Hurricane Earl, As Seen From Space

From the MSNBC photoblog:

Wondering what the Red Cross has already done in response to Earl? Lots, as it turns out. Check the Disaster Online Newsroom to see what's been happening in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

You can also watch this video to see what we're doing to get ready along the Eastern Seaboard.

In the Time it Takes to Give Blood...

Farmville, Facebook, squirrels on water skis...we're all guilty of a little internet distraction (Red Cross followers are exempt!). However, when getting hooked on useless web browsing, do you ever wish you could have that hour of your life back?

Unfortunately, science has yet to invent a "successful" time machine to change your own past. Nonetheless, you can redeem yourself by helping to save up to three lives! In the time it takes to check out Lolcats and your Twitter account, you could be donating blood, which has a huge impact in the lives of cancer patients, trauma victims and others.

Still not convinced? Then check out this great video and give blood today! Call 1-800 RED CROSS or visit us online.



Video courtesy of The Telling with educational funding from Johnson & Johnson

There's More (Preparedness) Work To Do

It's Monday and you're probably already feeling depressed. And I know that reading this post is only going to make it worse. I pre-emptively apologize.

So here it is -- your disheartening news of the day:

Five Years After Katrina, Most Say Nation is Not Better Prepared

And if that weren't enough, how about this?

Five Years after Katrina, Report Reveals 38 States Unprepared to Protect Children during Disasters

Ummm...yeah. And what's worse is that Oregon is towards the bottom of the list in the Save The Children report. BOTTOM TEN!!!

In short, our state doesn't require that licensed child care facilities have evacuation plans, that they have a written reunification plan for families and that they have plans for special needs kids. Fortunately, the state does require all schools to have a disaster plan for multiple scenarios.

Sure, it's depressing Monday reading, but I'm really sharing these two studies in hopes that they move us in a positive direction -- working together to get the readiness message to even more people and communities.

What can YOU do to help change these results by 2015?

Five Years Later

This Sunday will mark the 5-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

There are so many stories to tell about such a huge and devastating event. Here are just five of them. From swimming lessons to rebuilding homes - these are a few of the ways that volunteers have helped (and continue to help) Katrina survivors recover.

After you watch these videos, we also suggest checking out A.D.: New Orleans After The Deluge - an excellent graphic novel about the real life experiences of several New Orleans residents before, during and after Katrina.

"He just gave me so much relief. I felt like I could just breathe. The weight was just lifted off, and he just kept on reassuring me that, 'Red Cross is really going to help you. We're going to do everything we can.' And he did."

It's the Final Countdown!

Although one can't help but love Swedish rockers Europe and their famously catchy hit song (which is rumored to have been played three times during a single concert)...THIS final countdown concerns the Red Cross and KGW's "Live to Give" Summer Blood Drive!

This summer, we challenged donors to push for a new "Live to Give" record, setting the bar high at 40,000 units of blood! We hope to reach that goal before the end of August, but we need your help!

To say thank you, everyone who presents to donate at the Portland , Salem or Vancouver centers today through August 31, 2010 will snag a newly-designed and FREE blood donor shirt!

How many lives can 40,000 units of blood help save? Donate now and together we can reach our goal!

To schedule your donation appointment, call 1-800 GIVE LIFE or visit us online.

Pakistan Floods: The Human Impact

A view from the sky to a view at ground level.

Thanks to Reuters for allowing the Red Cross to use their photos to create a video that conveys the human impact of the flooding in Pakistan.

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...

PAKISTAN: As flood waters continue to wreak havoc on communities across Pakistan, the American Red Cross is increasing its support to $5 million to help families who have lost their homes and jobs and have little access to clean water and food.

HAITI: The IFRC is beginning its second round of tarp distribution to more than 80,000 families. They're also sending hundreds of thousands of text messages to help people prepare themselves for hurricane season.

GHANA: Some 2,000 families are coping with a food shortage following the violence that erupted in the north this spring. The ICRC and Ghana Red Cross Society have begun distributing maize, beans, salt and cooking oil.

GENEVA: In an effort to give young people a stronger voice concerning today's most pressing humanitarian issues the ICRC is launching a global "young reporter" competition for 18 to 25-year-olds.

GLOSSARY:

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

Pakistan Flooding, As Seen From Above

From Wired:

Above at left is the central Pakistan city of Hyderabad on July 31. At right is the city on August 19, as floodwater swelled the Indus River. In coming days the water will reach the coast, joining tidal waters and inundating the floodplain. An estimated four million people are already homeless, and millions more at risk of disease. Agriculture is disrupted and a society thrown into disarray.

As University of Michigan atmospheric scientist Ricky Rood wrote on the Weather Underground blog, "What is happening in Pakistan cannot be described in a single word – like disaster or catastrophe. We are watching a combination of climate, weather, population, societal capacity, and geopolitics whose scope and ramifications are far beyond a "historic flood."

If this image helps you better understand the "epic scale" of the floods moving through Pakistan and inspires you to want to help, you can do so here. Just click on "Support Pakistan Relief and Development."

Help Or Hinderance? Technology In The Wild

I've talked before about the 10 Essentials -- the items you need for a day trip (or overnight) in the wilderness. We've even done a Ready Radio episode on the topic.

Not on the Top 10 list, but also recommended, are things like two-way radios, cell phones, satellite phones and GPS receivers.

But does technology really help or hinder?

This article from PopSci makes a great point: "Rather than come prepared, inexperienced hikers plan to rely on their gadgets — GPS devices, cellphones, what have you — to save them. They know they can use a cell phone to call for help, so they may take greater risks."

The article relates stories that support both sides (lives saved with technology and really stupid uses of the same), but comes to this conclusion:

People are increasingly relying on technology, rather than training and preparation, to cover their backs when they push themselves too far. An inexperienced hiker might be excited about his new handheld GPS, so he takes it into the backcountry, but forgets the essentials: Water, a compass and a map. (And, of course, warm clothing, food, etc.) Then what happens when his batteries run out? Not to sound all Boy Scout-y, but it's best to be prepared for any scenario, and to avoid depending on technology.

We agree. Don't assume that having a cell phone can replace knowing how to create a makeshift splint in the middle of nowhere. Get the skills before you go and consider taking a Wilderness First Aid class to really be ready for anything the great outdoors sends your way.

UPDATE: The New York Times recently ran another article about the dangers of relying on gadgets: Technology Leads More Park Visitors Into Trouble

Image of Oregon's Crater Lake courtesy of Clint Gardner

"Speak Up!" With Safety Video Contest

Remember these videos?

Sure, they may not have won any Oscars, but the (over)acting was definitely noteworthy. And it's impressive to think that this level of creativity came from the minds of Oregon students. You rock, guys!

If you're a student and you missed last year's safety video competition, this year might be your ticket to fame and fortune. Or at least $500. Check out the rules and start spreading the safety word!

And don't forget -- the deadline is February 1, 2011.

Just Three Days

Talk about knowing how to survive when disaster strikes! You've heard about the 33 miners who survived inside a collapsed Chilean mine for 17 days, right? What a story of triumph over adversity.

It sounds like they'll have to stay put for several more weeks - or even months - as their rescuers work to get to them, though. So they've still got a rough challenge ahead.

And it makes me think... would I be ready to survive for 17 days if I was cut off from resources by a disaster? Would you?

The Red Cross recommends you have enough supplies on hand for just three days. In comparison, that sounds like a piece of cake, right? Get a kit, make a plan, be informed.

Show Off Your Lifesaving Habits...

Here's some Red Cross math for you: with every unit of donated blood, you can help save up to three lives! This summer, the Red Cross is challenging its donors in reaching a summer donation goal of 40,000 units. Called the "Live to Give" campaign, we want your help in reaching our goal by the end of August!

Not only will you help save a life (or three), all presenting blood donors who come to the Portland , Salem or Vancouver centers between August 23 through August 31, 2010, will also receive one of our newly-designed and FREE blood donor shirts!

Be a livesaver this summer! To schedule your donation appointment, call 1-800 GIVE LIFE or visit us online!

World Humanitarian Day

Today is World Humanitarian Day. Did you know that?

I had a long post written up about it, but I decided to scrap it because this video speaks louder than any words I can write.

Please watch it. And then think about how you can help. There are plenty of crises happening in the world right now (including the ongoing "superfloods" in Pakistan which have so far affected more than 20 million people. Yes, million.)

Maybe you could donate. Or volunteer. Or maybe just give a humanitarian worker a hug today.

"We work in dangerous environments, but we do not carry guns or take sides..."

The Most Stylish Brand On The Planet

I like to think of the Red Cross as not only the #2 most recognized brand in the world, but as the #1 most STYLISH brand on the planet.

To prove my point, I give you Exhibit A.


This is not just anyone's home, it's the home of Emily Henderson, one of two finalists vying for the title of HGTV's "Design Star." And if the red cross is good enough to be featured prominently on a super hot new designer's wall in her own personal abode, we're definitely super chic.

Emily's "wall art" looks like some sort of vintage flag. I spotted two similar pieces when we did our huge closet clean-out a couple of years back and now I'm kicking myself for not squiring them away back to my humble hideaway.

So where else have you seen the red cross make a stylish statement?

Thanks to Katlin Smith (who also writes a great blog about SW Washington) for the tip!

Paging Doctor House...

I'm probably the last person on the planet to start watching the television show "House." But with frequent blood transfusions, CPR compressions and other Red Cross-focused emergencies, I figure I'm just "doing my homework" while kicking back to a good show.

On a Netflix'ed episode last night, I noticed some great Red Cross publicity! Check out Doctor Cameron's green shirt in the photo above...recognize the logo? While the shirt is a subtle way to show Red Cross support, actress Lisa Edelstein, who plays Doctor Cuddy, Dean of Medicine, shows much more obvious support for our work. Edelstein is a member of the Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet! As a member, she represents and promotes Red Cross work, especially involving pet first aid!

“When I take in an animal, it becomes an integral part of my family,” said Edelstein, in the Red Cross news article. “That means it's incredibly important to be prepared. Learning the basics of pet first aid, being able to respond to any type of pet emergency, these things can mean the difference between life and death. A little bit of knowledge has a great deal of value. It's priceless.”

Obviously, you don't need to work with Dr. House to help save a life. Sign up to donate blood or platelets online or by phone at 1-800-RED CROSS. You can also ready yourself for emergencies by enrolling in a CPR/First Aid class for you AND for your pets!

Blood Ban: What You Need To Know

"Medically and scientifically unwarranted."

That's what the American Red Cross calls the Food and Drug Administration's lifetime deferral on blood donation for men who have had sex with other men.

In fact, we've been recommending that the FDA change this policy since 2006 -- and again, as recently as June 29, 2010. You can see the most recent statement in favor of change right here.

Here in Portland, we've been working really hard to educate people that deferral isn't a decision that's made by the Red Cross. The rules are made by the FDA. We, however, are bound by the FDA regulations.

We've also worked hard to partner with Portland's LGBTQ community, particularly with our Stand Up, Stand Out, Stand Proud blood drives (held in partnership with PFLAG).

I say all of this because I'm very, very pleased to announce that we're taking another step forward this Thursday night. Our Blood Services CEO, Steve Stegeman, will be attending an educational event held at Pivot (formerly the Men's Wellness Center) and will help clarify the FDA rules and share how the gay/bi community can still support the Red Cross in a variety of ways.

Please join us -- and help spread the word that we're doing what we can to advocate for change.

"Live to Give" This Summer!

With all the sunny weather hitting Portland, it seems like everyone's rushing downtown for the "summer at the square" perks. With noon tunes, flicks on the bricks and all kinds of festivals going on, Pioneer Courthouse Square is definitely the place to be!

The Red Cross is getting in on the action at the square as well! As part of our "Live to Give" campaign this summer, we're hosting a blood drive right on the square downtown!

Come out tomorrow, August 18th, from 10:30 am through 3:30 pm and show that you "live to give" this summer by rolling up your sleeve to donate!

We All Scream For Free Ice Cream!

Remember a few weeks back when I told you about the free Ben and Jerry's ice cream you could get just for volunteering?

Well, now it's official...you can get free ice cream specifically for volunteering with Buy A Blanket!

As if the project wasn't fun on it's own, now you know your good deed will go rewarded with some Berry Voluntary or Brownie Chew-Gooder deliciousness.

All you have to do is this:

1. Pick the Buy A Blanket volunteer opportunity.

2. Give us your contact info through Volunteer Match.

3. Check the follow-up e-mail for a link to a coupon for free ice cream.

4. Pass on the free ice cream coupons to five friends and encourage them to sign up for Buy A Blanket.

The good news is that they can then pass the coupons on to five of THEIR friends and, slowly but surely, we'll reach the 1500+ volunteers we need for this project. And you and all your friends will be knee-deep in ice cream. What could be sweeter?

Photo courtesy of Brad Thomas Parsons

Friday Final Cut

Due to a massively malfunctioning computer, I'm blogging from home today. This, sadly, means that I don't have access to my folder of awesome (but no time to blog) links for this week.

So I'm going to try my best to replicate my Friday Final Cut picks, but this probably just means it'll be extra, extra good next week. Enjoy!

• As people in distress turn to Twitter, the Red Cross seeks the most efficient ways to respond -- Nice summary of our recent social media survey, written in advance of yesterday's summit, which you can watch here if you missed! You can also catch up on more summit buzz here.
• NASA Launching Drone Mission to Figure Out How Hurricanes Form
• Dachshund goes for help after owner collapses
• Russian Heat, Asian Floods May Be Linked

Ain't afraid of no ghosts!

While looking at the same site that featured the Crank Water Purifier, I noticed a pretty nifty new invention for firefighting. The HPI 1000 Impulse Gun, which shoots out pressurized water that can cut through the flames to hit the heart of a fire. Plus, it looks like the Proton Pack from Ghost Busters, the same gang that made living in a firehouse stylish! After seeing this, immediately I started seeing solutions to a few problems we currently face.

PROBLEM:
Out of control wildfires and a heatwave are causing trouble in much of Russia. In Moscow, the daily death rate has doubled and the intense smog from the wildfires has made the air seven times more toxic than their air quality limit.

SOLUTION:
Enlist an Elite team of Firefighters with the HPI 1000 Impulse Gun. I imagine there would be repelling from helicopters as they extinguish flames with precision strikes.

OR... be prepared for heatwaves,
and for fire prevention. Prevention is the key. Meanwhile, the situation in Russia appears to be improving, with the skies clearing up and officials making progress in containing the fires.

PROBLEM:
So... apparently I spoke too soon. The day after posting about how West Nile has yet to make an appearance in Oregon, it makes an appearance. Mosquitoes have been abnormally active this summer, so what are we going to do?

SOLUTION:
Enlist an Elite team of Exterminators with the HPI 1000 Impulse Gun. They could eliminate Mosquitoes at the source, spawning pools, using a safe insecticide spray. (Probably) riding to remote areas in a 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor Ambulance.

OR... you could donate blood and help starve mosquitoes! And Ready Radio has some great tips for fighting mosquitoes!

PROBLEM:
Lise Harwin needs friends with pools. Badly. This means only one solution...

SOLUTION:
Enlist an Elite team of Pool Filling Experts with the HPI 1000 Impulse Gun. With the high pressure rigs, they could make their own pool foundation by shooting directly towards the ground! And, could stay around for an epic pool party.

OR... become friends with her by adding the Portland Red Cross to your Facebook!

PROBLEM:
Ghosts. They are a pesky problem and aren't too friendly. With tomorrow being Friday the 13th, spooky things might happen!

SOLUTION:
What? The Ghost Busters have an unlisted phone number? Well, Ghosts have another threat. A threat to their recruitment. As the American Red Cross is out in full force to save lives! Sign up to volunteer or donate today to join the solution!

As for Friday the 13th, it might not actually be as spooky as you think. Several studies have tested the supposedly hazardous nature of the day, and it appears to be just like any other day. Several studies actually say it is safer than a normal Friday!

A "Timely" Message

Around the office, we've been busy spreading the word about Buy A Blanket to our friends, families and total strangers. We'll talk about it with anyone and everyone and we're not above trying to tempt you with ice cream if you sign up for a volunteer shift.

In any case, I wanted to share an e-mail I received from a co-workers that I think captures the "why" of the campaign. Here you go:

"Today I sent out the Buy A Blanket e-mail to my personal address book of friends, family and colleagues. My godmother wrote back right away that my note was 'timely' and she was signing up right away for the Seattle area. She followed up with this note…

'The reason reading your invitation was so timely is that yesterday I was talking to a sweet young lady about a benefit event that she had to change my beauty appointment to be able to attend. One thing led to another and I learned that her boyfriend of five years had lost five family members in an apartment fire in June. A mom, just 31 years old, lost three children and a sister and brother. They lost everything. I dove for my checkbook, but have been perplexed for the last 15 hours about how it was not enough...puts things in perspective. The job you are doing [with the Red Cross] is magnificent.'"

This story captures what Buy A Blanket is all about -- a chance for Oregonians (and Washingtonians and Idahoans and Alaskans) to help out their friends and neighbors that experience a disaster by supporting the Red Cross.

Helping out with Buy A Blanket means that -- even if you're not up at 2 a.m. responding to a fire like many of our volunteers -- you're still making a big difference and allowing us to fulfill our work of rebuilding lives.

Please consider signing up for a two-hour shift. Help us help others by volunteering today.

Handy Prepare-aphernalia: Crank Water Purifer

Not feeling your fittest? There's nothing like a disaster to get you in good shape.

I know that sounds ridiculous, but I'm pretty sure that you'd have Michelle Obama arms after just a day or two. Why? Because everything you need is operated by hand crank!

It's true. There are crank radios and crank flashlights. And now, there's one more piece of "handy" prepare-aphernalia...a hand-powered water purifier.

GearJunkie describes it like this:

The SteriPEN Sidewinder has a crank arm to power its water-purifying UV-light mechanism. The result is a protozoa-zapping contraption that purifies suspect water and can go completely off the grid.

Step 1: Fill the unit’s one-liter bottle and attach the Sidewinder.
Step 2: Flip the bottle and Sidewinder upside down and unfold the handle.
Step 3: Crank until green LED indicates successful purification.
Step 4: Drink up!

The Sidewinder isn't available quite yet, but come September it should retail for $99.95.

So what do you think? Could cranks be the new secret to our First Lady's fighting figure?

More Cookies, More Juice and More Donors Needed!

The Red Cross is experiencing an abnormally low turnout for blood donations due to the recent heat, holidays and summer vacations. The Red Cross is asking all eligible donors to take time out of their busy schedules to roll up their sleeves and give blood.

All blood types are needed. Your summer blood donation can make the difference between an adequate supply and a shortage.

To say "thank you," anyone who presents to donate blood or platelets now through August 15, 2010 will receive double points towards the Red Cross Rewards Program.

Check out Red Cross Rewards, our online donor recognition and rewards program. Donors earn points every time they present to donate blood or platelets. Points can then be exchanged for prizes, including: Red Cross apparel, music downloads, and more.

Make an appointment now, visit our website or call 1-800-RED CROSS!

Photo courtesy of images.publicradio.org

Good News from the Medical Communities!

I enjoy reading medical news stories, given that there is always something interesting and potentially profound in development that can save lives! Here are three stories of note from the past week...

First up, from Boing-Boing-

Organovo, a biotech start-up near San Diego, has figured out a method for printing blood vessels. Made from the stem cells of the soon-to-be transplant recipient, the blood vessels are useful in themselves, but they're also a first step toward something even crazy bigger—printing whole organs.

Most organs in the body are filled with veins, so the ability to print vascular tissue is a critical building block for complete organs. The printed veins are about to start testing in animal trials, and eventually go through human clinical trials. If all goes well, in a few years you may be able to replace a vein that has deteriorated (due to frequent injections of chemo treatment, for example) with custom-printed tissue grown from your own cells.

And from the Wall Street Journal Health Blog-

Dendreon, a Seattle-based drug maker, has been making a lot of press for meeting key goals in bringing the cancer fighting drug Provenge to market. Last month the New England Journal of Medicine published the results of a study on the drug, that earlier this year influenced the Food and Drug Administration to approve it. Provenge is a treatment that enlists a patient’s own cells to arm the body’s immune system against cancer. For the study, cells were obtained from select American Red Cross blood donations by study participants.

And sometimes, no news can be great news-

A year ago, H1N1 (otherwise known as Swine Flu) was making headlines and keeping Lise busy. Today, the World Health Organization announced that H1N1 is in a post-pandemic period and has largely run it's course. Another viral outbreak we have seen in the recent past has been West Nile, that has yet to make an appearance in Oregon this summer, the time of year when West Nile is in full force. It is still wise to be prepared though, and the Red Cross is always on guard with a 24/7 Red Cross blood testing lab in Portland screening to identify potential outbreaks thanks to the combined effort with our volunteer blood donors.

Free Ice Cream at Ben and Jerry's "Pint for Pint" Drive!

This Saturday, August 14th, the The Red Cross and Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream are teaming up again for the “Pint for Pint” blood drive! All presenting blood donors will be offered a free pint of ice cream from a selection of flavors.

This event will be held from noon to 5 p.m. at Ben and Jerry’s Hawthorne Scoop Shop in Portland, located at 1420 SE 36th Avenue.

To participate, call (503) 528-5603 to register as a blood donor for the “Pint for Pint” drive. Donor appointments are not required, but are preferred. All interested participants can also register online at this link: http://bit.ly/aiMkCr

Vintage A-Bomb Preparedness

With this summer's return of Mad Men, everything's going vintage.

You can make your avatar, buy the clothes or, locally, attend the screenings. And, suffice it to say, Cross Blog is not above jumping on the "all things vintage" bandwagon.

That's why I'm bringing you If An A-Bomb Falls, a 1951* comic book that explores safety and preparedness. As you can see from the illustration below, the tips aren't that different from what we recommend today -- have a disaster kit and keep food/water on hand.

If you read the whole thing, you'll also see how to protect yourself from falling debris; shelter-in-place; and drop, cover and hold on (aka "brace yourself to prevent being tossed") -- which is just what we suggest now in case of earthquakes.

Overall, I'm in favor of the graphic novel format to illustrate disaster preparedness (or disaster response, in this case). What do you think? Old-fashioned or adaptable for modern audiences?

*Yes, I know. Mad Men is the 60's. Shush.

Instructor Training Courses FTW!

Did you know that the Red Cross offers classes that certify community members to become a Red Cross INSTRUCTOR? Some people that go through the program will end up working for the Red Cross and teach classes at our chapter and surrounding areas. Others go back to their companies/businesses/schools where they can hold their own classes to certify students, coworkers or customers under the American Red Cross.

I, the intern (Left: NOT me but you get the idea) have finally and successfully completed the IT (Instructor Training) Course this summer! Which means I now have the honor and privilege to teach people how to save lives. I mean, certifying people in CPR/First Aid is like, infinitely multiplying the chances of myself potentially saving someone else's life because the more people that know how, the more likely someone certified will be around if anything happens. Which means the more people I teach, the more people there will be around to save ME! WIN WIN! Jk, but only kinda. It's a good thing to have the knowledge and skills to keep someone alive, don't you think?

The course took about 30 spread-out hours, but was very thorough and I learned an amazing amount of information, surprisingly painlessly. We have the finest instructors, and my class had a great time!! I'm being completely honest! It was one of the most enjoyable experiences I've had at the Red Cross! I was in a small class that consisted of mostly young college health professors, company owners and medical professionals. We laughed, shared stories, cuddled with manikins, made fun of each others drawings, and learned a whole bunch.

The course teaches you everything the Red Cross offers as a certification, you get certified, and then you get certified to teach it! You know how they say that people only remember 10% of what they read, 50% of what they hear and see, 70% of what they hear and write, and 90% of what they TEACH? Yes, learn how to TEACH First Aid/CPR and you're set for life.

Sign up to be an instructor here!

Friday Final Fotos?

Alright, that was a lame attempt at alliteration, but there are some new photo albums to check out on Flickr!

KGON (92.3 FM classic rock) had an awesome and incredibly successful blood drive at the end of July. Check out the rock star blood donors, air guitars and more here.

Also, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" TV celebrity and blood donor advocate Lizzie Bell, who we've wrote about before, visted the Nike Campus right here in the Portland area! Employees and their families held a blood drive in Lizzie's honor, and even put together "Beads of Courage" for other children with serious illness. Our photos made it back to the Tucson Morning Blend show in Lizzie's hometown, but the photos also made it to our Flickr site!

Finally, last night, the Red Cross made an appearance at Couture Ultra Lounge (downtown Portland) for a First Thursday Ecopalooza Pre Party-Fashion and Art Showcase! We promoted, educated and raised funds for our Measles Initiative Campaign. Check out the photos here!

To find out more on the Measles Initiative, check out measlesinitiative.org. To give blood or platelets, call 1-800-RED CROSS or schedule your appointment online!

Friday Final Cut

Just a short final cut this week...perhaps no news is good news?

• 40 U.S. Billionaires Pledge Half Of Wealth To Charity -- Would you take the pledge?
  
• Hands-only CPR, pushy dispatchers are lifesavers -- More thoughts on the bystander effect.
  
• How Stuff Works: How To Survive A Plane Crash -- In case the prior post wasn't enough.

And, of course, in our ongoing efforts to prepare you for zombie attacks, here's how you can tell if your friends are undead:

Is Your Friend a Zombie? This App Will Tell You

Sometimes it's the little things that make your day.

I have a friend in Virginia who just recently put together her first emergency kit. This afternoon she sent me this text message:

"So, a big storm knocked out the power in my building, and I was starting to wonder how I would get up the stairs when I get home tonight. Then I remembered about the flashlight and batteries in my emergency kit! Yay preparedness!"

It's always good to hear when friends and family have been inspired by the info we share here on the blog (and on twitter, facebook, and podcasts). And it just goes to show you never know when your kit will come in handy!

In case you love Portland's Art and Fashion shows...

Hey everyone! Who loves Portland's downtown, artsy, funky, but classy scene?! Uh, everyone in Portland yes?! It's a Thursday today, and not only is it Thursday, it's the first Thursday of the month! Which means...it's First Thursday at the Pearl!

If you're looking for something to do while enjoying the sun, go on out and get some fresh air while checking out an evening of Portland's art, music and wine! It's free and a great way to meet new people or spend time with friends.

What to do when the sun comes down?

Head over to Couture (4th and Couch) for a First Thursday Ecopalooza Pre Party-Fashion and Art Showcase! (21+) There will be free wine tasting from 5:50 to 8pm, but best of all...

American Red Cross will be present to promote, educate and raise funds for our Measles Initiative Campaign!!

Measles in a leading cause of preventable death in children globally. It only costs ONE DOLLAR to vaccinate a child for life! We care because it still kills 450 kids a day, when no one should be dying of a disease that is extinct in the states.

We are selling $1 Polka Dotted ribbon pins (100% of proceeds go to our cause) and accepting donations as well. Oh, make sure to order a cranberry vodka because we get a portion of the sales!! It will be a fun night to party for an important cause!

Giving Up For A Good Cause

What would you give up in order to make a difference?

For me, it could be those non-fat vanilla lattes. In one week, we're looking at about $10...and a lot fewer calories.

Or it could be my insatiable love of thrifting. In two weeks, my frequent trips to Value Village could easily add up to $25. (Hey, used stuff is cheap!)

When people save up their pennies and dimes and dollars to make a charitable donation, they often wonder what it buys. I, for one, wouldn't want to miss out on a fantastic thrifted dress without knowing what my hard-earned dough will be used for. Agreed?

That's why I'm a fan of this new PSA, which spells out the kind of disaster assistance that your $$ will buy and proves that just $10 or $25 will make a difference.



As we approach what could be a devastating hurricane season, what would you consider giving up to help? And in this time of saving, would you be willing to spend a little to help others?

Billy Bob Supports The Red Cross -- What About You?

When you think of Billy Bob Thornton, what come to mind first?

His award-nominated acting in Sling Blade? His intense phobia of antique furniture? That he spells his last name with two "n"s, even though you know you want to spell it with one?

Be honest. You don't think of any of those things. You think of this.

Point being, the guy knows the importance of blood. And he's also supportive of the other life-saving work the Red Cross does. That's why he's generously lent his mellifluous voice to this pretty incredible disaster relief PSA.

Watch for yourself...and then consider making your own gift before the next disaster strikes.

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...

PAKISTAN: The worst flooding since 1929 has left more than 1,400 people dead and 2.5 million temporarily displaced. So far, the Pakistan Red Crescent has provided thousands of people with food packs, relief items and tents from its prepositioned supplies. The American Red Cross has committed an initial $100,000 to support their ongoing relief efforts targeted at the most vulnerable populations, including women and children.

ASIA: The number of dengue cases is rising at an alarming rate. Across Asia, National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have stepped up dengue awareness campaigns to assist health authorities and to prevent further spread of the disease.

IRAQ: The ICRC continues to carry out a wide range of health care activities in Iraq, from emergency services to limb-refitting and physical rehabilitation.

NIGER: The Red Cross Society of Niger is distributing food to help thousands of vulnerable families affected by the recent drought, and providing seeds to ensure a better harvest next year.

GLOSSARY:

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

Fire Rages, Red Cross Responds

As I type this, there is a wildfire raging in Central Oregon.

And, as I type this, the Red Cross is operating a shelter in Sisters for everyone who has made the decision to voluntarily evacuate.

We're giving people a place to go for a bite to eat, a shoulder to lean on and, most important, information. It will also be the site of a public meeting later this afternoon to discuss next steps. And, as always, we'll be open to help residents as long as we're needed.

One of the cool things is that the local Red Cross has partnered with the Pet Evacuation Team of Redmond. This means that the shelter has kennels on hand, just in case someone comes in with a small animal. The PET folks are also available to provide assistance when it comes to livestock.

And speaking of animals, since I don't have pics of the shelter to share, I thought I'd instead share this important reminder about wildfires (well, forest fires). It's from 1968, but I think the message holds true.

TOAST EMERGENCY!

If you've been reading this blog for a while, you might know that while I am a foodie, I am definitely not a chef.

Take, for example, this conversation that will live on in infamy. To set the scene, Robin was explaining that she had made herself a delicious breakfast of eggs and toast.

L: That sounds complicated.

R: It's just toast!

L: Toast is complicated.

I had good reason to say this -- toast requires getting the bread, putting the bread in the toaster, turning it on, waiting impatiently, pulling the bread out, buttering said bread and then perhaps slicing it in triangles. Yogurt, on the other hand, is grab and go.

While, for me, toast is far to complex to have for breakfast, you might think otherwise. And if there's anything that would make toasting bread something to look forward to, it would be owning this AWESOME toaster.

The Toast/E/R Defibrillator gets you your toast, STAT. And operating this particular defibrillator doesn't require advanced AED training or certification -- just stick in your slices and go.

If this wasn't simply a concept, I'd probably buy one...but like all my fancy kitchen appliances, it would probably just sit there -- unloved and far too complicated for every day use. Sigh.

Greg Biffle and Red Cross Racing win big!

Vancouver NASCAR driver Greg Biffle broke his 64-game win-less drought to win big over the weekend! Biffle races the #16 3M/ Red Cross Ford Fusion. And where did he make this big win for the first time in two years? At the Sunoco Red Cross 500 in Pennsylvania!

The American Red Cross is still in a race that you can help us win- achieving the demand for blood donors during our tough summer drought. Each donation lets you receive points for Red Cross Racing rewards such as t-shirts, travel chairs, gardening kits, and so much more! If you can donate, please sign-up for an appointment today and pass along the word to your friends!



Image: Yahoo Sports