The Earthquake Protector

Earthquakes (both in Haiti and right here in Oregon) are on everyone's mind lately. We recently came across this video on Boing Boing of the initial testing of the Earthquake Protector - a base isolation system for buildings that could help them (and the people inside them) survive major quakes.

It's pretty amazing to see the difference. Let's hope that someday in the future all buildings are built to be as earthquake-resistant as the one on the right... (Jump to the 1:00 mark for the most intense test run.)

The Heart of Life

Since I have at least one friend who reads this blog and is a big fan of John Mayer's music (and his forearms, but that's a different story...), I thought I'd post the new Haiti PSA that uses the song he donated.

I think it's a pretty fitting tune to illustrate that there is hope even in the midst of disaster.

What's Happening in New Columbia and Tamarack

Back in November, a house fire in North Portland spurred our chapter to prevent emergencies in the New Columbia and Tamarack neighborhood by delivering disaster preparedness information door-to-door and offering free CPR/AED/First Aid and Babysitting classes to residents - possible from a generous grant from State Farm Insurance.

Since November, we've been attending events such as the Winter Family Night to continue the outreach and keep everyone preparedness-minded. Most recently, on January 27th, 16 residents woke up early on Saturday to get trained in Babysitting or CPR/AED and First Aid skills at the Boys and Girls Club. One attendee even called us back and left an incredibly grateful message to the chapter for offering the free classes, which she said would have otherwise been difficult to afford.

This Saturday, the Portland chapter is again hosting these important training courses to certify even more residents to prevent, rather than react, to emergencies!

Photo from our Flickr site shows Red Cross staff jumping into action during a CPR drill.

Year of the Tiger

While Tara will be lamenting not being able to attend Singles CPR this Valentine's Day, I will be eating nuomici and watching wushu demonstrations. That's right - it's time for fun and festivities in the Year of the Tiger at the Chinese New Year cultural fair happening this February 14th at the Convention Center!
This annual Portland jamboree celebrates both contemporary and traditional Chinese culture with features of dance, martial arts, food, puppet shows, and more!
The Red Cross will be there again this year, spreading the word about preparedness and soaking up the sights, sounds, and tastes. Can you tell I'm excited about the food?
So come on down to the Convention Center between 10am and 6pm, and help usher in a new year of prosperity and new fortunes!

photo courtesy of zhushi.abang.com

CPR is Sexy this Valentine's Day

Last Valentine's totally blew. I went out to a fancy restaurant with my boyfriend (good). We waited for more than an hour after our reservation time to get seated (bad) while the restaurant had several open tables (double bad). The restaurant ran out of the vegetarian option I wanted (bad), and then they ran out of the dessert my boyfriend wanted (bad). Then they didn't offer any sort of compensation for all of the inconveniences (very, very bad).

This Valentine's Day, I kind of wish I were single. It's not that I don't love my previously-mentioned boyfriend, it's just that I really, really want to go to our Red Cross Singles CPR class. But Lise says that rules are rules: you have to be single to attend.

I feel so unloved.

While we can’t guarantee mouth-to-mouth with other attendees, Singles CPR is a great way to meet new people in a fun, low-pressure environment. Most importantly, you'll learn skills that could potentially save the life of your future sweetie.

Stop by Bo Asian Bistro to mix and mingle with other class participants before things get started. Class begins in the Monterosso Room at Hotel Lucia at 3 p.m., where you'll enjoy complimentary light appetizers from Typhoon! Catering By Bo, sweet treats from Pix Patisserie and some awesome doorprizes. Post-event (around 5 p.m.), we'll socialize back over at Bo Asian Bistro.

Attendees will also receive a free two-week membership to the Portland Mercury's Lovelab Personals, and could win door prizes from Maiden in the Mist, Staccato Gelato, Whiffies Fried Pies, Secret Society, 3 Doors Down, Saint Cupcake, Icon Salon, Wax On, Sock Dreams, Le Happy and more!

Pix and Whiffies!? Now I really wish I could go.

See photos, read a review and register online for our sexiest CPR class.

Word of the Day: Vulnerary

I'm a Word Nerd. I try to learn at least one new word everyday (not to say I'll remember it or be able to show it off in conversation, but still...)

Today's Merriam-Webster Word of the Day is "vulnerary," an adjective meaning "used for or useful in healing wounds." It comes from the Latin word "vulnus" meaning "wound."

I'm realizing that the only way I remember new words is if I use them the day I learn them. That being said, I'd like to take this opportunity to remind you about all of the handy, vulnerary products we have for sale in our online store.

Out hiking or at home--it's always a good idea to have a First Aid kit with you.

Thanks for letting me practice a new word on you!

Image: Red Cross Deluxe Family First Aid Kit, $25

Mass Care Newsletter: First Issue

From international disasters such as the devastating earthquake in Haiti, to local emergencies such as house fires and floods, the American Red Cross is iconic as a shelter and feeding authority when it comes to emergency situations. The Red Cross commonly refers to this service as "mass care."

This past January, the Red Cross has put out, for the first time ever, a publication for this crucial service. Reading through the first issue of Mass Care Messenger, I noticed that Deborah Tyler-Cook, our own Oregon Trail Chapter volunteer, wrote an article on her upcoming Avon Walk for Breast Cancer event!

In addition to our local spotlight, I found a few other newsletter features to share:

1. An article highlighting pet-friendly shelters (such as our incredible warming centers), offered a great quote on why this is such an important consideration:

"Lessons learned after Katrina show about 50% of pet owners stated not being able to take their pets was the reason they did not seek a safe shelter," writes Darla Hesse, Disaster Manager, Midway-Kansas Chapter.

2. A volunteer spotlight on Okay Thomas Hill (who has seen action on 26 natural disasters) writes what it means to be a mass care volunteer from his recent deployment to the tsunami in American Samoa:

"In Samoa, a family lost an aunt. They were grieving her. I sat and talked with them. They were overwhelmed. That’s part of what we do. We listen. We try to let others know they matter. Giving to people is 10 times more satisfying than taking.”

To read the Mass Care Messenger yourself, email Scott Meyer at meyersc@usa.redcross.org.

Photo shows Oregon Trail Chapter Mass Care volunteers at our Damascus Shelter Exercise

Learn, Laugh, Save Lives

Laugh it up while you learn life-saving skills at LOL CPR (a.k.a. Comedy CPR)! Our next class is this Tuesday, February 9, at the Blue Monk on Belmont (3341 SE Belmont, Portland OR 97214). Lucky for you, there are still spots left.

When you’re done with the class, you'll be ready to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies in adults ages 13 and up. The course meets OSHA guidelines and includes the latest science for emergency cardiovascular care as well as useful take-home materials...which is just a rather serious way of saying that the skills you pick up in LOL CPR are definitely no joke!

Sign up for LOL CPR here.

Cancer can be prevented too.

When I was 14-years-old, my grandfather passed away of lung and throat cancer. It was—and remains to be—the saddest moment of my life. I think and dream of him often and wish that I could go back in time, take the Marlboro out of his hand, and throw away his remaining packs of cigarettes. When he died, I vowed to honor him by never smoking; thinking of him makes this more than easy.

Today, February 4, is World Cancer Day, an initiative led by the International Union Against Cancer (UICC). Its intent is to bring global awareness to the life-threatening disease. This year’s campaign focuses on cancer prevention; about 40% of cancers are thought to be preventable.

More than 1 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer each year. Many of them will need platelets and blood transfusions, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatments.

Call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org to make a potentially life-saving blood donation.

Photo from the World Cancer Campaign website.

Haiti benefit songs heard across the Web

The crisis in Haiti has shown an amazing outcropping of support from across the planet. This global community has come together to provide hope for a single nation facing a trying time.

To show support, many top music artists and actors have come together to create a pair of benefit songs, quite appropriately "Everybody Hurts" and "We Are The World". They are to be sold as singles to benefit relief efforts. A sample of those involved in the projects include Celine Dion, Wyclef Jean, Pink, Jamie Foxx, Carlos Santana, LL Cool J, Barbra Streisand, Miley Cyrus, Kanye West, along with around 70 others. Pre-orders are reported as 'through the roof', and the following news video produced by ABC covering the work behind the scenes to create the "We Are The World" single is spreading through various social media outlets.



Can't wait to show your support? You can donate directly to the American Red Cross Haiti relief fund online!

Kids Helping Haiti

From emptying their piggy banks, to organizing school-wide fundraisers, the kids in our community have shown that they care about the people of Haiti and are doing what they can to make a difference.

In the last few days, I have visited 2 local elementary schools to accept their donations and to talk about how their donated pennies are helping us to help the survivors of the Haiti earthquake. I have been impressed by the maturity and compassion shown by the kids and have been amazed at how much money they have been able to raise! As these kids have proved, pennies can add up to make a difference.

The kids of Oak Creek Elementary School in Lake Oswego, OR raised $2,548.63! To put that in perspective, that's money enough to provide family-sized tents and water cans for five families of five!


The kids of Willamette Primary School in West Linn, OR raised $1,237.00, which can provide cooking sets, hygiene packs, blankets, and water containers for twelve families of five!


So here's a big thank you to the kids of Oak Creek Elementary and Willamette Primary, as well as all of the other kids (big and little) who have given their pennies to this worthy cause.

If you would like to donate to the Haiti Relief Effort, click here or text "HAITI" to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Dr. Charles Drew: Blood Banking Pioneer

Dr. Charles Drew (1904-1950), an African American blood specialist, surgeon, educator and scientist, was the first medical director of the first American Red Cross blood bank. Dr. Drew laid the foundation for modern blood banking. Today’s American Red Cross blood program is the result of his pioneering work in blood collection, plasma processing and transfusion.

During the month of February we celebrate Black History Month. You can honor Dr. Charles Drew and and his important contributions to blood banking by scheduling an appointment to donate blood. Call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org.

Click here for more information on Dr. Charles Drew.

Mmmmm....Brownies!

Robin and I are gearing up for brownies.

Even though we were sadly disappointed in what should have been chocolatey goodness last year, we're returning to Chicago for more Palmer House baked goods.

Oh, and that International Communicators Conference.

This time we'll get a chance to present about the work our Chapter has done on Holocaust tracing and share a little about our incredible Benson High Red Cross club. We'll also get to brainstorm with our peers from around the country -- places like New York, San Francisco, Miami and Seattle.

In the meantime, we're leaving the blog and Twitter in the capable hands of Tara, Nate, Anne and Carley. Give 'em hell, guys!