RedCrossPhillyBlog

Category: Community Partnerships

  • Red Cross opened large weekend shelter operation in Philadelphia

    By Alana Mauger

    A large shelter was set up a West Philadelphia High School late Friday evening. Photo by Alana Mauger

    The American Red Cross and Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management (OEM) opened a large shelter at West Philadelphia High School late Friday evening for residents impacted by a fire in the basement of a 300-unit residential building in Center City. While there was no smoke or fire damage to the individual apartment units, residents were required to evacuate because all building utilities were turned off.

    SEPTA bussed the residents from the initial evacuation site at the Mutter Museum, which was across the street from the impacted building, to the Red Cross shelter in shifts. By 2 a.m., approximately 175 residents were registered at the West Philadelphia shelter., with cots set up in both of the school’s gyms and in the cafeteria. More than 30 Red Cross volunteers worked in two shifts to staff the shelter until 10:30 a.m. Saturday, when residents were able to reoccupy the building. Because the majority of the residents were elderly and spoke only Mandarin, Disaster Health Services and translation volunteers played a critical role.

    Red Cross disaster workers register residents at the shelter. Photo by Alana Mauger

    Red Cross Regional Disaster Officer Erin Stephens notes that the sheltering event was a truly a collaborative effort between the Red Cross, OEM and community partners. Philadelphia Fire Department personnel set up approximately 180 Red Cross cots and provided overnight shelter support along with the Philadelphia Police Department. The Salvation Army provided pizza Friday evening, breakfast Saturday morning and helped distribute snacks to the residents as they left the shelter. SEPTA bussed residents to and from the shelter. The Red Cross provided approximately 180 cots, 350 blankets and pillows, 150 comfort kits and 1,500 snacks and bottles of water. In addition, several volunteers from our friends from Red Cross’ New Jersey Region stepped up to help.

    “I am very proud of the teamwork that was happening, and I think everyone was very moved by our mission in this short, but very large, operation,” shared Stephen.

    Red Cross team picture taken at the conclusion of the shelter operation Saturday morning.

    The shelter operation came just hours after Red Cross caseworkers closed the last case from our region’s Hurricane Ida response.

    “Much like the recent pivots we’ve had to make from the Bucks flooding in July to a tornado touchdown, and then from the Afghan evacuee activity at the airport to the Hurricane Ida operation, our team went from one significant response straight into another one,” she said.

  • Red Cross celebrates diversity with community partner Woods Services, launches ‘Cards for Peace’ initiative

    By Alana Mauger

    Red Cross SEPA CEO Guy Triano presented a proclamation to Woods Services President and CEO Tine Hansen-Turton on Oct. 25. Photo by Alana Mauger

    Last week, American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania CEO Guy Triano joined Woods Services in Langhorne, Bucks County, to commemorate “One Woods. One World. Day.” Observed on Oct. 25, the day was established to coincide with United Nations Day (Oct. 24) to recognize the nonprofit’s efforts toward equity, diversity and inclusion. 

    Triano presented a proclamation on behalf of the Red Cross to Woods President and CEO Tine Hansen-Turton, who also sits on the Red Cross Philadelphia Chapter Board of Directors.

    “The American Red Cross and Woods Services strive for unity through the United Nations values of peace, justice, human rights, tolerance and solidarity,” said Triano during the presentation. “We wish to formally recognize Woods Services’ ‘One Woods. One World. Day’ and encourage all of you to share in these values.”

    In addition to the Red Cross, presentations were made by staff members from the offices of Pennsylvania State Senator Robert Tomlinson and Pennsylvania State Representative Frank Farry, as well as by co-chairs of the Woods Equality, Diversity and Inclusions Committee. Hansen-Turton also dedicated the 53 international flags placed throughout Woods’ campus to celebrate the home counties of the organization’s diverse, 1,600-person workforce.

    Following the presentations, Triano announced the launch of a new Red Cross collaborative initiative called “Cards for Peace,” which invites Woods residents and employees to make cards for veterans and military families in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The goal is to distribute 1,000 Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah, New Years and Valentine’s Day cards over the next year to clients served by Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals in Philadelphia and Coatesville and other multiagency resources centers throughout the region.

    “This is a fun project and a way to be inclusive, in line with the Red Cross’ Diversity and Inclusion Initiative,” said Triano, who left the event with at least 20 cards in hand made by Woods clients during the presentation.

    Red Cross SEPA CEO Guy Triano and Woods Services President and CEO Tine Hansen-Turton look at some of the cards made by Woods residents. Photo by Alana Mauger

    About Woods Services

    Woods Services is a nonprofit, multi-service population health management and advocacy organization that, along with six affiliate organizations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, provides innovative, comprehensive, and integrated health, education, housing, workforce, behavioral health, and case management services to more than 22,000 children and adults in the intellectual and developmental disability, behavioral, child welfare, and brain trauma public health sectors who have complex and intensive medical and behavioral healthcare needs. Founded in 1913 by Philadelphia schoolteacher Mollie Woods with two simple goals – to advance quality of life and standard of care for individuals with disabilities – Woods Services continues its mission today by helping children and adults with disabilities or challenges to achieve their highest potential.  Among the ways Woods does this is through its population health management strategy, which includes the integration of primary and specialty medical care with behavioral health in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.  For more information, visit woods.org.

  • A Journey of Commitment and Empowerment

    By Nancy Degnan

    October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s a perfect opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of a stable blood supply to support breast cancer patients and their needs.

    We are all on this journey together. One way the American Red Cross carries out its humanitarian mission is through partnerships with groups like the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Breast cancer patients have shared their stories of surviving and thriving by receiving the gift of lifesaving blood donations. These “ pink ambassadors” know the importance of cooperative endeavors to save and enhance lives, made possible through the energy and commitment of volunteers. Together, the Red Cross and the National Breast Cancer Foundation provide hope by keeping us informed with key resources, education, and outreach programs. For more inspiration, check out National Breast Cancer Foundation Awareness Month and American Red Cross.

    Ways to get involved

    If you’re an eligible donor, we encourage you to help support patients by giving blood, plasma, or platelets. All blood types are welcome and needed! The Red Cross follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those in need.

    Whole blood can be donated every 56 days. You must be at least 16 years old, in good health, and weigh at least 110 pounds. Power Red (double red cells) can be donated every 112 days, up to three times a year. Platelets can be donated every seven days, up to 24 times a year. To find out more about donation and eligibility, please read our Frequently Asked Questions section, where you’ll find plenty of information on the requirements for each donation type.

    If you want to become a donor and would like more information, visit RedCrossBlood.org.

    To find a blood drive and make an appointment, you have multiple options. One way to make an appointment is by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App. You can also sign up online at RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). You can even enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

    What to know about the Coronavirus and Blood Donation

    The Red Cross wants to keep you informed about COVID-19 protocols as we consider your health and well-being a priority. You are eligible to donate blood, platelets, or plasma after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more by reviewing the categories outlined on our website. These include: Red Cross donation safety protocols, COVID-19 vaccine and blood donor eligibility information, travel and deferral information, and ways to limit the spread of germs and prevent infection.

  • Navigating the MARC: A next step in Ida recovery

    A Red Cross disaster worker meets with impacted residents at the Montgomery County MARC on Sept. 8. Photo by Alana Mauger

    By Alana Mauger

    This week, the American Red Cross is participating in several MARCs – an acronym that has become very familiar for those individuals and families impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. A MARC – or a Multi-Agency Resource Center – is a one-stop shop for those in need of services to help them begin recovery.

    Chester County residents pick up Red Cross clean-up kits on Sept. 9 at the Chester County MARC. Photo by Donn Greenberg.

    The Red Cross participated in MARCs in Montgomery County at the Intermediate Unit in Norristown and in Chester County at the United Sports Training Center in Downingtown on Sept. 8 and 9. The Red Cross will also participate in a MARC at the Gustine Recreation Center in Philadelphia on Sept. 10 and 11 (noon- 8 p.m.).    

    Red Cross disaster workers prepare to staff the Montgomery County MARC on Sept. 9. Photo by Elisabeth Von Baldas.

    But what really happens at a MARC? For the Red Cross, MARCs allow disaster workers to meet face-to-face (with masks, of course) with impacted residents to 1) open casework for those who qualify; 2) connect with Red Cross disaster workers in the field to conduct damage assessment on properties not yet surveyed; and 3) provide relief items like clean-up kits, snacks, water and toys for children. Red Cross Disaster Health Services volunteers are also on hand to help residents replace medical items that may have been lost or damaged.

    Red Cross disaster worker Janice Thomas meets with a client at the Chester County MARC on Sept. 9. Photo by Dave Skutnik.

    In addition to the Red Cross, participating agencies have included the Salvation Army, Legal Aid of Southeastern PA, ACLAMO, Victim Services of Montgomery County, PennDOT, Your Way Home, Community Connections, Veteran’s Affairs, CareerLink, Pennsylvania Insurance Commission, SEPTA, National Flood Insurance Program and county and local emergency management agencies, among others.

    Red Cross Southeastern PA CEO Guy Triano and Disaster External Relations Lead Janice Winston talk with Montgomery County Commissioners Dr. Val Arkoosh and Ken Lawrence Jr. at the Montgomery County MARC on Sept. 9. Photo by Alana Mauger.

  • Dunkin’ and Red Cross Team Up to Encourage Blood and Platelet Donations This August

    Jessica Weissman (left), field marketing manager, Dunkin’ Brands, presents an oversized voucher for a free medium Iced Coffee and Classic Donut to Rosie Taravella (center), CEO, Red Cross New Jersey Region, and Helen Munizza (right), regional donor services executive, Red Cross Penn Jersey Blood Services Region.

    By Dave Skutnik

    Local blood donors are in for a sweet treat this August. Dunkin’ of Greater Philadelphia is once again teaming up with the American Red Cross to provide 24,500 vouchers to American Red Cross blood donors in the region during August.

    To thank donors who help refuel the blood supply throughout August, presenting donors will receive a voucher for a free Medium Iced Coffee and a free Classic Donut, redeemable at participating Dunkin’ restaurants in the Greater Philadelphia area, while supplies last. Vouchers are not redeemable for cash.

    The American Red Cross continues to experience a severe blood shortage and donors of all blood types – especially type O and those giving platelets – are urged to make an appointment to give now.  

    Right now, the Red Cross needs to collect more than 1,000 additional blood donations each day to meet current demand as hospitals respond to an unusually high number of traumas and emergency room visits, organ transplants and elective surgeries.

    “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Dunkin’ and encourage donors to give to help with the severe blood shortage,” said Rosie Taravella, CEO, American Red Cross of New Jersey. “As you finalize your plans for the summer, make a blood or platelet donation appointment part of them and receive this special gift from Dunkin’.”

    Donors who give now will help stock the shelves for the rest of the summer season. Schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

    “Dunkin’ is thrilled to once again team up with the American Red Cross to reward deserving blood donors this August who are helping the community in this critical time of need,” said Jessica Weissman, Field Marketing Manager, Dunkin’. “We hope that by providing donors with a free Medium Iced Coffee and Classic Donut, Dunkin’ will encourage the Philadelphia community to stop by a donation center and roll up a sleeve to help save lives.”

    To learn more about Dunkin’, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com or follow Dunkin’ on Facebook at @DunkinUS or Twitter at @DunkinDonuts.

  • Red Cross, Wawa Participate in 24/7 Day to Thank Volunteers

    By Dave Skutnik

    Wawa is partnering with the American Red Cross to celebrate local heroes and joining other convenience retailers across the country to celebrate 24/7 Day. Held every July 24, 24/7 Day recognizes first responders, medical personnel and American Red Cross volunteers who work around the clock, 24/7, serving communities to ensure people don’t face emergencies alone.

    The annual event, hosted by the NACS Foundation, helps raise awareness and donations for the urgent humanitarian needs of the Red Cross and spotlights the convenience store industry’s important role in supporting local heroes in the communities they serve. 

    Check presentation from The Wawa Foundation for its 2021 in-store customer fundraising campaign and direct grants that support disaster relief efforts across its operating chain of six states (PA, NJ, DE, MD, VA, FL and Washington, D.C.). Photo by Dave Skutnik

    Annually, Wawa takes an opportunity to spotlight annual fundraising results of Wawa and The Wawa Foundation for the American Red Cross, as well as celebrate their volunteers who serve our communities. 

    “We’re delighted to participate again in the third annual 24/7 Day that unites our industry to recognize everyday heroes working around the clock to help our community, said Brian Schaller, Chief Real Estate and Fuel Officer, Wawa and Board Member, American Red Cross. We recognize that American Red Cross volunteers are needed more than ever and we remain committed to supporting our partners as they tirelessly help our friends and neighbors when they need them most.” 

    “The Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters every year. Wawa’s year-round support of the Red Cross helps communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters,” said Guy Triano, CEO for the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania. “Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Red Cross. 90% of our workforce is volunteers and we’re thankful that Wawa and the NACS Foundation are helping to recognize these heroes in our communities.”

    Presentation of Free Coffee and Donut coupons to American Red Cross volunteers to represent donation of 16,000 Free Coffee Coupons and 16,000 Free Donut coupons across its chain to express gratitude for everything they do for our community. Photo by Dave Skutnik

  • Trauma Awareness Month: Let’s talk blood

    By Alana Mauger

    When accidents happen, it’s often the actions we take beforehand – like donating blood and learning first aid – that can help save lives. During Trauma Awareness Month, the American Red Cross is encouraging everyone to prepare for the unexpected.

    Donate Blood

    When a trauma patient arrives at a hospital, it’s the blood already on the shelf that saves his/her/their life. And in major trauma situations, like car accidents, a single patient can require as many as 100 transfusions. Having O negative blood on hand is especially critical for trauma patients. As the universal blood type, it can be transfused to all patients, saving the medical staff precious time when seconds count.

    The Red Cross strives to collect more than 13,000 blood donations of ALL blood types every day across the country, including an average of 600 donations daily right here in Southeastern Pennsylvania. You can help by scheduling an appointment to donate blood today.

    Stop the Bleed  

    The Red Cross is a proud sponsor of  EMS Week 2021 (May 16-22), and May 20 is National Stop the Bleed Day, a call to action for people to get trained on how to stop traumatic bleeding. According to the Stop the Bleed Coalition, approximately 40% of trauma-related deaths worldwide are due to bleeding or its consequences, with hemorrhage being the most common cause of preventable death in a trauma.   

    The Red Cross encourages you to take three steps to help save a life:

    • Get a Kit – A variety of bleeding control, first aid and training kits are available for purchase in the Red Cross store.
    • Take Action – If you see someone with life-threatening injuries, call 9-1-1, then follow the steps you learned in your first aid training.

    Take an immediate action now by downloading the free Red Cross First Aid App.

  • ‘Sound the Alarm’ returns May 8th

    By Dave Skutnik

    This Saturday, May 8, Red Cross volunteers and Philadelphia firefighters will Sound the Alarm in Southwest Philadelphia as part of a national effort to educate 100,000 people about home fire safety in high-risk neighborhoods this spring. Volunteers will meet with residents outside their homes to share fire safety information and help them create an escape plan to practice their two-minute fire drill.

    “Home fires remain the most frequent disaster during COVID-19, yet most of us don’t realize we have just two minutes to safely escape,” said Guy Triano, Regional CEO for the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania. “As families continue to spend more time at home during the pandemic, it’s critical that we help our vulnerable neighbors protect themselves from these everyday disasters.”

    Philadelphia is among more than 50 at-risk communities participating in the national Red Cross Sound the Alarm initiative with partners. Year after year, the Red Cross and Philadelphia Fire Department work together to provide free smoke alarms and home fire safety education to city residents. 

    HOW TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE 

    You can help protect your family against home fires with this four-step action plan:

    • Create an escape plan with at least two ways to exit every room in your home. Select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone knows to meet.
    • Practice your escape plan until everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes.
    • Place smoke alarms on each level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Change the batteries at least once a year if your model requires it.
    • Check the manufacturer’s date of your smoke alarms. If they’re 10 years or older, they likely need to be replaced. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions.

    This work is made possible thanks to generous financial donations from regional partners: FMC Corporation, Morgan Properties, The Triumph Group, and The Wawa Foundation. 

    Visit SoundTheAlarm.org for more information and to pledge to prepare your family against home fires.

    Primary image description: a design featuring the Sound the Alarm logo (a blue hand pressing a red button on a smoke alarm), above the words “Save a life” and the Red Cross logo. On the right-hand side are three house fire prevention safety tips: “Create an escape plan., Practice your 2-minute drill., and Test your smoke alarm.”

  • American Red Cross and Wawa kick off annual partnership

    Wawa stores along East Coast to support Red Cross Disaster Relief

    By: Dave Skutnik

    For more than 75 years, the month of March has been proclaimed as American Red Cross Month by every U.S. president. And to help the American Red Cross mark this milestone, Wawa and The Wawa Foundation are announcing a campaign to support the Red Cross.

    From February 22nd through April 11th, Wawa customers can donate their spare change to the Red Cross through the in-store coin collection campaign or round up their in-store purchases to the nearest dollar with the difference also going to the Red Cross.

    In addition, Wawa coffee clutches will feature the American Red Cross logo throughout March, reminding customers of the important work the organization does in communities throughout the year.

    Red Cross Month is a time to honor the kindness of Red Cross volunteers who aid families in need every day. Their dedication touches millions of lives each year as they carry out the organization’s 140-year mission of preventing and alleviating suffering

    “During the trying times of the coronavirus pandemic, Red Cross volunteers have stepped up to help others in need, responding to 2020’s record-breaking disasters,” said Guy Triano, Regional CEO for the American Red Cross in Philadelphia. “We honor their service during Red Cross Month and ask you to support the Wawa campaign to make a difference.”

    Local families rely on American Red Cross volunteers for comfort and hope while coping with homes fires and other disasters. Just in the past year, Red Cross volunteers helped thousands of people affected by home fires in the Philadelphia area alone. This lifesaving work is vital to strengthening our community’s resilience.

    “The Wawa Foundation is committed to building strong communities and one of our main focuses is to support the heroes who serve our communities every day. We’re pleased to partner with the Red Cross to help them provide lifesaving services and assistance to our friends and neighbors in their greatest times of need,” said Jay Culotta, Board President of The Wawa Foundation.

    How You Can Be A Hero

    Donating spare change or rounding up your purchase at any Wawa store helps the Red Cross provide hope and urgent relief like food, shelter and other essentials. Donations are key to saving lives because they fund nearly 100 percent of Red Cross disaster relief activities. You can also visit redcross.org/philly to make an appointment to donate blood or platelets, register for a class in lifesaving skills like CPR and First Aid, or become a volunteer for opportunities needed in the Philadelphia area.

    Primary image description: American Red Cross Philadelphia Regional CEO Guy Triano receives a donation from team members of the Wawa Foundation in summer 2020. Everyone present is wearing a mask and standing in front of a Red Cross Disaster Relief van in front of a local Wawa.