RedCrossPhillyBlog

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  • Red Cross Month: Celebrating Volunteer Patty Daley

    By: Sophie Kluthe

    This week we’re recognizing a volunteer who goes above and beyond for the American Red Cross in Eastern Pennsylvania. Matthew Breidenstein, Disaster Program Specialist for the  Tri-County Chapter, explains how Patty Daley embodies the spirit of volunteerism and the Red Cross Mission. 

    Patty Daley

    “Over the course of my tenure as the Disaster Program Specialist for the Tri-County Chapter, time and time again, Patty Daley has answered the call to provide outstanding service to those in we serve. 

    Ms. Daley is well known and respected in her community. She has developed strong relationships with every Fire Chief within the county and as a member of the Schuylkill Disaster Action team, these relationships have proven to be vital to helping those in our community who need us most. In addition to her duties within the DAT, she also serves as our Home Fire Campaign Lead for Schuylkill County. Again, due to the relationships she has fostered over the years and her passion to prevent fire related deaths, the Home Fire Campaign has blossomed in Schuylkill County. With leadership, she created a campaign with the Pottsville Fire Chief to install 1,000 alarms in FY18. This initiative involves over 60 volunteer firefighters encompassing all seven fire companies in Pottsville. They have surpassed this goal, and now are aiming to install 1,500 alarms in Pottsville alone by the end of the Fiscal Year. She also works the surrounding fire chiefs to ensure alarm installations are being conducted beyond the one–day Home Fire Campaigns that she also organizes throughout the year. 

    Schuylkill County has had a number of flooding incidents in the past couple of years that have involved opening up shelters and the bulk distribution of supplies. Her disaster volunteer experience coupled with her knowledge of the county has been critical to our effectiveness to provide mass care during the most critical of times.

    Lastly, and most importantly, I have seen firsthand her directly helping with those affected by disasters. She embodies the six pillars of character with every person she helps. “

    Thank you, Patty, for the generous donation of your time, and your undying enthusiasm for the American Red Cross!

  • Red Cross Month: Celebrating Volunteer Sandy Oberholtzer

    By: Sophie Kluthe

    The American Red Cross is so dynamic and it’s important to remember the work that happens behind the scenes to keep information up to date, attract donations big and small, and make sure events go on without a hitch! That’s why this week we wanted to spotlight Sandy Oberholtzer, who graciously volunteers her time in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Grant Specialist Emily Schricker had this to say about Sandy:

    “Sandy Oberholtzer works in the Poconos Chapter with Executive Director Michele Baehr. She is committed to our transition to One Red Cross and is a constant presence at blood drives as well as helping Michele with Special Events. I found how brightly Sandy shines when I saw the activity data she compiles for the chapter. This information is EXTREMELY helpful for tracking the success of the chapter’s outreach efforts for both preparedness and disaster response.  

    When it was time for me to do the United Way application for Monroe County Michele sent me copies of her reports and it was wonderful to have all the info we needed right there. The number of students reached with Pillowcase Project in what counties, the same for Pedro, STA home visits outside of large–scale events, and any time Red Cross reps were in the community handing out preparedness information – she had it all in one excel doc and it was great! 

    A dedicated volunteer that can pay attention to detail like this is a great way for us to track this info and our grants and reporting are so much better for her doing it! 

    Thank you Sandy!” 

    Sandy is a great example of some of the diverse volunteer opportunities there are within the American Red Cross! If you would like to volunteer, apply and talk to someone about what your schedule allows and where your skill set fits best!

  • Sunday, March 10: Turn and Test!

    By: Samantha Antenucci

    Ever wish you could speed up time? Sunday, Daylight Saving Time, is your big chance. But here’s the important part: You’ll also be hearing reminders to check your smoke detector batteries. Pay attention!

    Smoke alarms do truly save lives, and the beauty of these simple devices is that they require very little care and feeding. Simply gather the family, grab a step stool (or a stick), and push the test button. If you hear no sound, replace the battery. Simple!

    Now take a look around your home. Do you have enough smoke detectors installed? You should have one on every level of your home (including the basement) and inside/outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Your local fire department or Red Cross chapter can give guidance on placement, and the Red Cross can even provide them at no cost to you. This simple preventive measure goes a long way in safeguarding you and your loved ones. Remember, a smoke alarm gives your family a window of opportunity to escape after a fire has started.   

    While you’ve got the kids’ attention, ask them how they’d escape if they heard the alarm go off in the night. If you’re getting blank stares, it’s time to talk about escape plans. This dialogue is critically important to have before the unforeseen occurs. Each person in your household should be able to evacuate in under two minutes, and also know two ways to exit every room.  Have that talk.

    The Red Cross is responds to a disaster every eight minutes, and home fires are the most common type by far. With over 1,000 fires last year, Disaster Action Teams provided emergency assistance to more than 5,000 residents in eastern Pennsylvania. So as part of your Daylight Saving Time routine, remember this new Red Cross prompt: “Turn and Test.” Turn your clocks back. Test your smoke alarms.  

    Celebrate Daylight Saving Time by visiting redcross.org/homefires. There you’ll find amazing tools and resources to learn about fire prevention and keep your loved ones safe. 

  • Red Cross Month At a Glance

    By: Susan West

    Anyone who’s ever watched the evening news has seen the American Red Cross in action. In any emergency—large or small, day or night—the Red Cross is on the scene. Someone you know has probably been helped in some way by this humanitarian organization.

    More than 75 years ago, Franklin D. Roosevelt designated March as Red Cross Month, and the tradition continues today. You’ll spot the Red Cross logo all over Philadelphia this month, including on Red Cross flags flying around City Hall. The Ben Franklin Bridge was lit up in red earlier this week, and will be again on March 29, 30, and 31. To close out the month, the Red Ball (redcross.org/redballphilly)—a gala fundraiser to benefit Philly’s Red Cross House—kicks off at Lincoln Financial Field.

    To bring awareness to the mission, Wawa and the Wawa Foundation held a National Partnership Campaign kickoff event in Delaware County, and now through April 14, Wawa stores will be hosting a coin collection campaign. On SEPTA buses, banners will spotlight the Red Cross, courtesy of the Lundy Law Foundation. These two sponsors have teamed up to promote the importance of smoke alarms.

    During this Red Cross Month, the American Red Cross is asking you be a hero, and it’s easier than you think.

    -Do you want to learn lifesaving skills? Find a first aid class, including CPR and defibrillator training, at redcross.org.

    -Got blood? The need never stops, and you can donate blood or platelets at your convenience; visit redcrossblood.org. (Plus, get a coupon for a free hot beverage at Wawa!)

    -Want to volunteer your time? You can give as many or as few hours as you want, and everyone is welcome, including people with disabilities. In fact, 90 percent of the Red Cross workforce is unpaid. Those volunteers you see on TV are unpaid. The Disaster Action Team members at a house fire? Unpaid. Other volunteers install smoke detectors or work behind the scenes from their own homes, helping to reconnect families separated by international conflict.

    -On March 27, American Red Cross Giving Day, you can donate at redcross.org/givingday to help families during the first devastating hours of a disaster. Your gift can provide hope and urgent relief for people who need it most.

    Want to learn more about how you can help? Visit redcross.org/easternpa.

  • Honoring our Volunteers During Red Cross Month: Kathleen Mullen

    By Sophie Kluthe

    A lot of people outside of the organization don’t know this, but volunteers constitute about 90 percent of the American Red Cross workforce. Volunteers make it possible for the organization to fulfill it’s mission:
    The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.​

    That’s why we decided it would be a good idea to highlight one volunteer each week during March, which is Red Cross Month! We’re kicking it off with a spotlight on Kathleen Mullen. Matthew T. Breidenstein, Disaster Program Specialist from the Tri-County Chapter, had this to say about Kathy’s dedication to the American Red Cross Eastern Pennsylvania Region:

    “Kathy Mullen is a lead responder with the Chester County DAT team and also the team’s Pillowcase Lead. With her leadership and guidance, her Pillowcase team is leading the region in the number (1,337) of pillowcases and home fire education provided to children thus far this fiscal year. This is due to her ability to delegate tasks, foster a team oriented environment and develop relationships with program partners. She is a leader and the results show this. In addition to great work she does with the Pillowcase Project, Kathy has been dependable and professional DAT responder. We are lucky to have her as a member of the Tri-County Disaster Cycle Services Team.” 

    Thank you, Kathy, for your hard work!

    Kathy Mullen

    To sign up to be a volunteer: visit https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer.html

  • Red Ball: Not Your Average Black-Tie Charity Gala!

    By: Chris Peralta

    Red Ball 2019 is fast approaching, and if you haven’t bought your tickets to Philadelphia’s premier party yet, now is the time! Held on Saturday March 30, this is the most exciting black-tie charity gala in the city—and it’ll be unlike any you’ve ever attended before. 

    Party at the Linc—Not a Hotel Ballroom! 

    Instead of a stuffy hotel, Red Ball is happening at the home of the Philadelphia Eagles—Lincoln Financial Field. At the Linc’s TORK club high above turf, you’ll be treated to incredible views of the city after dark—and, weather permitting, have the chance to see the field where the Eagles play under the lights! 

    Skip the Awkward Seating Arrangements! 

    No, you won’t be trapped at a table of stuffed shirts across the room from your friends. Red Ball does away with table seating. Instead, you’ll spend the night hopping between food stations, the bar, the dance floor, and the silent auction. In fact, there’s so much to do, you won’t have time to sit down! 

    Enjoy Philly’s Finest Eateries! 

    Expecting that old familiar rubber chicken? Prepare to have your mind (and palate) blown. You’ll be talking about Red Ball’s epicurean treats for days! Dozens of Philly’s finest restaurants—like Moshulu and Devon Seafood Grill—will be on hand with their popular hors d’oeuvres and desserts. At the beer garden, you’ll wash it down with local brews. Where else can you sample cuisine from dozens of restaurants in one place?  

    Play Games with Your Date! 

    Once you’ve eaten your fill and your legs are tired from busting a groove on Red Ball’s two dance floors, challenge your date and friends to a game of cornhole or Jenga! The games are always a popular hit at Red Ball. 

    Mark your calendar: Red Ball 2019 takes place on Saturday, March 30, at Lincoln Financial Field! Tickets are on sale now – get yours today! 

  • February is National Heart Month: Learn to Save Lives

    By: Sophie Kluthe

    When I walked into the Red Cross Eastern PA Headquarters for my First Aid class that day, I thought I knew what to expect; all Red Cross employees are required to be certified in First Aid. What I didn’t expect was the cross-section of people I would meet from different lines of work, and the many reasons they had for signing up.

    In the row behind me was the new owner of a fitness center. He wanted CPR skills, he said, so he could step up if there were ever an emergency at his facility. Across the room was a childcare professional who wanted to best serve the kids in her care. There was even a guy who needed CPR certification to be a card dealer at a casino. (Who knew?) The knowledge we acquired would help us help others in the workplace—but that’s not where it ends. The fact is, we’d be safeguarding everyone in our personal orbit.

    The best time to sign up for a First Aid class is yesterday, of course. But the second best time is now, during National Heart Month. You’ll learn to perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator, or AED—a huge lifesaver in cases of sudden cardiac arrest, which claims thousands of lives a year. 

    Our teacher that day was Wereuche Nze, a licensed training provider with the American Red Cross. “I have a passion for teaching and anything to do with health-saving measures,” she says. “I love what I do.” 

    Wereuche Nze, a
    licensed training provider with the American Red Cross.

    Many who suffer sudden cardiac arrest die before reaching a hospital, I learned. Every second counts. Every minute without defibrillation reduces a person’s chance of survival. That fact is a huge motivating force behind Nze’s dedication to teaching lifesaving skills. “I can’t emphasize that enough. It’s very important for everyone to take the training,” she says.

    Having training means you could be the person who makes the life-and-death difference—whether it’s for a client, a loved one, or even a stranger on the street. It’s not something you’ll do often, but recognizing the signs of cardiac arrest is critical. Time is of the essence: “It takes only a few minutes for brain death to occur,” Nze says.

    With American Red Cross training courses, you can earn the knowledge and skills to deal with an emergency. A variety of options are available; in-person classes are held at convenient locations with hands-on training from experienced instructors. You can also opt for online and blended (combining hands-on training with online content) simulation learning. Several courses are OSHA compliant, so if you need the training to fulfill a job requirement, check with your employer to determine which class you need.  In the meantime, download the free Red Cross First Aid App to have instant information on handling the most common first-aid emergencies—including sudden cardiac arrest—at your fingertips.

  • Five Ways to Winterproof Your Pet

    By Samantha Antenucci

    As a loving pet owner, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for my cat and five dogs (two of which are pictured below!). Pets are valuable family members—and as with any family member, they need to be looked after, especially when challenging weather poses health risks for them.  

    This winter’s polar vortex in the Midwest and East Coast left single-digit temps and subzero wind chills in its wake. Although that episode has passed, it doesn’t mean winter has loosened its grip on the Northeast. We may still see subfreezing weather blast through before the season is over, and inclement conditions can stress our pets. Here are some simple guidelines to ensure that your furry friends survive the season. 

    Keep ’em in if it’s cold out 

    Yes, Fido has a fur coat, but extreme cold is dangerous for humans and animals alike. So bring your pet indoors when temperatures dip. If it’s an outdoor pet, it still needs warm indoor shelter during freezing and below-freezing temps. The rest of the time, your pet needs an enclosure that protects it from wind, rain, and snow. The size of the enclosure matters—it should be large enough for the animal to sit and lie down, but small enough to ensure conservation of body heat. It should also face away from any wind and be elevated above ground to prevent further heat loss. It is also good practice to cover the doorway with a waterproof material for warmth and to keep the elements out.  

    Wipe those salty paws 

    Unless you’re in the country, chances are that after a storm, your streets and sidewalks are heavily treated with salt or chemical deicers. These compounds can stick to your dog’s paw pads during a walk,  causing major irritation. In addition, if Fido tries to lick his pads clean, the salt and chemicals can make him sick. So make a habit of ending your winter walks by wiping off your dog’s feet with a damp cloth or towel, and checking regularly for cracked or bleeding paws. 

    Avoid household hazards  

    Speaking of chemicals, antifreeze is a deadly poison that’s often kept indoors. Its sweet taste attracts animals and ingestion can lead to death. Keep this and other household chemicals safely stored, and clean up any spills immediately.  

    Consider the local critters  

    Your own pets are not the only animals who may suffer in winter, so keep an eye out for creatures in need. Neighborhood cats have been known to crawl under car hoods or onto the tops of tires to keep warm. Before starting your engine in the morning, bang on the hood to scare away any animals that could be hiding inside. 

    Expect the unexpected                               

    Being prepared in winter is vital; extreme weather can knock out heat, power, and communications. Make a plan to deal with storms, and keep an emergency kit handy—including five days’ worth of food, water, and medications. That way you can better protect your whole family—and your pet—from unforeseen hardships.  

    For more tips on weather safety for your pets, check out the American Red Cross’s Pet First Aid app. With veterinary advice and emergency preparedness info, the Pet First Aid app can help you keep your pets safe and warm this winter. To access all Red Cross apps, click here.

  • Black History Month Spotlight- Gregory L. Smith

    By: Kathy Huston

    It’s Black History Month and we wanted to celebrate an honored member, and leader within our Eastern Pennsylvania Region, Gregory L. Smith.  

    Smith has a long history of dedication to the American Red Cross, which started in 1992 as a volunteer. Since then, Smith has worked his way to his current role as Regional Disaster Program Officer for the Eastern PA Region, headquartered in Philadelphia.  

    “In this role, I am the lead employee responsible for preparedness, readiness, response and recovery activities for the 17 counties that comprise the region’s territory,” Smith said. 

    Smith has held a number of titles during his years of service, including Disaster Cycle Service supervisor, manager and director in Northern California, Columbus, OH and Philadelphia, PA, and at the national headquarters, where he also served as the VP of Volunteers, Youth and Nursing Programs from 2000 through 2002.  

    Over the past two decades, Smith has seen his fair share of major disasters. His wealth of information and knowledge come, in part, from deployments to support major disaster relief operations across the country, including the North Ridge earthquake, hurricanes Fran, Ike, Katrina, Sandy, Harvey, Matthew and Florence, and tornados in Moore, OK and Joplin, MO. He was also on the scene for the relief efforts that followed 9/11 in New York City.   

    During the month of February, when we reflect on the contributions of African Americans and the cultural richness and diversity of our country, Smith explains why honoring diversity and inclusiveness ultimately helps the organization succeed in following through on its mission.  

    “Diversity is vital for the American Red Cross, because we must reflect the diverse communities we serve, whether translating the care and concerns of our donors into actions, or engaging volunteers in the delivery of our services,” he said.  

    In talking to him, it’s clear that Smith is motivated by the impacts he has made, and continues to make, on individuals, families and communities, as they prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters and emergencies.  

    “My greatest motivation is that I can engage and support community volunteers in these efforts,” he notes. 

    For Smith, black history is a year-round celebration, as is his determination to carry out his unwavering service to the American Red Cross. 

     “I do my best every single day to demonstrate that you can look like me and not only deliver the Red Cross mission, but be a leader in the movement as well,” he said. 

    Smith’s dedication and commitment to making a positive impact on the communities he serves is certainly an example we can all look up to.  

  • Score with these Super Bowl Safety Tips

    By Kathleen Huston

    Safety is the Goal at Your Super Bowl Party

    Quicker than you can say “double doink” (with a shout-out to my Philadelphia Eagles, who unfortunately didn’t make it this year), the Rams and the Patriots will go head to head in Atlanta, GA for Super Bowl LIII. Here are some timely tips to help ensure that all you fans out there don’t take a hit as well.

    For the Host With the Most

    The focus of your get-together should be on the five F’s: football, fun, family, friends and food. You might be watching for a while! The longest Super Bowl game was number XLII in 2013, clocking in at four hours and 14 minutes, according to Bustle.com.

    In addition to your chips and dips and pizzas and wings, be sure to have healthier options on hand. Hummus, guacamole, veggies and dip, turkey chili with lots of healthy peppers and beans, nuts, and popcorn without butter all fit the bill. Also make sure nonalcoholic drinks (especially water) are in plentiful supply.

    Finally, sure, your fun and festive football-themed hand towel in the bathroom is nice for guests to look at, but have disposable towels at the ready so they can avoid getting the last person’s germs. Also, make sure your hand soap dispenser is full. In that same vein, have serving utensils to use with each food item — even a spoon in the nut bowl — so guests don’t have to stick their hands in anything and risk spreading the flu virus.

    For the Party People

    Be sure to designate a sober driver before game day. If everyone in your group wants to imbibe, make sure you install a ride service app on your phone or have a taxi company number available in your contacts.

    If you’re sick, don’t think you should rally and attend anyway. Stay home. You aren’t doing yourself any favors and nobody wants to score your cold or flu either. There’s always next year!

    If you are the designated driver, practice defensive driving (as you always should). Snopes has confirmed time and again that car accidents soar after Super Bowls. “Even those fans who don’t drink during or after the game pose a risk to themselves and others once they hit the road because of the distraction factor,” it notes. Whether you’re wallowing in the fact that you’re team didn’t make the cut or celebrating your victory over and over again in your head, save those thoughts until you’re home safe and sound. You don’t want to be one of those distracted drivers yourself.

    Download the App

    To wrap it up, the Red Cross offers a free first-aid app you can install on your phone now. Among its many features, it provides tips and videos addressing common first-aid scenarios. Content is available in English and Spanish. Read more about it here.