Annual membership meeting notice for the SE Wisconsin Chapter of the American Red cross

The American Red Cross – Southeast Wisconsin Chapter is inviting all eligible members to join our annual membership meeting at 7:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 21, 2023.

Membership is open to anyone who has made a monetary contribution, performed volunteer service and/or donated blood to the American Red Cross. The purpose of membership is to promote community understanding, commitment and support of the Red Cross mission and services.

This annual meeting will be led by the Board of Directors of the Southeast Chapter and will include election of officers as well as regular business updates.

This meeting will be held in-person and virtually via Microsoft Teams, out of a continuing abundance of caution due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For an invitation to the meeting or other questions, reach out to Regional CEO and Southeast Wisconsin Chapter Executive Mark Thomas at mark.thomas3@redcross.org or Regional Coordinator Executive Constance Palmer at constance.palmer@redcross.org.

Three sensational blood drives happening this summer

By Laura McGuire, American Red Cross

The American Red Cross of Wisconsin is offering three amazing summer blood drives where blood donors can give blood and make a lifesaving difference. 

During the summer months, blood and platelet donations often do not keep pace with hospital demand, which can make a world of difference for people in need. Summer can shake up normal routines, but it’s important for donation appointments to stay on the calendar. Blood donations often take a dip around the Fourth of July holiday – but the need for blood and platelet transfusions doesn’t take a summer break. Appointments are critical for people waiting for lifesaving care.

Here are three great blood drive opportunities where you can enjoy summer activities, donate blood and make a difference to hospital patients in need.

Milwaukee County Zoo Blood Drive – Monday, June 26 through Wednesday, June 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the zoo’s Peck Center, 10001 W. Bluemound Road in Milwaukee. Appointments are strongly encouraged. Walk-ins are welcome as space allows. All presenting donors will receive free same-day zoo admission, parking, and two free tickets to Summerfest, while supplies last.

37th annual Super Donor Days Blood Drive – Monday, July 3 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Tundra Lodge Resort and Conference Center, 865 Lombardi Ave. in Green Bay. All presenting donors will receive a Red Cross dry bag and picnic style food, while supplies last. Appointments are strongly encouraged. Walk ins will be allowed as space permits.

23rd annual Beach Days Blood Drive – Wednesday, July 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Hotel, 706 John Nolen Drive in Madison. All blood types are needed for this lifesaving event. The ballroom of the Sheraton will be transformed into a beach friendly atmosphere where eligible blood donors can donate lifesaving blood. All presenting donors at this blood drive will receive an exclusive Red Cross beach towel, dry bag and a $10 Food Fight Restaurant Group gift card, while supplies last.

To make an appointment, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information.

Amherst man receives national honors from the Red Cross for saving his wife’s life

By Laura McGuire, American Red Cross

Dale Hintz from Amherst, WI helped save his wife’s life by using the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training he received from the American Red Cross. For his heroic and lifesaving actions, Hintz received the American Red Cross Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action.  

Dale Hintz

On Oct. 3, 2022, while at home, Hintz found his wife unconscious and unresponsive and quickly assessed the situation. That is when his instincts and quick thinking set in. He immediately called 911 and began performing CPR until emergency personnel arrived.

The Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) were able to resuscitate and stabilize Hintz’s wife by using an AED, or automated external defibrillator. The EMTs then transferred his wife into the care of the local hospital. She is now continuing her journey down the road to recovery.

“The doctors and first responders agreed that had it not been for the quick actions of my brother-in-law, my sister likely would not have survived and would not have made such a miraculous recovery,” said Sharon Cisewski, Hintz’s sister-in-law. “I am happy to say that after less than four months after her cardiac emergency she has been able to resume a very normal life.” Cisewski nominated Hintz for the award.

Sandy Hintz, Dale Hintz, and Sharon Cisewski

Hintz received First Aid and CPR training during his time in the Navy, as a Boy Scout Leader and through his current employer. “When it was time to actually perform CPR, I’m glad that my training turned into quick action to help save the life of my wife.” He encourages everyone to have lifesaving skills. “You never know when an emergency is going to happen so having these skills can make be the difference of turning a situation into a happy ending,” said Hintz.

The Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action is given to individuals, like Hintz who stepped up in an emergency situation and helped save or sustain a life. He exemplifies the Red Cross mission by preventing and alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies.

Both Cisewski and Hintz are very familiar with the work of the Red Cross. Cisewski is a frequent Red Cross blood donor and Hintz has seen the Red Cross in action when his family experienced a home fire. “The Red Cross means a lot to me. They are always stepping up in communities helping those in need,” said Hintz.

Medical emergencies can be scary and often require immediate care. The best way to manage any emergency is to be prepared ahead of time.

Red Cross training gives people the knowledge and skills they need know in order to act quickly in an emergency and save a life. You can be trained in CPR, First Aid, lifeguarding and other life-saving skills. A variety of online, blended (online and in-person skills session) and classroom courses are available at redcross.org/takeaclass.