Our Name Has Changed — The Service Is The Same!

With some restructuring of the American Red Cross, the Central Mississippi Chapter has recently become the Capital River Chapter. Why? So that we better represent all the counties in our service area. Our response will be the same and we will still provide the service that you expect and deserve. Please check back often for updates!

American Red Cross Statement on Compression-Only CPR

WASHINGTON, Wednesday, July 28, 2010 — “Articles published today in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) cite a pair of studies on Compression-Only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), sometimes called continuous chest compressions, Hands-Only CPR, or cardio cerebral resuscitation (CCR).

“These articles validate the American Red Cross guidance on Compression-Only CPR. The Red Cross encourages everyone to be trained in full CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). We support the links in the Cardiac Chain of Survival including: early recognition and early access to the 911 system, early CPR, early use of an AED until professional medical responders arrive and take over.

“We recognize that upon witnessing the sudden collapse of an adult, calling 9-1-1, and providing Compression-Only CPR until an AED is available is an acceptable alternative for those who are unwilling, unable, or not trained to perform full CPR.

“The NEJM articles also support the Red Cross position that further research is needed. It is important to note that the Red Cross is helping to lead this research through a CPR skill retention study which looks at different educational models and Compression-Only CPR versus full CPR.

“Full CPR is recommended for infants and children since they experience sudden cardiac arrest primarily due to respiratory problems causing a loss of oxygen. Since a child’s oxygen levels in the blood are low at the time of cardiac arrest, they need rescue breaths to improve oxygen levels and aid in resuscitation. Despite this, Compression-Only CPR is still better than no action at all.”

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

What is the Red Cross Role in Response to the Gulf Coast Oil Spill?

The ongoing oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico is causing widespread concern about the potential impact for the region’s economy, wildlife, homes and shore line. As a result, many states and communities are beginning to mobilize volunteer and government resources. The American Red Cross is working with federal, state and local government partners on ways in which we can support the needs of affected communities. Right now, the Red Cross is planning for that support role, should our government partners request help.

The Red Cross is ramping up preparations for what is predicted to be a very active and dangerous hurricane season, especially along the Gulf Coast where the oil spill could cause people to evacuate for an even longer period. At the same time, we are actively responding to wildfires, tornadoes, floods and other disasters from Arizona to Montana to Arkansas. The Red Cross is accepting donations to its Disaster Relief Fund to support these efforts.

The Red Cross understands that certain communities may have unique needs or requests for help, and that will figure into our planning efforts as this situation continues to evolve.

The Hero in All of Us

Heroes walk among us, and thankfully so. Not all of them wear a uniform, either—many are just regular people who have gotten trained in first aid and CPR/AED.

Shop the Red Cross Store - First Aid and CPR for Everyone: An Introduction to Basic Lifesaving Skills

Although many people don’t think they will get the chance to use their training, more than a quarter of respondents in a Red Cross survey said they have been in a situation where someone may have needed CPR.

Julia Bylow, Karl Knutsen and Mike James know this situation firsthand. All three work at East Union High School in Manteca, Calif., and one day they worked together to save another colleague, Sue Bloodgood.

Bloodgood was in cardiac arrest, and the trio kept her alive with CPR until paramedics arrived. Bylow, Knutsen and James were all honored by the American Red Cross recently for their lifesaving actions. The three received the Certificate of Merit, which is signed by the President of the United States and is the highest honor the Red Cross bestows.

As Knutsen received his award, he encouraged others to get trained. "It's a technique, a tool. You give up three to four hours (in training time). We need to help (the Red Cross) because they help us," he said.

Not Yet a Teenager, Already a Lifesaver
Kiara Barry also numbers among those who have used their training to save a life. In the 10-year-old’s case, it was Emily Barry—her mother—who needed help.

One evening while she was preparing dinner, Emily Barry began to choke on some candy. After gesturing to her younger daughter, Isabelle, that she was choking, the little girl ran to get Kiara.

"She didn't question me ... she just came right up and gave me the Heimlich ... she knew absolutely what to do and I am proud of her," said Emily Barry of Kiara's quick reaction.

Kiara learned this technique, along with other basic first aid and CPR skills, through a class based on the Red Cross GuardStart program. GuardStart is a pre-lifeguarding (junior lifeguarding) program for youth, and teaches them about injury prevention, emergency response, physical fitness, professionalism and leadership.

To get trained in first aid and CPR/AED, or to learn about other courses the Red Cross offers, visit the Central Mississippi Chapter Training Calendar.

You can also visit the Red Cross store to check out products like First Aid and CPR for Everyone: An Introduction to Basic Lifesaving Skills.

Are You Prepared for a Hurricane?

Tuesday, June 01, 2010 — Whether you just moved near the coast or you’ve lived there all your life, the fact remains the same: today marks the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season, and everyone must prepare.

Get the American Red Cross Solarlink Eton Emergency Radio.

Get an American Red Cross Solarlink Eton Emergency Radio. Shop Redcrossstore.org for all your preparedness needs.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an active to extremely active season. NOAA estimates that 14-23 named storms, 8-14 hurricanes and 3-7 major hurricanes will occur during the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season, officially beginning June 1 and ending November 30.

More than 35 million Americans live in regions most threatened by Atlantic hurricanes. Instead of waiting for the first storm to make its appearance, the American Red Cross urges families to prepare now.

Steps you can take to be prepared include:

Build a disaster supply kit or check the kit you prepared last year. Include a three-day supply of water and ready-to-eat non-perishable foods. Don’t forget a manual can opener, battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries. Your kit should also have a first aid kit, prescription and non-prescription medications, and copies of important documents. You can also shop the Red Cross store for emergency preparedness kits and supplies.
Prepare a personal disaster and evacuation plan. Identify two meeting places—one near your home, and one outside your area in case you can’t return home. Make plans for your pets. Select an out-of-area emergency contact person.
Be informed. Know what a hurricane WATCH means. If a hurricane WATCH is issued:
- Listen to weather updates from your battery-powered or hand-cranked radio.
- Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, hanging plants, bicycles, toys and garden tools. Anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.
- Close all windows and doors.
- Cover windows with storm shutters or pre-cut plywood.
- If time permits, and you live in an identified surge zone, elevate furniture or move it to a higher floor to protect it from flooding.
- Fill your vehicle’s gas tank.
- Check your disaster supply kit to make sure items have not expired.
If a hurricane WARNING is issued:
- Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so.
- Secure your home by unplugging appliances and turning off electricity and the main water valve. If you are not advised to evacuate, stay inside, away from windows, skylights and glass doors.
- Do NOT use open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
- If power is lost, turn off appliances to reduce damage from a power surge when electricity is restored.

Get more information on how to prepare for the 2010 hurricane season.

Red Cross Deals with Aftermath of Violent Tornadoes

Tuesday, April 27, 2010 — The American Red Cross remains on the scene helping people whose lives were turned upside down by the powerful tornadoes that swept across portions of the south over the weekend.

Mississippi and Alabama were hardest hit with numerous tornadoes touching down Saturday. Damage is widespread and thousands are without power.

The Emergency Response Vehicle team is from Biloxi. Yazoo City, MS.

Photo courtesy of Paige Roberts / American Red Cross

Red Cross workers from several states throughout the region continue to provide a safe place to stay, food to eat, and basic necessities such as toiletries and clean-up items to those whose homes were either destroyed or damaged by the deadly winds.

Meals are available at the shelters as well as from staff on Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) traveling throughout the storm-torn area. Red Cross Disaster Action Teams are performing casework services and assistance and visiting families as they return to their neighborhoods and try to salvage some of their belongings.

The Red Cross was able to launch its quick response in the tornado-stricken area with the help of the corporations who are members of the organization’s Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP). Members of the ADGP pledge donations on an ongoing basis, in advance of major disasters. With pre-positioned supplies ready, the Red Cross can immediately take action when disasters, such as tornadoes, strike.

ADGP members include the Altria Group, American Express, AXA Foundation, ConAgra Foods, FedEx Corporation, GE Foundation, General Motors Foundation, The Home Depot Foundation, John Deere Foundation, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Merck, Morgan Stanley, Nationwide Insurance Foundation, Ryder Charitable Foundation, State Farm, State Street Foundation, Target, The TJX Companies, Inc., UnitedHealthcare, and UPS.

In the aftermath of the tornadoes, the Red Cross offers steps people should take to stay safe. They should return home only when authorities say it is safe to do so. When they do, they should wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy shoes. As they return, they should watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines and report them to the utility company immediately. Other safety steps include the following:

Stay out of damaged buildings.
Use battery-powered flashlights when examining buildings—do NOT use candles.
If someone smells gas or hears a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and get everyone out of the building quickly and call the gas company or fire department.
Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance claims.
Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
Keep all family pets under your direct control.
Clean up spilled medications, bleaches, gasoline or other flammable liquids that could become a fire hazard.

Red Cross Issues Steps to Help Keep Your Family Pet Safe and Healthy

April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month™ and the American Red Cross reminds you to keep your family pet safe and healthy as we head into spring and summer.

As the weather gets warmer, certain dangers for pets become more prevalent.

The first step is to know what is normal for your pet – their gum color, heart/pulse rate, body temperature and breathing rate - so you can recognize when something is wrong.

Heat stroke is a common problem for pets in the warmer weather, according to Dr. Deborah Mandell, VMD, DACVECC, pet care advisor for the Red Cross. She explained that heat stroke is more common in the spring and early summer because pets are not yet acclimated to the warm weather. Dogs with short noses or snouts, like the boxer or bulldog, are prone to heat stroke. This is also true for any obese pet, a pet with an extremely thick fur coat or any pet with upper respiratory problems such as laryngeal paralysis or collapsing trachea.

“Animals love to play and may not stop playing, even if they are becoming overheated,” said Dr. Mandell, who is affiliated with the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Some signs your pet may be developing heat stroke include heavy panting, and being unable to calm down, even when lying down. Their gum color may be brick red, their pulse rate may be fast, or they may not be able to get up. If you suspect your pet has heat stroke, take their temperature rectally. If the temperature is above 105 degrees cool the animal down. The easiest way to do this is by using the water hose. Stop cooling the animal when the temperature reaches 103 degrees. Bring your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible as heat stroke can lead to severe organ dysfunction and damage.

As the weather gets nicer, many pet owners take their pets in the car with them. Dr. Mandell issued a reminder not to leave your pet in the car, even for a few minutes. “The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees,” she said. “It’s not a good idea to leave the pet in the car, even with the windows cracked open.”

Pet owners also need to be aware that animals may try to get out a window or door, which are more likely to be open as the weather warms. And spring planting can be hazardous to animals – do not use plants which are poisonous to animals. For instance, many lilies are very poisonous to cats. Visit the ASPCA Poison Control web site to find out which plants and flowers are poisonous to animals.

Your pet is part of the family. And just like any other family member, pets deserve to be cared for and protected. Follow these important steps to help keep your pet at their best:

Give your pet plenty of exercise. Regular exercise will help your pet feel better and live longer.
Make sure your pet has plenty of fresh, cool water.
Get to know a veterinarian and make sure your pet has yearly checkups.
Make sure your pet is up to date on vaccines, especially rabies.
Get your pet spayed or neutered.
Keep dogs on leashes outside – another animal may be too much temptation.
Know how to perform CPR and provide basic first aid until veterinary care is available.

Animals can’t tell you when they aren’t feeling well. Many hide signs of illness until a problem is very advanced. Knowing what is normal for your pet and being able to recognize changes early, can make a huge difference in treatment success.

Don’t forget to include your pets in emergency action plans as well:

Emergency action plans for your family should include all of your animals.
Plan to take your pets with you in an evacuation. If it is not safe for you to stay, it is not safe for them either.
Most Red Cross shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety concerns and other considerations. Know which friends, relatives, hotels, boarding facilities accept pets in an emergency.
Assemble a portable kit with emergency supplies for your pets:
- Leashes, harnesses and/or carriers
- Food, drinking water, bowls, manual can opener
- Medications and copies of medical records
- Current photos of your pets and of you with your pets

Additional tips are located on our Pets and Disaster Safety Checklist. Pet First Aid courses are offered at many Red Cross chapters throughout the country. The Red Cross has also developed Dog First Aid and Cat First Aid, comprehensive guides with DVDs to help your keep pets healthy and safe. From basic responsibilities, like spaying/neutering and giving medications, to performing CPR and preparing for disasters, these guides offer information pet owners can trust. Contact your local chapter to see when classes are available or to purchase guide books or visit the Red Cross Store to see and purchase products.

A Volunteer’s Trip Back in Time

By Nadia Pontif

Friday, April 09, 2010 —

Mrs. May White, great grand-niece of Clara Barton describes her childhood visit with Clara to Red Cross worker Alice Wilkerson.

On this beautiful clear day in North Oxford, MA, you would never know that neighboring counties are suffering

from the results of heavy flooding. Red Cross workers have been responding to floods in the area since mid-March. While working to help those affected by the floods, there was also an opportunity to take a trip to the birthplace of American Red Cross founder, Clara Barton.

Local museum manager Emily Thomas was gracious enough to set up a visit with May Olney White, the great grandniece of Clara Barton. The meeting occurred at Barton’s birthplace in North Oxford, which is located only 30 minutes from operation headquarters for the flood relief efforts in Westborough, MA.

White, affectionately known as “Ms. May” only likes to leave her house during the day, so Alice Wilkerson, a Red Cross volunteer on her 60th disaster operation, met with her and had an interesting chat. Later in the evening, the rest of the Red Cross staff took a private tour of Clara Barton’s birthplace. During Wilkerson’s visit she asked Ms. May about her childhood visit with Barton.

Clara Barton was born in the home on this property on Christmas Day, 1821.

She shared that Barton, “Was a determined person and she knew what she wanted.”

During Wilkerson’s conversation, she also found out that Ms. May worked with the Red Cross. Her duties were “to get stuff for the office when it was needed.”

The impromptu historian relayed stories about Mary Barton, her grandmother, who traveled with Clara Barton to Europe. This was the trip where Clara Barton first discovered Henri Durant and the Red Cross. Mary Barton was only 16. When they came back she lived in Washington, D.C., with Clara Barton as she began work to start the American Red Cross.

“It is such an honor to meet Ms. May, visit Clara’s birthplace and lay flowers on her grave from the operation staff. If it weren’t for Clara, we wouldn’t be here helping her neighboring towns with the floods,” said Wilkerson.

Red Cross Blood Services Web Site Revamped; URL Changed

redcrossblood.org Launched to Enhance Blood Donation Experience

WASHINGTON, Tuesday, February 23, 2010 — The Red Cross has launched redcrossblood.org, a new, integrated website for its blood program. This site replaces the individual Blood Region websites, as well as the national site previously hosted at givelife.org.

As part of its mission to provide reliable and cost-effective blood services that are as safe as possible, the Red Cross has created a single, intuitive “go to” place for anyone who wishes to engage with the Biomedical Services organization. Redcrossblood.org allows visitors to easily find local blood donation opportunities and view local Red Cross news upon simply entering their zip code. Donors may also search for blood drives by date range, distance, city, state or sponsor code and then schedule a donation online. The site lists blood drive volunteer openings, and enables visitors to register their interest to host a blood drive.

“We are excited to launch redcrossblood.org,” says Chris Hrouda, executive vice president, American Red Cross Biomedical Services. “This site has been designed to be user-friendly and informative. We wanted to make it as easy as possible for people to find a blood drive, schedule a donation and get any information they may need about giving blood.”

There is also a “share your story” feature available so donors can share testimonials about blood donation, along with downloadable banners, free e-cards and direct access to Red Cross social networking sites. Not only has the functionality improved, the redesign makes navigating intuitive to the visitor. By consolidating its online presence, Red Cross Biomedical Services is also aiming to meet the strategic priority of reducing costs by maximizing efficiencies.

“This site is an investment in our donors and volunteers,” said Hrouda. “We want the entire donation experience to be positive and this redesigned site is an important step in making that happen.”

The American Red Cross Urges the Community

Be Better Prepared for Disasters

Jackson, MS - If a natural disaster like a hurricane or tornado hit our area tomorrow, would you be prepared? How about if your house caught on fire? House fires are the most common disaster threat that families face. The American Red Cross urges the community to be “Red Cross Ready” so that everyone in their household will be kept safe when the unexpected happens.

To carry out this mission, the American Red Cross has teamed up with Citizens National Bank to educate the community about the need to be better prepared.

“We are so happy to support the fundamental principles of the American Red Cross and join together with our local Chapter in this community partnership,” Jeff King, Southwest MS Region President said. We are proud to partner with the American Red Cross because they are busy saving lives and caring for the people of this community.

Local American Red Cross and the Red Cross officials will be on hand at various times throughout the year to issue information about the importance of being “Red Cross Ready.” The American Red Cross and Citizens National Bank want families to be prepared for events like these.

The Bank has also created a special section on their website where people can go and learn more about disaster preparedness, how to get trained in such areas as CPR and first aid, and how to donate to their local chapter of the American Red Cross. For more information, log on to yourcnb.com/redcross.

“I think this is a mutually beneficial relationship for the American Red Cross and Citizens National Bank, Mary Hamilton, Executive Director for the Central Mississippi Chapter of the American Red Cross said. “With the Bank’s support we gain visibility, while educating the community on what the American Red Cross really does – help prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies,” she added.

We want to do everything we can to help further the very important work they do in this area. We could not survive without them," Jeff King of Citizens National Bank added.

The American Red Cross anticipates spending an excess of $15 million for recent Disasters

The American Red Cross anticipates spending millions as it moves forward with relief efforts for the victims of flooding and tornadoes across seven states, an enormous geographic area. From Kansas to West Virginia, the Red Cross is present with vast amounts of clean up supplies, dozens of shelters and tens of thousands of meals.

Already, more than 1,400 Red Cross workers are assisting people in the affected area, and the organization is gearing up to provide additional relief. The current relief operations follow two extremely busy months for the Red Cross, with 27 disaster operations in April and May. These operations will cost the Red Cross millions of dollars and the help of the American public is needed to meet the growing needs.

"Our first priority in flooding is to provide shelter and food for people in the immediate area until the waters recede and recovery can begin," said Joe Becker, senior vice president, Disaster Services for the American Red Cross. "But the help we give depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public."

Over the past days, the Red Cross has responded to tornados in Kansas, and floods in Iowa, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Indiana and West Virginia. Thousands of people are staying in more than 41 shelters and more than 115,000 meals and snacks have been served. This spring, the American Red Cross responded to more than 30 large scale disasters due to severe weather.

The Red Cross is coordinating with local emergency officials, community organizations and faith-based groups to pre-position relief supplies, such as cots, blankets and comfort kits, and is preparing to open additional shelters if needed.

"We are concerned for the more than 500,000 people who live within five miles of this stretch of the Mississippi River as the floods move south," Becker said. "Red Cross chapters along the river are monitoring the situation, and are prepared to mobilize resources to respond."

The Red Cross encourages those affected to register their status on the Safe and Well Web site on www.redcross.org so loved ones can know they are safe.

It is anticipated that relief efforts will cost tens of millions of dollars. In order to quickly respond to anyone with disaster-caused needs, the Red Cross must have money available immediately. This emergency resource is provided by the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

For more information, contact Tamica Smith-Jeuitt at the
Central Mississippi Chapter of the American Red Cross at 601-353-5442, ext. 111.

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About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission.