Weekly Worldwide Wrap-Up

Welcome to the Weekly Worldwide 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...

JAPAN: Red Cross relief in Japan is more than food and blankets. Psychosocial nurses are helping survivors deal with the emotional impact of disaster, while on the other side of the globe the Irish Red Cross has started an online message board for the public to post messages of support the people of Japan.


SOMALIA: The British Red Cross is supporting Somalia Red Crescent efforts to continue providing food, healthcare, water and sanitation facilities in response to a severe drought.

KENYA: The IFRC and Kenya Red Cross are taking early action to tackle drought.

Côte d'Ivoire: Before the fighting started, the city of Toulepleu had a population of between 40,000 and 50,000. Today, just 3,000 people remain in or near the town. Everyone else has fled. The ICRC and the Red Cross Society of Côte d'Ivoire have begun providing emergency aid for those who remain.

TUNISIA: Red Crescent volunteers have been caring for thousands of migrant workers stuck in the Djerba airport after fleeing the violence in Libya.

LIBYA: In the still unstable city of Ajdabiya, the ICRC and Libyan Red Crescent staff delivered enough lentils, oil, rice, salt, tea and sugar to 15,000 people to cover their needs for a month. They also distributed blankets, cooking sets and hygiene kits.

GLOSSARY:

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

5th Place: Choices

The Red Cross saw amazing turn out for the MOFILM PSA/Short Film Competition. We'll be sharing the top 5 entries with you, beginning with the 5th place entry titled, Choices by David Zandman.

It might just inspire you to donate now.

Dog Saved by Impromptu CPR

Sugar was incredibly lucky that her trainer was able to perform CPR successfully despite that fact that he had never received any formal instruction. It is nearly impossible, however, that those who haven't been trained in CPR could perform the skill successfully. We are thankful that Sugar was a lucky pup but her story just goes to show the importance of learning Canine or Feline CPR.

Read the full story here or watch below.

Our next Pet First Aid and CPR class is April 16, offered in partnership with the Animal Compassion Network to celebrate National Pet First Aid Awareness Month! Sign up today with the American Red Cross or call (828) 258-3888 ext. 207 or 214.

Animal Lovers Unite!: Pet First Aid with CPR

Make no mistake about it; Asheville is an animal lover’s town.

We’ve got bakeries for dogs, hand-sewn locally-made toys for cats, “Dog is Love” bumper stickers adorning our cars. But how many of us could save the life of one of our furry friends if we had to?

That’s why the Red Cross of WNC in partnership with Animal Compassion Network is offering a one of a kind Pet First Aid with CPR course... just in time for National Pet First Aid Awareness Month! (Yes, it's a real thing! Google it!)

Because even though cats and dogs seem to be able to figure out how to open peanut butter jars (true story!) or unlock fences... they can't always help themselves in a true time of need.


Pet First Aid with CPR training covers the immediate and temporary care given to an injured animal until it can be taken to a professional veterinarian for more advanced attention and treatment. The four-hour course will be held on Saturday, April 16^th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Asheville-Mountain Area Chapter (100 Edgewood Road in North Asheville). Cost of the course is $35 and registration is required. Participants will receive a Pet First Aid manual co-developed with the Humane Society of the United States.

Specifically, the course offers instruction in the following:

• Signs of cardiac arrest and how to care for a pet this circumstance.
• Signs of breathing emergencies, including choking and how best to provide care.
• How to administer rescue breathing to a dog or cat.
• How to control life-threatening bleeding.
• How and when to move an injured pet.
• Signs of sudden illness, including poisoning, seizures, heat and cold emergencies and how to treat them.
• Components of a good “pet friendly” first aid kit.

For additional information on the class and to register, please call 828-258-3888, ext. 207 or simply click here.

Stylish Ways to Support the Rising Sun!

Making charitable donations has never been so easy... or chic!

Japanese culture has long been unmatched in its adventurous trends of fashion and creative style. Now, in the wake of disaster, a few fashion designers and artists in America have taken their cues from the impeccable style of the Rising Sun. Consider supporting the Red Cross Disaster Relief efforts in Japan... all the while, treating yourself to a snazzy item.

The following are a few amazing items, offering proceeds to Red Cross Disaster Relief In Japan.

Opening Ceremony Red Cross Japan Tee -- $30

Hey JoJo Studios (Portland) Hope For Japan Poster -- $25


Kate Spade Hearts Japan Tote Bag -- $18

Wieden + Kennedy (Portland) Help Japan Poster -- $25

Weekly Worldwide Wrap-Up!

Welcome to the Weekly Worldwide 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…

JAPAN: The Red Cross is scaling up relief efforts to meet the huge needs. To date, the Japanese Red Cross has handed out more than 125,000 blankets and 20,700 emergency kits – including portable radios, flashlights and other supplies – to help evacuees cope with the cold weather and lack of electricity. Other badly needed items, such as diapers, baby food, undershirts and face masks, are being procured from within the country as well. In parallel with the distribution of relief goods, Red Cross planners are also consulting with the local authorities to map out other ways of making survivors’ lives more comfortable during their stay in evacuation centers.

BANGLADESH: Since the current crisis erupted in Libya, the ICRC has been helping thousands of Bangladeshi workers who have fled the country.

SOMALIA: With ICRC support, the Somali Red Crescent Society has opened two new health clinics in conflict and drought-affected regions to serve more than 100,000 people.

WORLDWIDE: The ICRC is helping Latin American prisons eradicate tuberculosis. Meanwhile other members of the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network are addressing TB around the world in places like China, India, and Siberia.

GLOSSARY:

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

Do you know your [Red Cross] ABC's?

March is Red Cross Month. 2011 is Red Cross of WNC's Centennial Year. There's no better time to become a Hero for the American Red Cross. And it all starts with something as simple as the ABC's:

The ABC's of Red Cross in WNC!

Since its founding in 1911, the American Red Cross of WNC has been the region's premier emergency response organization. As part of a worldwide movement that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war, the American Red Cross distinguishes itself by also aiding victims of devastating natural disasters. Over the years, the organization has expanded its services, always with the aim of preventing and relieving suffering.

Today, the American Red Cross of WNC offers service in four primary areas. Learn our ABCD's of Service:

A - Armed Forces. The Red Cross provides timely emergency communications services to members of the Armed Forces and their families during times of deployment. Last year the Red Cross of WNC provided services to 439 military members and/or families in the region.

B - Blood Services. In the Carolinas, the Red Cross collects and distributes lifesaving blood products to 100+ hospitals, saving thousands of lives each year. Accident victims, individuals undergoing surgeries and those fighting disease in WNC alone require 1600+ pints of blood every day. Blood donors throughout WNC have access to hundreds of blood drives held throughout a 16 country area to give the gift of life.

C - Classes. Health and Safety services are the hallmarks of the Red Cross. CPR, First Aid, Aquatics, Babysitting, Wilderness First Aid and Pet First Aid are some of the many courses taught by staff and volunteer instructors. In fact, last year, nearly 40,000 individuals throughout WNC received some type of Red Cross instruction. On CPR Saturday, held annually, over 600 individuals were trained in CPR free of charge.

D - Disaster Response. The winters of 2009 - 2010 proved to be two of the most challenging on record in WNC. In response to the numerous snowstorms, power outages and a major landslide, the Red Cross of WNC opened 34 emergency shelters, housed over 2,000 individuals and fed more than 4,000 meals to residents and travelers. Our volunteer Disaster Response Teams also responded to 269 home fires affecting 310 families. Families were provided shelter, food, clothing and emergency funds.

Ready to be a Hero for the American Red Cross? Click here.

What's your Red Cross story?

James Franco wants YOU to take Wilderness and Remote First Aid*

With the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway mere minutes away, it's no wonder why our resident population is rife with outdoor adventure seekers. But in order to have peace of mind while enjoying the great unknown of the wilderness, it’s necessary to feel empowered to know what to do in an emergency situation.

That’s why the Red Cross of WNC is pleased to offer this course tailored specifically to the needs and interests of our adventure seeking, outdoor loving community. For peace of mind in your leisure time!

Topics Include:

• Head (Brain), Neck and Spinal Injuries

• Wounds and Wound Infection

• Hypothermia

• Heat-Related Emergencies

• Allergies and Anaphylaxis

• Altitude-Related Illnesses

• Bone and Joint Injuries

• Burns, and more….

So don't let this happen to you:

Take Wilderness and Remote First Aid on March 26 & 27. To register, click here or call (828) 258-3888 ext. 207.

The course will be offered over 2 days from 9am – 5pm on March 26 and 27. Participants are encouraged to bring a day’s worth of hiking supplies.

*according to an anonymous spokesperson.... okay, okay... we made this up. it's pretty unlikely that James Franco cares what you do or don't do.

Weekly Worldwide Wrap-Up

Welcome to the Weekly Worldwide 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...

JAPAN: Medical teams are operating out of hospitals and mobile clinics treating survivors, while other Japanese Red Cross teams focus on search and rescue and caring for the very large number of people in evacuation centers. As the number of people missing following the earthquake continues to grow, more languages have been added to the family links website to assist people anxious for news about loved ones in the disaster area. For more info, read our FAQs regarding the earthquake in Japan. For more in depth information on the crisis in Japan, click here.

IRAQ: The ICRC has announced plans to expand its micro-grant initiative to help disadvantaged Iraqis start their own businesses and begin earning much-needed income.

GAMBIA: The ICRC has assisted 677 returnees from Libya.

LIBYA: One month after armed violence broke out, the fighting continues and is now spreading to the country’s most populated areas. The ICRC has transferred its staff in Benghazi to the eastern city of Tobruk, where it will continue to assist victims of the conflict.

SYRIA: The ICRC and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent have begun to distribute clean drinking water to more than 21,000 vulnerable people in drought-stricken governorates.

GLOSSARY:

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

Our Relief Efforts in Wake of Japanese Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami

We’ve received an incredible amount of support from the public following the devastating earthquake in Japan and ensuing Pacific tsunami last Friday. As always, we are grateful for your support and will channel your donations in a way that is both responsible and effective in meeting the survivors’ humanitarian needs.

We’ve also noticed that there is some confusion about how the American Red Cross works to provide aid in a situation like this. Below is an explanation that should help clarify. Officials from the Japanese Red Cross have indicated they would be grateful for donations from the American Red Cross to support their earthquake and tsunami response. The American Red Cross also aided the Japanese during the Kobe earthquake in 1995, and they, in turn, sent us help during 9-11 and Katrina.

We’ve established a designation for Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami relief. This designation targets relief not only in Japan, but in many other locations that were affected by the Pacific tsunami, including Hawaii and parts of the US West Coast.

As many of you may know, the American Red Cross is a member of the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising the International Committee of the Red Cross and 186 national societies. In this case, the Japanese Red Cross is a strong national society; in fact, they dispatched 95 response teams within the first 48 hours after the quakes hit.

In order to respect the independence of each country’s national society, the American Red Cross only responds to a disaster overseas with the permission of the Red Cross or Red Crescent national society in the affected country. When a Red Cross in another country reaches out for international assistance following a disaster, we can respond by deploying skilled people, mobilizing relief supplies or providing financial assistance. The American Red Cross has a cadre of emergency response workers, who are specially trained in international emergency operations.

At the request of the Japanese Red Cross, we dispatched a disaster management expert from Washington, DC to Japan for a week-long mission yesterday. She will serve on a seven person international team focused on providing high level support and advice to the Japanese Red Cross. We may provide cash for the rapid purchase of the most needed supplies. If supplies are not available in the affected country, we can release stocks of disaster relief items from our warehouses stationed around the world.

Our support will continue as the full impact of the earthquake and resulting tsunami becomes more clear. We will continue to work with the Japanese Red Cross and provide assistance as determined through this partnership. Our assistance is made possible by the generous contributions from our donors.

Earthquake in Japan, Tsunami Readiness in the Pacific Northwest: We Stand Ready to Assist

The Red Cross of WNC is on standby for deployment to Japan and the Pacific Northwest. For information on what our fellow Red Crossers around the world are doing in response, please follow the National Red Cross, the Oregon Trail Red Cross, the Hawaii Red Cross or the Red Cross of Asheville on Twitter for updates in response to the earthquake in Japan and tsunami readiness in the Pacific Northwest.

Looking for family/travelers in Japan? Go here.

Update: 2:00 PM: The military has reported that all their personnel are accounted for, and all Red Cross staff on military bases are also fine. As is the normal practice for a disaster, Red Cross station managers are currently in the military Emergency Operations Centers for their respective installations and assisting as needed.

Update: 1:28 PM: Text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation to Japan Earthquake and Pacific Northwest Disaster Relief, Shelter Operations, etc. Or click here to make a secure online donation.

Update: 12:34 PM: The American Red Cross "Safe and Well" website has been updated to include the Japanese Earthquake in our drop down menu. Members of the public and military can register themselves on the site as being safe and well, allowing family members to search on their status. Click here to register or search.

Txt REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation to #Japan EQ & Pacific #tsunami relief. http://bit.ly/eZJDoJ 3/11/11 1:26 PM via twitter Red Cross Asheville
AvlRedCross

Yokota Air Base, Japan: 175 RC volunteers assisting w/ shelter operations, 2 flights have landed & they currently have 600 in the shelter.3/11/11 12:45 PM via twitterRed Cross Asheville
AvlRedCross

Members of the public and military can register themselves as being safe and well in Japan. http://bit.ly/9ZwlyY 3/11/11/12:30PM via twitterRed Cross Asheville
AvlRedCross

Disaster Relief in #Japan. How to Help: Text REDCROSS to 90999 #tsunami #redcross 3/11/11 12:05 PM via twitterRed Cross Asheville
AvlRedCross

RT @RedCross: Contact the US State Department 1-888-407-4747 / 202-647-5225 for inquiries on US citizens living/traveling in #japan #tsunami 3/11/11 12:01 PM via twitterRed Cross Asheville
AvlRedCross

RT @RedCross: Japan #RedCross sent 11 response teams to help assess earthquake/tsunami damage, provide first aid for injured #tsunami #japan 3/11/11 11:40 AM via twitterRed Cross Asheville
AvlRedCross

We stand ready to assist our fellow Red Crossers in Japan, Hawaii, Washington & Oregon #tsunami #japan #redcross Our thoughts are with you! 3/11/11 11:30 AM via twitterRed Cross Asheville
AvlRedCross

Weekly Worldwide Wrap-Up!

Welcome to the Weekly Worldwide 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…

LIBYA: ICRC teams have joined forces with Libyan doctors and nurses in east of country to treat people wounded in the fighting while other members of the global Red Cross/Red Crescent network coordinate to help those displaced by the fighting.

GAMBIA: The ICRC and Gambia Red Cross Society are providing more than 400 Senegalese refugees with three-month food rations, sleeping mats, clothing, soap and hygiene kits.

Côte d’Ivoire: The ICRC and the Red Cross Society of Côte d’Ivoire are distributing medical and other supplies to hundreds of people who have fled fighting.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: Survivors of sexual violence often face further suffering through social exclusion. Using theater, dance and other methods, community members trained to provide psycho-social support by the ICRC encourage relatives and society to accept the survivors.

GLOSSARY:

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

Working Woman Looking for a Few Good Men!

The men must be 16 or older, over 110 pounds and in reasonably good health. Want to be pampered? Will offer movies, cookies and a warm blanket!

WNC Red Cross's platelet recruiter is seeking male donors to give platelets in support of treatment of cancer patients and other life-threatening diseases.

The decision to collect platelets primarily from male donors reflects an effort to reduce the risk of TRALI, or Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury, one of the most common reactions for a patient to have to a blood transfusion.

TRALI reactions are most often associated with blood transfusions that have come from female donors who have had one or more pregnancies. Woman who have been pregnant are more likely to carry the antibodies associated with TRALI as a result of exposure to fetal antigens during pregnancy.

While current female platelet apheresis donors are continuing to donate platelets, there is a serious need to recruit male platelet donors. Could that be you?

One platelet donation can be worth 12 - 18 whole blood donations. See how.

Platelet transfusions are needed each year for thousands of patients:
Bone Marrow Transplant Pations may require 120+ units of platelets
Organ Transplant Patients may require 30+ units of platelets
Cancer Patients may require 20+ units of platelets
Heart Surgery may require 6+ units of platelets

Please consider a donation! Make one platelet recruiter a happy woman while possibly saving lives and answering the hopes of patients and family members, alike.

Our Blood Donation center is located at 100 Edgewood Road, Asheville, NC, 28804. Click here for more information or to set up an appointment.

Click here to learn more about these valuable, possibly life-saving platelet donations.

You can be an Apheresis Warrior, too!

Shedding Some Light on Power Outage To-Do's

In high winds, wintry mixes and even hard driving rain, power outages can occur suddenly, without warning and can create a risk for all kinds of safety hazards from stubbed toes to spoiled food. Please read up on how you can prepare your family in the event of a power outage.

Let's prepare now to keep from worrying later.

Before An Outage:

• Check flashlights and battery-powered portable radios to ensure that they are working, and you have extra batteries. A radio is an important source of weather and emergency information during a storm. Don't have one? We do! Call 828-258-3888 ext. 212 to order one!
• Make sure your home is properly insulated. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows to keep cold air out.
• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside to provide insulation.
• Know how to shut off water valves.
• If your water supply could be affected (a well-water pump system), stock your home with a 2 week suppy of water. (One gallon/per day for each person in the household - and save some for pets too!)
• Stock home with batteries, non perishable food (2 week supply), sanitation/personal hygiene items and an extra stash of cash.

During an Outage:

• Dress for the season, wearing several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing, rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
• Wear a hat; most body heat is lost through the top of the head.
• Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
• In order to protect against possible voltage irregularities that can occur when power is restored, you should unplug all sensitive electronic equipment, including TVs, stereo, VCR, microwave oven, computer, cordless telephone, answering machine and garage door opener.
• Do not open the refrigerator or freezer door. Read our Food Safety Checklist

After an Outage:

• Be extra cautious if you go outside to inspect for damage after a storm. Downed or hanging electrical wires can be hidden by snowdrifts, trees or debris, and could be live. Never attempt to touch or moved downed lines. Keep children and pets away from them.
• Check with/help neighbors.
• Continue to stay off streets.
• Do not touch anything power lines are touching, such as tree branches or fences. Always assume a downed line is a live line. Call your utility company to report any outage-related problem.

Weekly Worldwide Wrap-Up

Welcome to the Weekly Worldwide 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…

MEXICO: The Mexican Red Cross, with ICRC support, opened a new mobile clinic providing medical care for migrants near the border with the United States.

LIBYA: In response to medical needs, Libyan Red Crescent staff and volunteers have been collecting blood, evacuating the wounded and working in the hospitals. The global Red Cross and Red Crescent network is working together to coordinate humanitarian response to the crisis.

Côte d’Ivoire: A month after inter-community clashes erupted, ICRC and Ivorian Red Cross volunteers are maintaining their assistance – providing emergency supplies, medical aid, and safe drinking water for thousands.

ARMENIA: Last month, theICRC and the Fuller Centre for Housing Armenia launched a joint program in Tavush province aimed at helping improve living conditions for the families of persons who went missing in connection with the Nagorny Karabakh conflict.

NEW ZEALAND: Among many ongoing earthquake relief efforts, sixty Red Cross welfare volunteers are working with the Christchurch City Council, going door to door in teams of two, to check in on affected people in the Eastern suburbs of Christchurch.

GLOSSARY:

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

Look Who's on "Who Knew?"

Yahoo News' Who Knew features a video about the American Red Cross for the first day of Red Cross Month!

Speaking of... Do you know who declares March as Red Cross month every year? The President of the United State issues an annual proclamation to denote March as Red Cross Month.

Pretty cool, huh?

Celebrate Red Cross Month!

Red Cross Month is officially here! It's an exciting time of the year for us Red Crossers. Want to celebrate with us? Here are some ways you can!

Become A Hero!


As Red Cross Month, March is also the month of our Heroes Fundraising Campaign. Through this grassroots community driven campaign we hope to raise money to fund our humanitarian efforts in Western North Carolina.

You can be a Hero, too! We invite any and everyone to sign up as a Hero with the Asheville-Mountain Area Chapter of the Red Cross.


Show Your Support in Cyber Style!

Avatars and badges are available for use on your Facebook and other social media outlets!


Donate Your Tweets and Status Updates!

Thanks to Helpattack.com, you can now use your tweets and Facebook updates to spread the word about the Red Cross during the month of March! Or simply use #RedCrossMonth in all your tweets!




Write (or Read) for the Red Cross!

"During the month of March, Writers for the Red Cross will be raising awareness and money for the American Red Cross by highlighting over 170 writers, agents, editors, book bloggers, and independent bookstores. Learn more here!

Donate blood, learn CPR, save a life!

Find a blood drive, sign up for a class or learn CPR for FREE on CPR Saturday!

Dance!