Giving a New 'Leash' on Life

KVAL (Eugene) has their top story this weekend spotlighting a very special blood donor!

Meet Ginger, an active Springfield blood donor. At only eight and a half years old, she has already donated 14 pints of blood over the past five years! Her family says she loves to donate, and her blood potentially has saved up to 28 lives. Quickly after donating, she is back to standing on all four legs and wagging her tail. Did I mention that Ginger is a lab mix?



Ginger has been an active donor at Banner's Blood Bank in Springfield for several years, but with this latest donation has retired from donating. Unfortunate too, given that the demand for canine blood donations is larger than ever. Banner's is the only canine blood bank in the Eugene/Mid-valley area, however KATU reports that two canine blood banks are also in the Portland area. The Critical Care Blood Bank at VCA Northwest Veterinary Specialists in Clackamas, and the DoveLewis emergency pet clinic in Portland.

Dogs are considered good candidates for blood donations if they have a friendly temperament, are 55 pounds or more and are from 1 to 8 years old.

Ginger has donated 14 pints of blood- if you are eligible, how about you? Eligible humans can donate a pint of blood ever 56 days. If you are O Negative, the need is even more important for the anticipated summer shortage.

Douglas County Leaders demonstrate Double Red

A few weeks ago the double red program made it's first appearance on the Southern Oregon Coast, and now the program has made an appearance at the Roseburg donor center. The Douglas-County News Review was there as several high profile area leaders rolled up their sleeves to show their support of the new donation opportunity.

State Representative Tim Freeman for Roseburg (shown above) and Douglas County Fairgrounds executive director Harold Phillips (shown right) were two of the leaders that helped demonstrate the double red donation process and promote donating blood. Freeman noted,"I think it's an opportunity for people to help the community and it costs you nothing."

Donors with type O blood, which is in high demand for treating trauma victims when there is no time to test for a patient's blood type, are especially needed for participation in the double red cell program. Because opportunities to donate double red cells are more limited than whole blood donations and donors must meet certain criteria, donors should schedule an appointment for double red cell donations. For more information about the double red cell program, click here!

Bringing New Meaning To "Pool Shark"

To kids around the country Memorial Day Weekend means one thing... THE POOLS ARE OPEN! YAAAY!

But these young filmmakers want to bring your attention to a little known pool danger: the pool shark.

Okay, so maybe pool sharks aren't real. But we can train you to respond to real dangers - wherever you are this weekend. Did you know you can learn compression-only CPR on YouTube, or get your full CPR certification online?* It's true!

So whether your swimming, barbecuing, or taking a CPR class (hey it's some people's idea of a good time) have a fun - and safe - weekend!

*With a brief in-person test to make sure you can actually perform the skills.

Courting Donors Blood Drive: The Photos!

Every year, the Red Cross keeps the tradition of our Rose Festival-sanctioned blood drive and flower competition. With Rose Festival Princesses, live piano music all afternoon and free cake and roses (for presenting donors, while they last), you know you'll want to donate next year!

Building a Tsunami-Proof City Hall?

Just look at this adorably beachy, spacious building. It could be a hotel, a wedding venue, a fancy restaurant.

But nope! It's a proposed design for the new Cannon Beach City Hall/tsunami evacuation center. Intended to house up to 1,500 evacuees, Oregon State University researchers are currently testing a scale model of the building to see how it might withstand the waves.

If this thing gets built, it'll be the first tsunami evacuation center in the United States. Also the cutest.

Do you know what to do when a tsunami strikes? Tips at oregonredcross.org/tsunamis.

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

[The place names link to maps so that you can get a quick idea of the region.]

INDIA: Tropical storm Laila has left thousands homeless. The Indian Red Cross has been able to respond with prepositioned supplies and volunteers.

HAITI: The Haitian Red Cross is joining forces with other international organizations to promote hygiene and prevent the spread of disease during the rainy season. A truly global effort, this disaster response also marks the first field deployment in the Americas by Red Crescent societies.

CHILE: Three months after the quake, shelter remains a priority as the Chilean Red Cross launches its "Tarjeta Red" program to help 8,400 families rebuild and repair their homes.

SENEGAL: In a region where the precarious security situation hinders basic health-care services, the ICRC has helped build and equip a new healthcare center, including a maternity ward.

GENEVA: The Red Cross addressed the 63rd session of the World Health Assembly last week, urging world leaders to prioritize measles elimination.

GLOSSARY:
ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Fantasy Football? How About Fantasy Golf!

By Liza Dossick, our incredible intern!

With the U.S. Open approaching, I found myself reflecting on my golfing experience.

My golfing memories began and ended with trying to become the world's next racecar driver in a golf cart during many spring breaks spent at my Grandma's house in Florida.

Of all the sports aired on TV, golf is not one that I choose to watch (besides Happy Gilmore, of course). If I happen to catch a couple of holes on ESPN, I mostly concentrate on all of the fancy apparel worn by the pros.

This year, the Oregon Red Cross' Clatsop Service Center offers a big jackpot reason to pay more attention to the Open (like, ditch the fashion woes and actually follow the game).

The competition goes something like this...

When you buy a ticket for $50, you are entered into a drawing and then "matched up" with one of the pros. If your golf pro takes home the trophy at the end of the tourney, you take home $1,000. If your pro is in second place, you take home $500 (not too shabby...). Third place, $250; fourth place, $125; and 5th place, $75. The ticket proceeds go to help with disaster relief in Clatsop County.

No more than 100 tickets will be sold, so you have a good chance of getting matched with a top-ranked pro. The player drawing/match-up will take place on June 15 at 6:00 p.m. at Fultanos Pizza in Astoria. I recommend grabbing a slice and a beer to ease the nerves, but you don't have to be present to be paired. To purchase tickets, contact Julie Flues at 503-325-4721.

With Father's Day fast approaching, this makes a great gift. I know my Dad would appreciate the chance to win some bucks and in my eyes, the chance to win some big bucks definitely makes watching golf that much more interesting.

Now sit back and cross your fingers for the lucky match-up with Phil Mickelson!

USS Ranger for potential Portland Earthquake?

When you look around the Portland waterfront, you might notice something missing that most major cities around the United States have. That is, a major surface ship from the US Navy to serve as a museum. For the past nine years, the USS Ranger Foundation has been trying to change that by bringing the Forrestal Class Aircraft Carrier USS Ranger to town. An aspect that is now being promoted is the potential use of such a ship as an emergency shelter and communications center.

The USS Ranger served from 1957 to 1993, including in Desert Storm. In the event of a major flood or earthquake, a ship on the river would largely be unaffected. The large deck space could be used for centralized helicopter operations, 60 hospital rooms could be put to operation, generators could provide power to local hospitals, it could comfortably hold 5,000 individuals and has the emergency shelter potential to hold an additional 10,000 in it's hanger bays. This is not a unique proposal- the Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame is trying to bring the similar-sized USS John F. Kennedy to their state with the similar disaster relief aspect in mind.

One of the major points for having an Aircraft Carrier available is from the experience in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. The USS Harry S. Truman was dispatched but did not arrive til a week after. Meanwhile, the much smaller Amphibious Assault Ship USS Bataan arrived the day after the storm and served as a command center for the large number of helicopter rescues around the city. It was able to transport over 1,600 individuals, 100,000 pounds of supplies, and dispatch two medical teams to the field. More recently, the quick dispatch of the USS Carl Vinson provided command, control, and relief after the January earthquake in Haiti.

There are still major issues preventing the USS Ranger from coming to Portland. It would likely cost over $30 million to bring it here, not including the still-unresolved issue of getting it through all the bridges. I do have to admit that it is an interesting idea, particularly given the potential for a big earthquake in the region.

Image 1: USS Ranger Foundation
Image 2: USS Carl Vinson in Haiti, US Navy

Dads Prove Disasters Don't Have To Be Bland

Poop bags and a 1985 walkman.

These dads give a great lesson on why supplementing an "official" disaster kit with stuff that works for your family is so important.

So what's in YOUR disaster kit?


Is Your Family Prepared for Disaster? - The funniest bloopers are right here

Do You Know Any Princesses?

...If your answer is no, then you should swing by the Red Cross Portland Donor Center (at 3131 N. Vancouver Ave.) on Wednesday, May 26th. In honor of the Portland Rose Festival, the Rose Court Princesses will be visiting blood donors, singing with guest piano players and judging the Red Cross staff and volunteer Flower Show!

It's not too late to join in on the action! The "Courting Donors" blood drive runs from 11:15 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org to schedule a donation appointment. Blood donation is not a requirement to join the party. Everyone in the community is welcome (especially if you have an extra-thorny or odd-colored flower to share in the contest).

If you can't make it tomorrow, be sure to visit the Red Cross and donate at the Rose Festival on May 29th! We'll be setting up on Naito Parkway, at Waterfront Park and running the drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 503-528-5603 and mention "Rose Festival Waterfront Park Blood Drive" to register!

Graphic courtesy of rosefestival.org

Safety tips we have learned from LOST

LOST ended it's epic run last night, and it has left us with many messages. Some are more obvious than others. Target helped point out one major lesson, and that is how to combat the smoke monster. By having a smoke alarm, of course!



Here are a few other lessons we have learned throughout the seasons as they relate to health and safety.

Season 1- It is important to donate blood and know your blood type. In the first season, Boone died after losing too much blood. Out of the 40+ survivors, only four knew their blood type and none were compatible with Boone's except for Jack himself, who has O negative (universal donor).

Season 2- When you travel, make sure to see a doctor about vaccinations. Desmond was instructed to take a vaccine every nine days. Claire's baby had some trouble when the threat of an island disease caused a fever. Newborns are particularly vulnerable.

Season 3- Flooding is a major concern that everyone near (or below) the water level should be concerned about. Charlie might have been saved if he followed some basic tips such as knowing his evacuation route in the Looking Glass underwater station. As with any problem though, grenades can cause additional complications.

Season 4- We use chemicals every day, however chemicals can be poisonous or have a harmful effect on your health. The Tempest station stored harmful chemicals for the islands' Dharma personnel. Some preventative awareness tips can prevent you from becoming a victim of a 'Purge'.

Season 5- As Portlanders are learning well, you need to be prepared for any type of weather. You never know when one minute you might be fighting frost to turn a giant wheel, and the next you are in a Tunisian desert on the other side of the planet fighting off the heat. This was something that Portland native Ben Linus had to face. Having the proper clothing, listening to alerts, and staying in or out of the sunlight are just some of the tips for battling heat waves and winter storms.

Season 6- Smoke can take many different forms, some that are visible and some that aren't so visible. Smoke alarms are just one of the high-tech gizmos you will need to alert you to an unwanted presence. Having a carbon monoxide detector and fire extinguisher also help. If you do spot smoke it might be a clue to run, so make sure you have an escape plan ready.

Photos: Lostpedia/ ABC

Spirit of the Red Cross Scholarship Program

As the school year is coming to a close, so is the High School Blood Drive Challenge. However, High School Seniors currently enrolled at a High School Challenge school and accepted to attend an accredited University in the Fall now have an excellent opportunity!

The American Red Cross is proud to announce that up to seven students will be awarded a scholarship for $1,000 each to be used toward college expenses. Qualified students must complete and submit an application form and essay to the American Red Cross no later than close of business on Friday, June 11, 2010. Scholarship decisions will be made by a selection committee at the Red Cross, using the following five criteria, based on the information in your application.

1. Demonstration of high level of dedication and leadership.
2. Representing the mission of the American Red Cross.
3. Active participation in your school’s Blood Drive Challenge, either as a volunteer or blood donor, including leadership in coordinating and/or recruiting donors for your school’s Blood Drive Challenge.
4. Participation in blood drive activities outside of your school’s Blood Drive Challenge.
5. Best answers to the essay question specified on the scholarship application.

For the application and official rules, click here! The Scholarship is sponsored by our friends at the Portland Beavers and Portland Timbers Community Fund.

Want some great ideas for how to get involved with the American Red Cross Blood Services as a student? Visit our student website.

Happy Birthday To Us!

Yep, it's that time again. Another year has passed and the American Red Cross has achieved the grand old age of 129.

[If you're not mathmatically inclined, that means that we were founded on May 21, 1881.]

I'm not sure what to say about that other than, in comparison, I'm really young. Thanks for making me feel good about 33, Red Cross.

How you would solve a problem like Eyjafjallajokull?

Apparently unlike Rumpelstiltskin, learning the name of 'Eyjafjallajokull' does not mean the problems will go away. Over at the BBC they have been soliciting outlandish solutions to the ash problem that, unlike spinning straw into gold, are still scientifically possible. At first, the BBC produced their own list, and then opened to reader suggestions. Both lists were sent to scientific experts for review as to their strengths and weaknesses.

One of the reader proposals involved 'towing the Volcano further north and away from prevailing winds'. I couldn't help but notice that their diagram (to the right) includes a Red Cross vessel. Unfortunately, the expert pointed out that removing the confining-pressure from the subterranean magma supply below the volcano would likely explode with tremendous force producing an ash cloud rising to a 60 km (37 miles) altitude.

So, I guess this means the Red Cross should not get into moving the tops of volcanoes. Take a peak at the lists for some intriguing ideas, and if you have your own ideas feel free to post them in the comments!

Having A Ball With Lifejackets

With sudden downpours, high winds and power outages across Oregon, I can pretty much bet that you're not thinking about summer.

Strangely, in Canada (where the weather can't possibly be any better), they are*.

Today's RedCrossTalks blog post takes you to the beach, where they show off some hot models and cool...lifejackets? That's right -- they're busting myths that all lifejackets are orange and puffy. There's one that's even hot pink and downright sleek!

Check out all the hip H2Options here.

When you're done with that, you might check out the recent poll conducted by our NHQ friends that shows that two-thirds of Americans have experienced a summer emergency. And, yes, that could easily include a lifejacket-less near-drowning situation.

Read up on the poll here...

...and then consider gearing up for the nice days ahead with our summer safety tips and a good lifejacket.

* Okay, those Canucks aren't crazy. They're talking about lifejackets because today is actually National Lifejacket Day. Did you know there was such a thing?

Join Us Tomorrow for Movie Night!

Tomorrow at 6pm we'll kick off the first event in our FREE film series, Humanity Through the Lens: Exploring the Law of War through Cinema.

A screening of the Academy Award-nominated film, Hotel Rwanda will be followed by discussion of the role of international humanitarian law, the rights of people caught in the midst of conflict, and how the Red Cross can function and maintain neutrality in such situations. (This incredible article is a good primer on the topic, if you're interested.)

Tell your friends! www.oregonredcross.org/throughthelens

DETAILS:

Thursday, May 20, 6-9pm

American Red Cross, Oregon Trail Chapter

3131 N. Vancouver Ave., Portland, OR 97227

Cost: FREE, including theater-style popcorn and soft drinks.

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

[The place names link to maps so that you can get a quick idea of the region.]

GAZA-JORDAN: The ICRC has helped reunite a mother and daughter after ten years apart.

SUDAN: Acting as a neutral intermediary, the ICRC recently facilitated the liberation and transfer of 44 Sudanese detainees.

NEPAL: The Nepal Red Cross Society is taking a proactive approach to a fatal diarrhea outbreak.

GENEVA: The ICRC's new annual report highlights the prolonged nature of modern conflicts, requiring sustained and flexible humanitarian response.

KENYA: The Kenya Red Cross Society is helping thousands of families after massive flooding, landslides, and hailstorms.

SYRIA: The American Red Cross recently donated an ambulance, which carries specialized cardiac care equipment, to the Syrian Arab Red Crescent to aid in its ongoing medical response program.

GLOSSARY:
ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

We're Having A Fire Sale!

*Ahem* I have to stifle my laughter because I just can't say the words "fire sale" without thinking of the "Oh my god we're having a fire!... sale," scene from Arrested Development.

But in all seriousness, we are having one. In an effort to clear out some stock before the end of the fiscal year, we've put the lowest prices possible on some cool prepare-aphernalia from full disaster kits to the ever-handy multi-purpose pocket knife. Check out all the sale products at www.oregonredcross.org/firesale.

Oh my god we're having a fire!...sale.

WWII Red Cross Girl

I thought this vintage photo and the attached caption were very affecting.

The caption reads: "It hardly matters whether the evocation of Joan of Arc in this photograph was intentional or not. (Is that needle just another, smaller version of Joan's sword?) In the end, everything about this cover, from the brooding cross behind the nurse to the courage in her steady gaze, points to one message: Trouble is coming. Let's get ready."

You can be ready for any trouble (disaster) that comes your way too!

Photo courtesy of LIFE.com

First-aid for when you are LOST

If you don't know, I am a huge fan of the TV show LOST! The finale airs Sunday, and with the show ending props are being sold off at auction.


One of the auction items is a DHARMA First-Aid Material lot. The DHARMA Initiative maintained several research facilities to study the LOST islands' unique properties. Check-out this description;

Although the Staff Station is the one dedicated to medical research, each DHARMA Initiative station apparently has its own first aid supplies, including gauze sponges, bottle of aspirin, bottle of rubbing alcohol, and two bottles of chloroform. Each item here--with exception to the gauze sponges and one of the chloroform bottles, both have the Pearl Station logo--features the Swan logo, indicating that they are from that particular station.

A few of these items I can understand, but two bottles of chloroform? No wonder they have trouble on the island when they are supplied with so much anesthetic.

If you want a first-aid kit not used for drugging islanders and dramatic tension, with a much cheaper price, I would suggest checking out the Oregon Red Cross Online Store's FIRESALE. The sale includes many large kits perfect for your isolated research stations' needs!

When you think of FIRESALE, just think of the Flame Station. AND supply drops from the Red Cross don't require a hostile-free environment...

Mount St. Helens: 30 Years And Still Going Strong

Thirty years ago today, Mount St. Helens erupted.

And even though there wasn't a dramatic loss of life, it's definitely one of the most notable disasters in Pacific Northwest history.

Watch the KGW newscast from May 18, 1980:



Now check out the mountain today with the live VolcanoCam.

If you're interested in learning more about St. Helens and volcanoes in general, I'd suggest checking out last week's episode of Ready Radio and the links we've got on the website.

And, on this auspicious day, I have to ask...where were you on May 18, 1980 and what are your memories of the St. Helens eruption?

Blood Cell Bakery

Learning about blood can apparently make you hungry!



At least when you learn about blood through cookies. The cookie-artist hands of Ms. Humble from Not So Humble Pie joined the scientific knowledge from Joanne Manaster of the University of Illinois-Urbana to create an informative series of videos about the components of blood. Learn about the formed elements of blood: red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils, eosinophils, neutrophils) and platelets. You might want to start with the introductory video above.

These videos can help one understand the basis for the importance of blood donations. 'Blood' consists of roughly 55% plasma, >1% white blood cells and platelets, and 45% red blood cells. A whole blood donation takes all of the blood and separates these three components into three products (without the white blood cells) that can 'save up to three lives'. Apheresis donations specifically target one of the three components and separates it out while returning the other two components, as either platelet apheresis, plasma apheresis, or double-red donation. Whole donations are accepted state-wide, double-red at select drives, and apheresis donations are offered at the Portland and Clark County donor centers

Now, does looking at blood with such hunger make me a vampire?

Poll: Would You Wear One On A Yacht?

Our Canadian friends at RedCrossTalk have asked for a little help with a poll:




Help them out by sharing your answer. And, to get you in the mood for boating, here's a little yacht rock.

Double Red Donation Program Expands!

A reporter from KCBY in North Bend participated as one of the first double red donors on the Southern Oregon Coast this week, as the program expands state wide.



Double red cell donation is similar to a whole blood donation, except a special machine is used to allow you to safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation while returning your plasma and platelets to you, which is a majority of the blood volume. What this means is that double red donors tend to leave feeling hydrated, almost as if they didn't even donate. It does take a little longer to replenish your red blood cells, limiting donations to about once every four months (instead of every 56 days with a whole donation). This could be a time saver if you donate frequently.

There are additional requirements for the process, and generally we are looking for A-negative and O donors, primarily seeking O-negative (universal donors). Double red donations are offered at some large mobile drives, and have been present for awhile around North and Central Oregon. You can call 1-800-RED-CROSS to find a blood drive with double red near you, or to answer any questions!

In Case Of Emergency...Yell!

From Oddly Specific via former Red Crosser @tknopeasnt!

Who Knew? Tornadoes

Another cool YahooNews Who Knew? video, this time about a disaster that's not often seen around these parts...

Since tornadoes are pretty unfamiliar here in Oregon, I don't expect you to have these safety tips memorized...but it never hurts to read up just in case!

"Pint for Pint" Blood Drive

I don't know about you, but after a blood drive on a hot spring day there is one thing I really want... ice cream! Apparently I'm not the only one.

The American Red Cross and Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream are teaming up for the "Pint for Pint" blood drive on Saturday, May 15, 2010. This event will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream on Southeast Hawthorne Street in Portland, located at 1420 SE 36th Avenue (a block from the Eastside Powells). All presenting blood donors will be offered a free pint of ice cream from a selection of flavors.

Tim Watters is the owner of the participating Ben and Jerry's location. He has sponsored this event since 2008. Watters said he has a responsibility to give back to the community. "First and foremost it has been an honor to be affiliated with the Red Cross." In total, the "Pint for Pint" blood drives have collected 330 units of blood for hospital patients.

All interested participants can make an appointment online by using sponsor code "benjerry". Donor appointments are not required, but are preferred.

What better way to replenish your sugars after a donation? This begs the question: which flavor of ice cream would you want after donating blood? Cheesecake Brownie? Fossil Fuel? Come down and maybe you will want S'more!

Photo: Ben & Jerry's Hawthorne

May 8th Military Family Appreciation Day

Last Saturday was Military Family Appreciation Day at North Clackamas Park! The beautiful park setting (and really great weather!) provided the backdrop to a day filled with good food, fun activities, information, and live music. The concept of the day was to create a fun atmosphere for service members and their families to kick back, but also to remind them how much we appreciate their dedication and hard work.
About a dozen organizations sponsored the event, including the Red Cross! We were there with our EKRV providing tasty food for the volunteers and the thousand community members who showed to enjoy the day and feel recognized for their contribution to our Armed Services. Red Cross also had an outreach booth with great information, free vintage-style first aid kits, and a face-painting booth for the kids (a few parents got in the spirit as well)!

Other highlights of the event included:

• Live music
• Over forty vendors with great resources
• Speeches from folks such as Senator Martha Schrader
• Guitar hero tents
• Volleyball, and more!
  

If you aren't familiar with the Red Cross' Service to the Armed Forces program, then I encourage you to take a peek at this link. Oregon Trail Chapter has been working hard this year to reach out to the military community and educate them about our services, and we'd like you to know too!

Wrapping things up!

I don't know about you, but I am seriously loving the new Red Cross look! New website, new advertising, and nice new vehicle wraps!



If you have been driving around the Portland area, you may have seen the new look on blood buses and trucks. I know I have. This new, crisp fresh look is taking the Red Cross fleet by storm and features the new website address and one-Red-Cross phone number (1-800-RED-CROSS). Along with pictures of actual blood donors and volunteers.

Outlying areas will see this new look shortly, so be on the look out in your community and don't feel like you need to keep this under wraps!

Rebuilding, Through The Eyes Of Children

So there are stats...and there are stories.

Two years ago today (May 12, 2008), an 8.0 magnitude earthquake devastated Wenchuan county and the surrounding areas of Sichuan, Gansu and Shaanxi provinces.

On behalf of the American Red Cross, our friend Eric Porterfield had the idea to provide 200 disposable cameras to students in Guangyuan district in Sichuan province to document their lives two years after the earthquake. A competition was launched, photos were submitted, winners were picked and a moving video was created.



If you'd like to hear more from these young students -- including what advice they'd share with their counterparts in Haiti -- you can read the article here.

A Moment Of Reflection

Today is a day for thinking about where we've been and where we're heading. Why? Because March 12, 2010 is exactly two years after the Sichuan earthquake...and four months after the Haiti earthquake.

In China:

• The American Red Cross is restoring access to clean water in the remote and mountainous areas of Guangyuan, in Northern Sichuan. These water systems will benefit villagers in 19 earthquake affected localities, and will support more than 13,000 people, 11 clinics, and 4 schools.
  
• The global Red Cross network shelter support program, targeting more than 62,000 families, has been completed. Those helped by the Red Cross included families who had lost loved ones, whose family members were disabled in the quake, or who suffered from serious illnesses.
  
• More than 5,000 farmers and 600 disabled earthquake survivors are receiving vocational training by the Red Cross in such skills as breeding pigs, growing kiwi fruits and running farmhouse restaurants.
  
• Red Cross community-based disaster preparedness and health programs are being implemented, in order for communities to play a more proactive role in preparing for the hazards they face.
  
• Nine new disaster preparedness centers will be constructed throughout the disaster area so that the local Red Cross branches have the capacity to respond immediately to disasters with prepositioned relief supplies.

In Haiti:

• The Red Cross continues to help survivors with food, water, shelter and health programs. So far, Red Cross relief efforts have reached nearly 2 million people.


• The American Red Cross is providing cash grants and loans to some Haitians in partnership with Fonkoze, Haiti’s largest microfinance institution. Thousands of female heads of household in Haiti are receiving cash grants to meet immediate needs, and many are also being empowered with a micro-loan to help restart their business following the earthquake.
  
• Shelter remains a top priority. The Red Cross is shipping building supplies for thousands of shelters, and has been training Haitian Red Cross staff and volunteers to construct these shelters.


• So far, working in a coordinated effort with more than 70 organizations, the Red Cross has provided emergency shelter items to a target group of people exceeding the size of Honolulu – 450,000 people.


• The Red Cross has begun working in camps in order to put in place very basic safety measures such as digging ditches for better drainage.


• Relief workers have begun a larger disaster preparedness program to reach hundreds of thousands of the most vulnerable people around the country. This includes pre-positioned supplies in secure warehouses.

You can also check out this interactive map of where we've provided aid and watch three videos from our CEO GMcG (here, here and here) with answers to some questions we've been hearing about the Red Cross response in Haiti.

At some point today, I hope you'll take another break and remember those lives lost in China and Haiti. While we continue to make progress with recovery efforts, we can't forget where we were just a short while back.

Sheldon is prepared. Are you?

On last night's episode of The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon (Jim Parsons) shows off his emergency supplies kit to a guest who will staying with him for a few days. Not only does he have enough supplies stored in his bedroom closet to last him for 8-days, he also has an escape plan and a smaller backup emergency kit. I would say that he's Red Cross Ready. Way to go Sheldon!

While Sheldon is super-prepared with his 8-day kit, at the Red Cross we recommend that you start with a kit to last you at least 3-days. Learn how to build your own kit here, or purchase a starter kit from our store.

In addition to the necessities, don't forget to include entertainment and comfort items in your kit. As you can see in the clip below, Sheldon has it covered...though I would recommend a deck of cards or something that doesn't require electricity.


Video courtesy of CBS

Twitter Storm Team: Report!

Just because you can't get their alerts doesn't mean you can't alert the National Weather Service (NWS).

That's right -- NWS wants you to submit your "significant weather observations" via Twitter. The key word here is significant, which I have bolded, underlined and italicized to make the point.

Generally speaking, this means they're looking for:

• Damage from winds--briefly describe what was damaged and time it occurred.
• Hail--include size of hail and time it fell.
• Tornadoes or funnel clouds.
• Flooding--briefly describe what is occurring.
• Snowfall during an event and storm total. When reporting snowfall, include the time period when it fell.
• Freezing rain or freezing drizzle producing a 'glaze' on objects or roads.
• Dense fog restricting visibility to less than a half mile.

How does this work? With geotagging, of course! Depending on your Twitter application, geo-tagging may or may not be turned on (or even available), so go here for instructions.

Got questions? Want to display tweets from this project on your web page? Want to monitor the #wxreport tweets (here, here and here, for starters)? Want to provide some feedback? Looking for detailed information? The website has everything you need and more.

Here in Portland, we've got our own hashtag for local storms on Twitter -- you can learn all about #pdxtst from Aaron Hockley in this helpful video.



So go forth and share information, Twitter Storm Team! But don't forget to get prepared first. We don't want that XKCD comic to come true...

Image from another member of the #pdxtst, caseorganic

Staying Alert To Wacky Weather

Last week, Portland was experiencing some typically strange weather. For several days in a row, we'd have 5 minutes of pouring rain, 5 minutes of giant hail and then -- naturally -- 5 minutes of bright and shining sun.

Then, ten minutes of nothing and the whole goshdarn thing...starts...all over...again (P.S. If anyone gets that musical reference, I'll be very impressed).

In any case, if anyone should be tuned into the constantly shifting weather in PDX and beyond, it's our emergency managers. The folks at the National Weather Service know this and have redesigned their alert system to send custom text messages and e-mails by city, county and type of emergency.

Sadly, this very cool interactive system isn't open to the general public right now -- as they say, "iNWS is intended for members of community emergency planning and response management (i.e. emergency managers, law enforcement, fire and emergency responsers, transportation and safety managers, public officials), Skywarn Net Control operators, government partners of NWS offices, and members of the electronic media. Do not register if you do not fit this description."

If you do qualify, you should register now and set up your notifications. You can also get answers to many of your questions here.

I'm all signed up and ready to be alerted, though with weather (finally!) in the sunny 70's, I don't see many texts heading my way quite yet!

Will Lasers be included in future first aid?

I went to see the new Iron Man over the weekend, and there certainly was a lot of destruction caused by Lasers. With all the pop-culture references to Lasers causing massive destruction, is it hard to believe that Lasers might be an essential part of a future first aid kit?

According to WIRED, the Air Force is working on a promising system involving lasers and nano-technology. The process would replace the sutures and staples traditionally used to repair wounded skin. Instead of being sealed up with a needle and thread, a patient’s wound would be coated in a dye, then exposed to green light for 2-3 minutes. The dye absorbs the light and catalyzes molecular bonds between the tissue’s collagen.


The bonds instantly create a seal that’s watertight, which prevents inflammation or risk of infection, and speeds up the formation of scar tissue.

This might sound like something straight out of Star Trek, however this is a reality that sounds like a less painful and efficient version of cauterization. And it can be applied to almost any tissue, including eye tissue, which can be provided as field treatment before more intensive surgery.

Image: Dermal Regenerator in Star Trek, Memory Alpha

Bad Habits For A Good Cause

Remember our fantastic (now) 14-year-old friend Clare?

I'm pretty sure you haven't forgotten this seriously impressive overachiever and her hard work to support Haiti. But, just in case, here's a little reminder.

Clare collected poetry and artwork about the Haiti earthquake and put them together in booklets (see photo on left). She has since been selling them at school; a portion of the money will go to the Red Cross.

To date, Clare has sold an impressive 22 booklets, raising $110. If you're interested in getting a booklet yourself, you can do so right here.

But Clare didn't stop there (I've already said she's an overachiever...why would she stop?).

No, she went on to create the Couch Potato Philanthropist’s Challenge, giving you the chance to turn your out-of-control TV watching habits (Lost? Glee? The Office?) into fundraising for a worthy non-profit.

Sure, there are restrictions -- it's never healthy to watch TOO much TV -- but I like the idea of turning a bad habit into support for a good cause.

If you'd like to take the challenge, you can learn more here. In the meantime, I'm excited to learn what creative idea Clare will come up with next!

Wednesday's Agenda: Take A Break

I'm certain you've spent the last 12 months gearing up for Wednesday, right?

Wait. You don't know what's happening Wednesday? Really? So soon they forget...

Okay. If you need a reminder, here it is:

Wednesday, May 12 is Safety Break for Oregon Day.

And you should be spending at least a few minutes thinking about how YOU can be a part of making your workplace a little safer.

Whether you celebrate at 10 a.m. or make it a 3-day observance, host a safety fair or give out safety awards, we hope you'll participate. You can even make it fun with a PPE fashion show (!), hazard scavenger hunt, raffle or game.

Need more ideas for a safe workplace? How about getting your employees trained in CPR? Or picking up an office preparedness kit?

Feel free to share what you'll be doing in the comments...whatever you come up with, we're sure this is one break that your boss will approve.

Germ Warfare: Guerrilla Tactics Through Band-Aids

With Red Cross First Aid classes, you learn important methods of cleaning, bandaging and caring for wounds. Of critical importance are the steps to prevent infection, which can cause serious complications for otherwise minor injuries. In recent news, UK scientists have created an ally in the fight against bacteria! As Popular Science reports, these University of Bath researchers have pretty much invented "antibacterial landmines" with their new, targeted wound dressings.

This "smart bandage" is so brilliant, it lures harmful microbes in, confuses them, and then kills them off! The Trojan Horse-style trickery is done through tiny bandage vesicles that mimic healthy cells, then explode with an antibacterial agent when germs attack!

The technique isn't perfected yet, as bandage vesicles haven't been exhaustively tested on multiple bacterial strains. Additionally, scientists admit their experimental strategy doesn't exactly reflect real-world bacterial interactions. Regardless, how awesome is it to see bandages fighting back?

Insidious germ image courtesy of wpbkids.files.wordpress.com

Art with Heart: World's Largest Human Red Cross

This may be even cooler than the world's largest sushi roll...

In celebration of World Red Cross Red Crescent day, 935 people - and one dog - joined together to form a world record-breaking "largest human red cross" on top of the opera house in Oslo.

We're not breaking any world records to celebrate World Red Cross Red Crescent Day here tomorrow. But we are having a giant military family appreciation event with barbecue, live music and a kite show!

A University donation can lead to a life-time of Service

I've been keeping a little busy this week getting ready for the big OSU blood drive next week, and spotted this story from the Salem Statesman Journal that is very inspiring for working with University blood drives.

A South Salem lawyer who has helped lead the board of the Willamette chapter of the American Red Cross was honored April 22 for his years of service. Caleb Williams has served on the board for the past six years, the past two as chairman. He was one of two volunteers awarded the Clara Barton Honor Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership at the chapter's annual award banquet. The honor is the highest given at the local level, said Red Cross spokeswoman Margaret Sanner. Williams' involvement in the Red Cross goes back to his college days, when he regularly gave blood, he said. Williams attended George Fox University and the Willamette University College of Law.

The local chapter handed out 31 awards to honor the efforts from volunteers, staffers and local businesses from Marion, Polk and Lincoln counties at its April 22 event. The Willamette chapter has 412 registered volunteers, who also are the blood services volunteers in that area.

6 People You've Never Heard of Who Probably Saved Your Life

Henrietta Lacks.

Donald Henderson.

Norman Borlaug.

Are any of these names familiar? No? Well, maybe they should be. And maybe, just maybe, you owe them a sincere thank you.

Yes, the three people mentioned above made the cut for Cracked's list of "6 People You've Never Heard of Who Probably Saved Your Life."

Who else made the list? James Harrison, the man with the golden arm, and Henri Dunant, a college dropout who went on to win the first Nobel Peace Prize for creating the Red Cross.

Every accomplishment is notable and most often inspiring...read on!

P.S. When you say thanks to Henri Dunant, don't forget to also wish him a happy birthday. That happens this Saturday, May 8, also known as World Red Cross Red Crescent Day.

Go Neal!

Does anyone remember the blog post on Neal Gorman? As Chairman of the Brooklyn Chapter of the American Red Cross, Neal is a big fan of our organization. He's also an AmeriCorps Alumni, which, (I can say from experience) is another awesome group to belong to.

He started a fundraiser in October 2009 via Twitter and Facebook to support the Red Cross. Well, his running paid off because I just heard back from him on our blog and he raised about $3,400 from his efforts! Not only that, he's been selected as a team member for the 2010 New York City Marathon! Keep on rocking it Neal.

Photo courtesy of www.nrgone.com

Tennessee Flood Photos, As Accompanied By Johnny Cash

Here in Oregon, we're sending volunteers to help -- three Oregonians will have joined the relief efforts by this time tomorrow. Please wish all of them (and those that they'll serve) the very best.

If you'd like to see the latest news about the Red Cross response, click here. And if you'd like to make a gift, click here or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

[The place names link to maps so that you can get a quick idea of the region.]

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: The ICRC has completed a new water supply system bringing some 35,000 people in or near Kitshanga better access to safe drinking water.

SOUTH AFRICA: The ICRC and South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation are hosting the 10th annual regional seminar on international humanitarian law, where experts will discuss displacement and cluster munitions.

GEORGIA: Representatives from all sides met last week under the auspices of the ICRC to clarify the fate of Georgians, Ossetians and Russians missing in connection with the 2008 hostilities.

MYANMAR: Small grants of a few ducks or a few dollars make a big difference for farmers rebuilding their livelihoods after Cyclone Nargis where Myanmar Red Cross Society and IFRC recovery efforts continue.

WEST BANK: The Palestine Red Crescent's first woman ambulance driver opens the door for other young women.

GLOSSARY:
ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Flooding In Tennessee

If this powerful video has inspired you to help the people affected by severe weather across our Southern states, just text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

You can also do it online right here.

Special thanks to photographer Michael Deppisch for his incredible work.

You vs. The Volcano

[See what I did there? Little play on the title of one of my favorite movies.* Okay, so maybe it's not that clever...]

We've got volcanoes on the brain lately - what with the recent eruption of Eyjafjallajökull and the upcoming 30th anniversary of Mount St. Helens' big blast. We even made volcano safety the focus of this month's newsletter.

But how much should we Oregonians really be concerned about volcano safety? Well, the Epoch Times lists our little Mount St. Helens as one of several active volcanoes under close watch around the world. So I say it's never bad to be prepared.

Would you know how to deal with volcanic ash? Do you have a mask in your preparedness kit? Head on over to www.oregonredcross.org/volcanoes for all the info you need.

*Yes, I'm serious, and I refuse to apologize for reveling in its glorious cheesiness.