross Lakeland Chapter is using twitter and facebook as another way to communicate to the public safety tips and updates on our programs and services.

To “follow” Jody Weyers, Volunteer and Communcations director for the American Red Cross Lakeland Chapter searc h for “jweyers2” on twitter.

“Friend” the Lakeland Chapter on Facebook, search for “Red Cross Lakeland Chapter”

Check out the following news story on WBAY on how social media is playing a role in updating information regarding the winter storms.  Click here for news story.

Text version of story:

Snow Storm has Organizations All A-Twitter

By Kristin Byrne

Police departments, schools, and businesses in our area are turning to the Internet to keep the public prepared and safe during this snow storm.

The “tweets” on Twitter are all about this blizzard hitting Northeast Wisconsin.

UW-Fox Valley is telling students what to do if classes are canceled. Fond du Lac police are tweeting followers about what kind of weather to expect.

Law enforcement agencies credit social networking sites for keeping the public safe during a snow storm.

“We’ll give updates as we get them, and we’ll give safety tips — the usual ones for every year: Slow down; plan ahead; take some extra time, you know; if you don’t have to go out, don’t; stay home,” Lieutenant Jim Runge, Green Bay Police Department, said.

Organizations like the American Red Cross are updating social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, too.

The Red Cross Lakeland Chapter says it tweeted several times Tuesday. One reminded people to keep a blanket, a supply kit with snacks, and a shovel in your car during a snow storm.

“This is another tool we can utilize that people can read it and those who are following my account can repost it or retweet it to other individuals for those winter safety tips,” Jody Weyers of the Red Cross said.

Postings that can be pretty useful when you’re dealing with a monster of a storm.

The Need is Constant; Don’t Forget to Donate Blood This Holiday Season

Between the snow-covered roads and holiday festivities, it can be difficult to make time for blood donation that helps those in our area.

But as we all know, need does not take a break during the holidays. Take a look at the Green Bay donation center and local blood drive schedules so that you can make an appointment. If you don’t know when you will have time, print it now and carry it with you. When you find time to pop-in and help out a neighbor, you will know where to go.  By making an appointment to donate blood through the American Red Cross this holiday season, you not only give someone hope-  you help save lives too.

The Green Bay Blood Donation Center at 2131 Deckner Ave., is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 2 PM – 6 PM, Friday hours are from 9 AM to 1 PM and Saturday hours are 8 AM- Noon. The center will be closed December 25 and January 1, but special holiday hours include:

• Wednesday, December 23 from 2 PM- 6 PM
• Thursday, December 24 from 8 AM – Noon
• Wednesday, December 30 from  2 PM- 6 PM
• Thursday, December 31 from 8 AM- Noon

Donations will be collected at Pilgrim Congregational Church, at 991 Pilgrim Way, every Friday from 9 AM – 1 PM. With another opportunity to donate at the blood drive on Tuesday, December 22 between 9 AM and 3 PM.

ADDITIONAL BROWN COUNTY COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVES:

Date	Location	Address	City	Drive Time
Thursday, December 24, 2009	Howard Village Hall	2456 Glendale Ave	Green Bay	7am – 1pm
Monday, December 28, 2009	National Guard Amory	800 N Military	Green Bay	Noon –  6:30pm
Monday, December 28, 2009	St Joseph Church Champion	5996 Cty Rd K	New Franken	11am –  5pm
Tuesday, December 29, 2009	St Matthews Catholic Church	130 St Matthew St	Green Bay	1:30pm –  6pm
Wednesday, December 30, 2009	Our Lady of Lourdes Church	1307 Lourdes Ave	De Pere	1:30pm –  5:30pm
Thursday, December 31, 2009	Denmark Our Savior Lutheran Church	435 Wisconsin Ave	Denmark	10am –  2pm
Friday, January 08, 2010	American Legion Hall Pulaski	135 N Augustine Street	Pulaski	11:30am –  5:30 pm

During the holiday season more than ever, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have helped save the lives of many. Eligible donors are encouraged to call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit givebloodgivelife.org to schedule an appointment to donate blood.

24th Annual Holiday Blood Drive Honors Child Transplant Recipient

(November 4, 2009) – This year, the American Red Cross 24th Annual Holiday Blood Drive , honors Hayden Blatter, a blood and bone marrow recipient who was treated at the UW American Family Children’s Hospital. Hayden is now an active 2-year-old, due in part to dedicated blood donors. When Hayden was just 5 months old, he was diagnosed with Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS), an autoimmune disease. The disease caused Hayden’s antibodies to attack his platelets, requiring him to receive frequent platelet transfusions. In addition, to reduce the risk of infections, he also received Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatments. IVIG is a product made of plasma.

Without a bone marrow transplant, WAS is potentially fatal. In 2008, Hayden received his stem cell transfusion and remained in isolation for nearly a year to reduce his risk for infection and allow his immune system to rebuild itself.

“We celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas at our home since we couldn’t go out visiting,” said Kami Blatter. “People were actually afraid to be the one to bring in any sickness, so they didn’t visit.”

Hayden Blatter and his family will share Hayden’s story of survival and hope, and celebrate Hayden’s first Christmas out of isolation. By making an appointment to donate blood through the American Red Cross this holiday season, you not only give someone hope – you help save lives too.

Eligible donors are encouraged to call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit givebloodgivelife.org to schedule an appointment to donate blood. Appointments are appreciated but walk-ins are welcome.

Holiday Blood Drives:

Pilgrim Congregational Church, 991 Pilgrim Way, on Tuesday, December 22 from 9 AM-3Pm

Howard Village Hall, 2456 Glendale Ave., on Thursday, December 24 from 7 AM- 1PM

The American Red Cross Urges Residents to Get Ready For Winter Weather

With heavy snow and freezing temperatures predicted throughout the week the American Red Cross recommends taking a few steps that will help you stay safe despite the winter weather.

 “Winter storms can knock down power lines, make travel difficult because of icy road conditions, and keep people isolated in their homes for several days,” said Steve Hansen, the Regional Chapter Executive. “That’s why now is the perfect time to get ready before this winter storm hits our area. Make sure you have the food and supplies on hand now that you may need if it’s not safe to travel or if the power goes out.”

The Red Cross recommends stocking up on easy-to-prepare foods, medications for family members, diapers, baby formula, pet food, extra-batteries for flashlights, and hygiene items like toilet paper and tissues. Make sure you have enough wood or coal for fireplaces or coal-burning stoves.

In addition, the Red Cross offers the following ideas to help stay safe during winter storms:

Tips for Staying Safe at Home

• Be careful with candles – do not use candles for lighting if the power goes out. Use flashlights only.
• Don’t use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement or garage. Locate unite away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
• Prevent frozen pipes – when the weather is very cold outside, open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around water pipes. Let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing because the temperature of the water running through it is above freezing. Keep the thermostat set to a consistent temperature.
•  Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.
•  If you plan on using a fireplace to stay warm, keep a glass or metal fire screen around the fireplace and never leave a lit fire unattended.
•  If using a space heater, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to safely use the heater. Place it on a level, hard, nonflammable surface. Turn the space heater off when you leave the room or go to sleep. Keep children and pets away from your space heater and do not use it to dry wet clothing.
•  Avoid overloading electrical outlets.
•  Check on your animals and make sure that their access to food and water is not blocked by snow drifts, ice or other obstacles. If possible, bring them indoors.

Tips for Protecting Yourself While Outdoors and Traveling

•  When possible stay indoors during the storm.
•  Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks and stairs.
•  Dress in several layers of lightweight clothing, which will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat.
•  Mittens provide more warmth to your hands than gloves. Wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears.
•  Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.
•  If you shovel snow, be extremely careful. Take frequent breaks, stay hydrated and avoid overexertion.
•  Minimize travel whenever possible. If travel is necessary keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle with extra food and blankets.
•  Avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow or dense fog.
•  Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
•  Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of hypothermia including confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering.
•  Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of frostbite including numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, or waxy feeling skin.

Visit Redcross.org for more information on how to keep safe and prepared for any emergency.