New executive director of American Red Cross Flint chapter is mission-driven
FLINT, MI – The American Red Cross appointed Becky Gaskin as executive director of the East Central Bay Chapter. As executive director, Gaskin serves as the community liaison for thechapter, which is based in Flint and covers 10 surrounding counties, according to a press release by Red Cross. She joins the Red Cross from the Genesee Intermediate School District where she served as coordinator of its Great Start Collaborative. Prior to that, Gaskin was executive director of the Hagerman Foundation in Flint from 2015-20 and directed a strategic philanthropic campaign. So, my job as executive director of the Red Cross is one of those things where I can really stand behind the mission of really helping people in their time of need.
mlive.comLifeguard shortage threatens full opening of Chicago beaches and pools this summer
It's the official start of beach season and the city is facing a severe, widespread lifeguard shortage that could result in closed beaches and pools this year. Chicago Park District officials say because of the pandemic, there were a shortage of American Red Cross trainings that are needed for hiring. But recruitment efforts also could be hampered because of a lifeguard sex abuse scandal last fall.
chicagotribune.comDisplaced Gaylord families find shelter in church after tornado
Within hours of the Friday, May 20 tornado hitting Gaylord, the American Red Cross set up an emergency shelter at E-Free Church for any displaced residents. About a dozen people have registered to stay at the shelter after the EF3 tornado wiped out homes and flattened several businesses. Food and shelter are available at E-Free Church, 1649 E. M-32, for anyone impacted by the tornado. Related: ‘Pure panic.’ Gaylord residents share stories of devastating tornadoThe dozens of injured people were scattered across four northern Michigan hospitals: Otsego Memorial Hospital in Gaylord, Grayling Hospital, McLaren Northern Michigan Petoskey and Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. More on MLive:Gaylord tornado was Michigan’s first EF3 since Dexter twister in 2012Michigan businesses offer support to Gaylord in tornado aftermath2 killed, 44 injured after tornado tore through Gaylord mobile home park and business district
mlive.comFamily of 3 safe after overnight house fire
KALAMAZOO, MI – A fire early Friday, April 29, damaged a house on Shire Lane off North Westnedge Avenue. No one was injured in the 12:30 a.m. fire. A family of three was provided housing by the American Red Cross. Kalamazoo firefighters reported heavy smoke and flames coming from the front of the home but had the fire under control within 10 minutes. Read more:Kalamazoo warns people living in homeless encampment in the woods to leave2022 NFL draft: The 20 best fits for the Detroit Lions on Day 2Cherry Health receives over $500K for new public health initiative
mlive.comPot for plasma: Give blood and get a free joint at this Michigan weed shop
The “Pot for Plasma” campaign, created by The Greenhouse of Walled Lake, aims to raise awareness about the national blood shortage as well as encourage people to donate. Around the same time, the American Red Cross issued its first-ever blood crisis. “I saw the blood shortage and started reading up on it,” Millen said. Related: Red Cross calls on Genesee County residents to donate blood as winter storms intensify shortageDonors can give blood every 56 days. Ubaked Owner Bob Dodge said he was initially unaware of the blood shortage, but was eager to help.
mlive.comRed Cross declares first-ever national blood crisis amid ‘worst shortage in over a decade’
The American Red Cross says it is facing its worst blood shortage in more than a decade. “While some types of medical care can wait, others can’t,” said Dr. Pampee Young, chief medical officer of the Red Cross. The American Red Cross supplies 40% of the nation’s blood but has had to limit blood distributions to hospitals in recent weeks. “At a time when many businesses and organizations across the country are experiencing pandemic challenges – the Red Cross is no different. To volunteer to support Red Cross blood collections, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.
mlive.comDonors will give blood in memory of Kalamazoo public safety sergeant at Red Cross drive
KALAMAZOO, MI – A blood drive is scheduled for Thursday in downtown Kalamazoo in honor of a Kalamazoo officer. The American Red Cross is holding the blood drive in memory of Kalamazoo Public Safety Sgt. The blood drive is from 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 23, at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in downtown Kalamazoo. This is the 36th year the Red Cross has held this blood drive. Parking is free and donors can receive a free long sleeve Red Cross T-shirt.
mlive.comApartment residents to return soon after 83 displaced by roof fire
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Some residents of Ferguson Apartments could begin moving back in as soon as Monday night after a roof fire a day earlier displaced 83 residents. The cause of the fire remains under investigation but Lt. William Smith said Monday, Aug. 16, that residents would soon be able to return. The American Red Cross of West Michigan helped residents with immediate needs, including shelter, food and clothing. Meghan Lehman, a spokesperson for the American Red Cross, said volunteers have been working with those who were forced out of their homes. The Red Cross helped victims of 1,200 house fires last year, she said.
mlive.com‘This is a gut-wrenching scene.’ How to help victims of the Surfside condo collapse
As news of the partial collapse of the Champlain Towers in Surfside spread across the nation, organizations began efforts to support victims who were forced out of their homes in the wee hours of the morning with little to nothing.
news.yahoo.comLapeer mayor says ‘things will prosper again’ after large downtown fire
LAPEER, MI — In the aftermath of a large morning fire in downtown Lapeer, the city’s mayor lauded the community for rallying together. The structure fire began at 4:52 a.m. on Saturday, June 5, on West Nepessing Street. Craig Gormley previously said the fire happened on a street with several businesses and some apartments. “The community itself, the businesses down there, neighbors, everybody just came together and brought firefighters food and water,” Marquardt said. “As we mourn the loss of businesses, including our Lapeer location, we stand with every resident and patron of our practice.
mlive.comHelp the Red Cross refuel the blood supply
The American Red Cross is calling for donors of all blood types, especially those with type O blood, to give blood and help refuel the blood supply. This spring, the Red Cross is teaming up with INDYCAR to urge people to help keep the blood supply on track by donating blood or platelets. Donation appointments may be scheduled by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org, calling (800) 733-2767 or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Important COVID-19 information for donorsThe Red Cross is testing blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Plasma from whole blood donations that test positive for high levels of COVID-19 antibodies may be used to help COVID-19 patients.
grossepointenews.comImmigrant teens to be housed at Dallas convention center
FILE - In this March 31, 2020 file photo, a leaning sign sits in front of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in downtown Dallas. “There’s no other way to claim it than a Biden border crisis.”Texas Gov. The memo sent to Dallas City Council members says the Federal Emergency Management Agency and HHS will “be responsible for providing shelter management and contracts” for food, security, cleaning, and medical care at the convention center. Dallas previously offered space to HHS during the 2014 surge of crossings of immigrant children. HHS also has said it will house immigrant youths in Midland.
How the Red Cross is helping Texans in need
How the Red Cross is helping Texans in need Power has been restored to most of Texas, but now a water crisis is underway. Roughly a quarter of the state's population is under a "boil-water advisory." The rolling power outages caused pipes to burst in homes and shut down water treatment plants. Dan Halyburton, a spokesperson for the American Red Cross, joins CBSN to discuss how his organization is providing aid to those affected by this deadly winter weather.
cbsnews.comRed Cross urges blood donation to maintain supply amid pandemic
The American Red Cross typically has a tough time keeping the blood supply strong during the winter months when inclement weather and seasonal illnesses can impact donors. This year the pandemic adds in another challenge in keeping the blood supply strong. The Red Cross is urging healthy individuals to make an appointment to give blood or platelets this month. Make an appointment to give blood, platelets or plasma by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org, calling (800) 733-2767 or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Health and safety protocols, including wearing masks and staying socially distant, are strictly followed at each Red Cross blood drive and donation center.
grossepointenews.comMetro Detroit family grateful for donations that kept young daughter alive during cancer treatments
Collecting enough blood donations to meet the constant need was a challenge for the American Red Cross before the coronavirus pandemic. That’s why one Metro Detroit family wants to make sure that blood is always there for anyone who needs it. “Without that transfusion, we wouldn’t have been able to make the step two, step three, step four.”Throughout her treatment, blood was critical. The family speaks about their gratitude for her blood donors every day. READ: American Red Cross hosting blood drive in Metro Detroit this weekAppointments are strongly encouraged.
Metro Detroit man has been donating blood for more than 40 years
Dan Graustein has been donating blood since the 1970s. “It’s the most important thing that I do because it has potential of saving somebody’s life,” he said. “In 1974, there’s a blood competition between Michigan and Ohio State, same week that the football game is, and they compete on who can donate more blood,” he said. He said that in the past, the American Red Cross would donate your blood to one individual person. “I have donated white blood cells, plasma platelets,” he said.
American Red Cross hosting blood drive in Metro Detroit this week
The American Red Cross is hosting a hosting a blood, sponsored by Gardner-White Furniture, on Thursday and Friday. To make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 800-RED CROSS or go to the Blood Donor App, using the sponsor code: gardnerwhite. All donors at the drives will receive a coupon for $50 off a Gardner-White purchase of at least $399 and be entered to win a $500 Gardner-White gift certificate. Drawings will be held for each location. Blood donation opportunities at Gardner-White Furniture location:Jan. 14: 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.Ann Arbor (3725 Washtenaw Ave.)Auburn Hills (4445 N. Atlantic Blvd)Brighton (8393 W. Grand River Ave.)Canton (39453 Ford Road)Macomb (45300 Hayes Road)Warren (4400 E. 14 Mile Road)Waterford (4945 Dixie Highway)Jan. 15: 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Morning Briefing Jan. 5, 2021: Georgia Senate runoff elections today, COVID plasma donations needed, woman reported missing New Year’s Day found dead
COVID-19 plasma shortage: Donors could win trip to Super Bowl next yearThe American Red Cross is in search of COVID-19 plasma donors. Woman reported missing on New Year’s Day found deadA woman who was reported missing on New Year’s Day has been found dead in a field behind a Southgate apartment complex. On Saturday, the state reported a total of 497,127 cases and 12,598 deaths. New COVID-19 cases are slowing but deaths remain high in Michigan. According to Johns Hopkins University, more than 20.2 million cases have been reported across the country as of Jan. 2.
COVID-19 plasma shortage: Donors could win trip to Super Bowl next year
3830, 2299 W. 12 Mile RoadBloomfield1/7/2021: 8:45 a.m. - 4 p.m., Bloomfield Blood Donation Center, 4190 Telegraph Rd. Bloomfield1/14/2021: 8:45 a.m. - 4 p.m., Bloomfield Blood Donation Center, 4190 Telegraph Rd. Farmington Hills1/14/2021: 8:45 a.m. - 4 p.m., Farmington Hills Blood Donation Center, 31150 Haggerty Rd. Farmington Hills1/21/2021: 8:45 a.m. - 4 p.m., Farmington Hills Blood Donation Center, 31150 Haggerty Rd. Farmington Hills1/28/2021: 8:45 a.m. - 4 p.m., Farmington Hills Blood Donation Center, 31150 Haggerty Rd.
An inside look at the process of donating convalescent plasma with the Michigan Red Cross
Kim DeGiulio recently recovered from coronavirus and just like Evrod Cassimy, she decided to donate her convalescent plasma. Dec. 9, 2020: Michigan coronavirus cases up to 415,200; Death toll now at 10,213DeGiulio recovered from coronavirus in October. Now that she’s symptom-free and has the antibodies, she signed up to donate her plasma with the American Red Cross. All it took was filling out a form to declare you’ve recovered from COVID, then the American Red Cross reaches out to schedule a time to donate. If you’ve recovered and want to know if you qualify to donate, just visit this website.
Do you suspect you’ve had COVID-19? Here’s an easy way to get an antibody test and confirm
I’d heard rumblings that you could give blood through the American Red Cross, and they’d test your blood for antibodies. Worth mentioning: The Red Cross says it’s a perfectly safe time to donate, despite COVID-19. How to interpret your resultsMine said: “COVID-19 Test Result: NEGATIVE.” And I blanked for a second, as in, “Negative? Learn more about COVID-19 antibody testing.” (It’s like the Red Cross knows that we’re not all health experts). The Red Cross could use your donation one way or the other.
Western Michigan University ROTC to host Veterans Day blood drive
KALAMAZOO, MI -- Western Michigan University’s ROTC program is hosting a Veterans Day blood drive this week. The ROTC department is partnering with the American Red Cross for its community blood drive from noon to 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the Wesley Foundation, 820 Rankin Ave. on WMU’s campus, according to a press release from the ROTC. "Hosting a blood drive coincides with WMU’s Army ROTC core values of giving back to the community,” said Cris Obreiter, blood drive coordinator. “This blood drive is our way of giving staff, colleagues, neighbors and even strangers an opportunity to help save lives," Obreiter said. “As local public health, we are in support of community members donating blood with the American Red Cross,” Warner said.
mlive.comHam radio to run annual emergency drill
The Monroe County Amateur Radio Public Service Corps will participate in their annual Simulated Emergency Test drill Oct. 10. The Monroe County Amateur Radio Public Service Corps will participate in their annual Simulated Emergency Test drill Oct. 10. The ham radio operators will be set up at the Monroe County Emergency Operations Center, American Red Cross, and their homes. The Simulated Emergency Test will test the ability to pass along emergency messages between Amateur Radio Operators, County Emergency Operations Centers and counterparts throughout the State of Michigan. In these and other situations, ham radio still works when cell, internet and public safety communications don’t.“ The reason for that is no infrastructure or electricity is needed to run amateur radio.
monroenews.comDonors needed for blood drive at Erie VFW
Appointments are encouraged for the blood drive, which takes place Monday. ERIE – A blood drive will be held Monday by the American Red Cross at Erie Post 3925, Veterans of Foreign Wars, hall. The drive will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. in the post home, 1944 Erie Rd. The Red Cross encourages eligible individuals to schedule an appointment by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Giving blood helps alleviate shortages and helps ensure coronavirus patients and others who depend on transfusions have needed blood products this fall, organizers said.
monroenews.comCoronavirus complicates wildfire evacuations on West Coast
Volunteers wearing disposable masks walked from group to group, taking down their information and asking what they need for the days ahead. Normally, they'd be gathering in school gymnasiums and meeting halls, sleeping on cots and eating at buffet lines, all provided by organizations like the Red Cross, Salvation Army and other faith and community groups. When possible, displaced residents are sent to hotels instead of group shelters. In group shelters, staffers are using plastic pipes strung with clear shower curtains to separate evacuees but allow them to see out from their own socially distanced areas. In Oregon, group shelters are set up at churches, colleges and community buildings, while malls, golf courses and other businesses opened parking for evacuees who can stay in recreational vehicles.
Red Cross shelters open to help residents impacted by devastating mid-Michigan floods
MIDLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Historic flooding caused by dam failures forced thousands from their homes in mid-Michigan. The Edenville dam and Sanford dams failed. At about 5 p.m. Tuesday, the Edenville Dam that created Wixom Lake gave away. MORE: Residents in Midland County return after evacuationsThe American Red Cross is still helping residents impacted by the floods. READ: Residents want answers in Edenville Dam failure that led to devastating floodsView the list of shelters below:
Michigan first responders head south to help people impacted by Hurricane Dorian
DETROIT - Members of Michigan Task Force One and American Red Cross are staging to respond in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian. A convoy of Michigan first responders is on the move, heading toward the areas expected to be hit by Hurricane Dorian. The convoy is called Michigan Task Force One. "It's probably one of the most fulfilling things that someone in the task force will experience in their careers," Michigan Task Force One leader Shadd Whitehead said. "We want to be able to provide shelter and food for anyone who is impacted," said Mary Lynn Foster, of the American Red Cross.
Michigan Red Cross prepares hurricane relief before storm makes landfall
Copyright 2017 CNNDETROIT - The Michigan region of the American Red Cross has sent 38 volunteers and three emergency response vehicles to assist with advance hurricane relief efforts across the southeast. The Red Cross is working with partners to support evacuation centers. Sunday night, 2,600 people stayed in 60 Red Cross and community evacuation shelters in Florida. The Red Cross is working to get more than 1,600 trained volunteers from all over the country to areas they are needed. They are also moving 110 emergency response vehicles and 99 semi trailer loads full of relief supplies including cots, blankets and ready-to-eat meals.
Blood drive today at Little Caesars Arena
DETROIT - To help address the emergency blood shortage, the American Red Cross and Meijer, Inc. are partnering for a blood drive today from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Via Concourse at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. Currently, the Red Cross said it has less than a three-day supply of most blood types and less than a two-day supply of type O blood. Everyone who goes to donate will receive a pair of complimentary tickets to a Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons preseason game. There will also be other prize giveaways throughout the day. This is the second year Little Caesars Arena has hosted this blood drive in the 60,000 square feet Via Concourse.
Red Cross sends emergency response team to help Monroe County flood victims
MONROE, Mich. – The American Red Cross announced Wednesday it is actively assisting community residents in Monroe County with disaster relief supplies and recovery support following localized flooding resulting from recent coastal winds. Red Cross damage assessments indicate more than 200 homes have been impacted by flood waters, with about 27 homes being either destroyed or severely damaged. Donations to Michigan Floods enable the Red Cross to help people prepare for, respond to and recover from these disasters. Download the FREE “Emergency App,” which combines content from the group of award-winning Red Cross apps with additional information about what to do in case of 14 different types of emergencies and disasters. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.
Metro Detroit remembers 9/11
DETROIT – There will be many events and memorials Tuesday to honor the 11th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. There will be a memorial service in downtown Detroit at 11 a.m. in Campus Martius. At 8:46 a.m. Tuesday, a moment of silence will be held at Detroit Metro Airport. The Port Huron Police Department will hold a "Service of Remembrance" at 9 a.m. at the International Flag Plaza. Several other local communities will hold similar events and memorials.