Winston-Salem, NC- Jackie Johnson of Clemmons, NC, has been awarded the 2009 American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) Individual Award of Merit. The prestigious national award recognizes an individual who, on a local level, promotes and supports voluntary blood donations. The award, for non-blood bank employees, recognized Johnson’s efforts to enhance the field of blood banking and transfusion medicine. She was nominated by the Carolinas Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross.
Johnson, 21, was diagnosed with leukemia a few months after she began her freshman year at Appalachian State University (ASU) in Boone, NC. The successful treatment of her leukemia required many transfusions of blood and platelets. Having been a frequent blood donor several times prior to her diagnosis and treatment, Johnson, now a recipient, decided to give back to her community by hosting her own blood drives and educating new potential donors on the importance of becoming donors.
Jackie Johnson (center) poses with her parents, Robin (left) and Brent,
shortly after she received the 2009 AABB Individual Award of Merit
during a special presentation at the Dixie Classic Fair in Winston-Salem.
Since 2006, Johnson has hosted a blood drive at her church, Calvary Baptist, which historically produced 40-50 units before Johnson and her parents, Robin and Brent, became involved. With Johnson’s drive and effort, her church donation program has grown dramatically. From the 40-50 average just three short years ago, the Jackie Johnson-led drives have since grown from 170, 372 and 556 over the last three drives. Johnson, with the strong support of her family, remains committed to this annual drive with plans to continue its growth.
Johnson has become increasingly involved with the American Red Cross as both a volunteer and intern at ASU. Her focus is educating donors and increasing the number of units of blood collected on campus. In 2008, Johnson
worked actively on the ASU blood drive and played a critical role in coordinating more than 100 volunteers. ASU
collected 1,060 units on a goal of 1,000, breaking the American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region’s record for the largest one-day blood drive. The blood collected at the ASU drive composed more than 66% of the Carolinas Region’s collections that day. In 2009, the blood drive collected 1,003 units and remains the largest one-day drive in the region.
As an advocate for encouraging others to donate blood, Johnson enthusiastically addresses groups and media throughout the community, sharing her personal story, urging individuals to become active blood and platelet donors and challenging groups to host blood drives.
The Carolinas Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross provides lifesaving blood to more than 103 hospitals and must have 1,600 people give blood and platelets to meet patient needs.
Blood can be safely donated every 56 days. Most healthy people age 17 and older, or 16 with parental consent, who weigh at least 110 pounds, are eligible to donate blood. Donors who are 18 and younger must also meet height and weight requirements.
For more information or to schedule locate a nearby blood drive, call, please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (448-3543) or visit RedCrossBlood.org.
###
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
MEMORIAL DRIVE FOR SGT. MICKEY HUTCHENS
YADKINVILLE, November 12, 2009 – The American Red Cross and the First Baptist Church of Yadkinville, located at 304 South State Street in Yadkinville, will hold a blood drive in memory of Sgt. Mickey Hutchens on November 27, 2009 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bojangles will be donating food and all donors will receive a holiday ornament. To make an appointment to donate, please contact Lark Williams at (336) 919-4644, ext. 308.
Blood can safely be donated every 56 days. Most healthy people age 17 and older, or 16 with parental consent, who weight at least 110 pounds, are eligible to donate blood. For more information, please call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (448-3543) or visit redcrossblood.org.
-End-
Blood can safely be donated every 56 days. Most healthy people age 17 and older, or 16 with parental consent, who weight at least 110 pounds, are eligible to donate blood. For more information, please call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (448-3543) or visit redcrossblood.org.
-End-
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Red Cross Helps Families Keep the Lid on Cooking Fires
TRIAD, October 7, 2009 —Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries in the United States,and the American Red Cross wants to remind families in our communities to be careful in the kitchen and to keep the lid on cooking fires.
“Home fires are more likely to start in the kitchen than any other room in your home, and it’s easy to understand why,” said MoAna Crompton-Dunn, disaster educator of the Northwest North Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross. “We’re all so busy these days that in the race to put a home cooked meal on the table, we sometimes let safety take a back seat. But the consequences can be devastating, especially when there are some simple steps you can take to minimize the risk of your family’s next meal from going up in flames.”
The Red Cross recommends the following tips to help you reduce the risk of cooking fires:
** Keep anything that can catch fire -- potholders, food packaging, wooden utensils, towels and curtains -- away from your stovetop.
** Do not leave the kitchen while you’re frying, grilling, or broiling food.
** If you’re simmering, baking, boiling or roasting food, check in regularly and remain at home while food is cooking.
** Use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
** Smoke alarms should be installed away from the kitchen to prevent false alarms. Generally, they should not be closer than 10 feet to a cooking appliance. Use the test button to check it once a month. Batteries should be replaced once a year.
Nationally, the American Red Cross responds to a fire approximately every eight minutes. Last year the NWNC Chapter responded to more than 150 home fires in our community. The Red Cross depends on the generous support of residents to respond to our neighbors who are affected by home fires. You can help people affected
by home fires in your community by making a financial donation to the NWNC Chapter of the American Red Cross today. To donate please visit www.redcross.org, call (336) 245-5750, or mail a check to 690 Coliseum Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27106.
For more Red Cross fire safety and preparedness information visit www.redcross.org/homefires or contact your local chapter.
-End
“Home fires are more likely to start in the kitchen than any other room in your home, and it’s easy to understand why,” said MoAna Crompton-Dunn, disaster educator of the Northwest North Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross. “We’re all so busy these days that in the race to put a home cooked meal on the table, we sometimes let safety take a back seat. But the consequences can be devastating, especially when there are some simple steps you can take to minimize the risk of your family’s next meal from going up in flames.”
The Red Cross recommends the following tips to help you reduce the risk of cooking fires:
** Keep anything that can catch fire -- potholders, food packaging, wooden utensils, towels and curtains -- away from your stovetop.
** Do not leave the kitchen while you’re frying, grilling, or broiling food.
** If you’re simmering, baking, boiling or roasting food, check in regularly and remain at home while food is cooking.
** Use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
** Smoke alarms should be installed away from the kitchen to prevent false alarms. Generally, they should not be closer than 10 feet to a cooking appliance. Use the test button to check it once a month. Batteries should be replaced once a year.
Nationally, the American Red Cross responds to a fire approximately every eight minutes. Last year the NWNC Chapter responded to more than 150 home fires in our community. The Red Cross depends on the generous support of residents to respond to our neighbors who are affected by home fires. You can help people affected
by home fires in your community by making a financial donation to the NWNC Chapter of the American Red Cross today. To donate please visit www.redcross.org, call (336) 245-5750, or mail a check to 690 Coliseum Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27106.
For more Red Cross fire safety and preparedness information visit www.redcross.org/homefires or contact your local chapter.
-End
Thursday, October 1, 2009
RED CROSS KICKS OFF FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
Focus is on HAWS High-Rise Apartments
WINSTON-SALEM, October 1, 2009 – After the devastating Alder’s Point Apartment Complex fire in July of this year, the American Red Cross would like to focus on providing fire safety information to the high-rise apartments managed by the Housing Authority of Winston-Salem. The kick-off will start at Healy Towers and volunteers will follow up with Crystal Towers and Sunrise Towers.
WHAT: Red Cross volunteers will distribute fire safety and prevention literature to the residents of the high-rise apartment buildings. The Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle will be at the kick-off serving drinks and snacks that morning. The fire department will have a truck out at Healy Towers also for residents to view and ask questions. Residents will meet downstairs for a presentation and then talk with Red Cross volunteers about fire safety, prevention and rental insurance. The Red Cross disaster dog mascot will also be on hand.
WHO: The Northwest North Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross
Winston-Salem Fire Department
Housing Authority of Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem Emergency Management
WHY:
• Every 22 seconds, a fire department responds to a fire somewhere in the nation.
• Almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke
alarms or no working smoke alarms.
• On average, one home candle fire was reported every 34 minutes.
• The leading factors in space heater fire are the heater being too close to combustibles and the equipment left unattended.
Source: One-Stop Data Shop, Fire Analysis and Research Division, National Fire Protection Association, www.nfpa.org, 2008.
WHEN: Monday, October 5, 2009
10:00 a.m. EST
WHERE: Healy Towers
3450 Healy Drive
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
---end---
WINSTON-SALEM, October 1, 2009 – After the devastating Alder’s Point Apartment Complex fire in July of this year, the American Red Cross would like to focus on providing fire safety information to the high-rise apartments managed by the Housing Authority of Winston-Salem. The kick-off will start at Healy Towers and volunteers will follow up with Crystal Towers and Sunrise Towers.
WHAT: Red Cross volunteers will distribute fire safety and prevention literature to the residents of the high-rise apartment buildings. The Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle will be at the kick-off serving drinks and snacks that morning. The fire department will have a truck out at Healy Towers also for residents to view and ask questions. Residents will meet downstairs for a presentation and then talk with Red Cross volunteers about fire safety, prevention and rental insurance. The Red Cross disaster dog mascot will also be on hand.
WHO: The Northwest North Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross
Winston-Salem Fire Department
Housing Authority of Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem Emergency Management
WHY:
• Every 22 seconds, a fire department responds to a fire somewhere in the nation.
• Almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke
alarms or no working smoke alarms.
• On average, one home candle fire was reported every 34 minutes.
• The leading factors in space heater fire are the heater being too close to combustibles and the equipment left unattended.
Source: One-Stop Data Shop, Fire Analysis and Research Division, National Fire Protection Association, www.nfpa.org, 2008.
WHEN: Monday, October 5, 2009
10:00 a.m. EST
WHERE: Healy Towers
3450 Healy Drive
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
---end---
RED CROSS ENCOURAGES DONORS TO “GIVE BLOOD AND GO!” DURING THE FALL SEASON
Presenting Donors May Win One of Three Pairs of Delta Air Lines Tickets
TRIAD, October 1, 2009—During fall, the weather, the leaves and our schedules are changing. With the season being such an active time for families with busy schedules, it is easy to forget what doesn’t change – the constant need for blood. It is important to help save lives and give the “Gift of Life” by donating blood
or platelets with the American Red Cross.
During the “Give Blood and Go!” campaign, which runs from October 1 to December 31, 2009, each person who presents to donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross will have an opportunity to win one of three pairs of roundtrip Delta Air Lines domestic tickets.
Donors can participate by visiting one of our centers or one of our community blood drives:
Nussbaum Blood Center, 1501 Yanceyville Street, Greensboro
Winston-Salem Blood Center, 650 Coliseum Drive, Winston-Salem
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. The American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region provides lifesaving blood to patients in more than 100 hospitals. Approximately 1,600 people need to give blood or platelets each week day to meet hospital demand. Blood can be safely donated every 56 days. Most healthy people age 17 and older, or 16 with parental consent, who weigh at least 110 pounds, are eligible to donate blood and platelets. Donors who are 18 and younger must also meet height and weight requirements.
For more information or to schedule an appointment to donate at a nearby donor center, call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (448-3543) or visit redcrossblood.org.
###
TRIAD, October 1, 2009—During fall, the weather, the leaves and our schedules are changing. With the season being such an active time for families with busy schedules, it is easy to forget what doesn’t change – the constant need for blood. It is important to help save lives and give the “Gift of Life” by donating blood
or platelets with the American Red Cross.
During the “Give Blood and Go!” campaign, which runs from October 1 to December 31, 2009, each person who presents to donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross will have an opportunity to win one of three pairs of roundtrip Delta Air Lines domestic tickets.
Donors can participate by visiting one of our centers or one of our community blood drives:
Nussbaum Blood Center, 1501 Yanceyville Street, Greensboro
Winston-Salem Blood Center, 650 Coliseum Drive, Winston-Salem
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. The American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region provides lifesaving blood to patients in more than 100 hospitals. Approximately 1,600 people need to give blood or platelets each week day to meet hospital demand. Blood can be safely donated every 56 days. Most healthy people age 17 and older, or 16 with parental consent, who weigh at least 110 pounds, are eligible to donate blood and platelets. Donors who are 18 and younger must also meet height and weight requirements.
For more information or to schedule an appointment to donate at a nearby donor center, call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (448-3543) or visit redcrossblood.org.
###
Friday, July 31, 2009
Residents Still Needing Gently-Used Furniture
WINSTON-SALEM, NC, July 31, 2009 – In partnership with the local American Red Cross, Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina will accept gently-used furniture for the families of the recent apartment fires until Friday, August 14, 2009.
The items needed and that will be accepted are: dressers; dinette tables and chairs; couches; sitting chairs; nightstands; coffee tables; lamps; and full-size bed frames. No box springs or mattresses will be accepted.
Furniture donations for the families of the recent apartment fires can be made at the Goodwill Store at 2701 University Parkway. Pickup of furniture is not available. Donors must specify that their furniture donation is intended for the Red Cross. The hours are Monday – Saturday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Clients will need to obtain a voucher from the American Red Cross before they go over to Goodwill to pick out furniture.
The items needed and that will be accepted are: dressers; dinette tables and chairs; couches; sitting chairs; nightstands; coffee tables; lamps; and full-size bed frames. No box springs or mattresses will be accepted.
Furniture donations for the families of the recent apartment fires can be made at the Goodwill Store at 2701 University Parkway. Pickup of furniture is not available. Donors must specify that their furniture donation is intended for the Red Cross. The hours are Monday – Saturday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Clients will need to obtain a voucher from the American Red Cross before they go over to Goodwill to pick out furniture.
Preparing for Floods
Know What to Expect
* Know your area’s flood risk–if unsure, call your local Red Cross chapter, emergency management office, or planning and zoning department.
* If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
* Listen to local radio or TV stations for flood information.
Reduce Potential Flood Damage By . . .
* Raising your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.
* Consult with a professional for further information if this and other damage reduction measures can be taken.
Floods Can Take Several Hours to Days to Develop
* A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area.
* A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.
Flash Floods Can Take Only a Few Minutes to a Few Hours to Develop
* A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area.
* A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon.
Prepare a Family Disaster Plan
* Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.
* Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing . . .
* First aid kit and essential medications.
* Canned food and can opener.
* At least three gallons of water per person
* Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
* Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
* Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
* Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you’ll need a professional to turn them back on.)
* Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places . . . a friend’s home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.
When a Flood WATCH Is Issued . . .
* Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
* Fill your car’s gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.
When a Flood WARNING Is Issued . . .
* Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.
When a Flash Flood WATCH Is Issued . . .
* Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice.
When a Flash Flood WARNING Is Issued . . .
* Or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!
* Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades . . . they are there for your safety.
* If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
* Know your area’s flood risk–if unsure, call your local Red Cross chapter, emergency management office, or planning and zoning department.
* If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
* Listen to local radio or TV stations for flood information.
Reduce Potential Flood Damage By . . .
* Raising your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.
* Consult with a professional for further information if this and other damage reduction measures can be taken.
Floods Can Take Several Hours to Days to Develop
* A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area.
* A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.
Flash Floods Can Take Only a Few Minutes to a Few Hours to Develop
* A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area.
* A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon.
Prepare a Family Disaster Plan
* Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.
* Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing . . .
* First aid kit and essential medications.
* Canned food and can opener.
* At least three gallons of water per person
* Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
* Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
* Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
* Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you’ll need a professional to turn them back on.)
* Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places . . . a friend’s home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.
When a Flood WATCH Is Issued . . .
* Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
* Fill your car’s gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.
When a Flood WARNING Is Issued . . .
* Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.
When a Flash Flood WATCH Is Issued . . .
* Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice.
When a Flash Flood WARNING Is Issued . . .
* Or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!
* Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades . . . they are there for your safety.
* If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
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