Southeastern Michigan Chapter responds to two multi-unit fires within 18 hours
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter was on the scene at an apartment fire last night, after a blaze ripped through eighteen units of Woodside Village Apartments in Rockwood. Ten of the units were destroyed, and many residents lost everything.
Our first priority was making sure they had shelter. Emergency Services Specialist Jima Braynon was there, along with Volunteer Disaster Action Team Oakland 12, led by Bob York. The Southeastern Michigan Chapter set up a service center in a church, just steps just away from the complex, while apartment management provided shelter for 60 percent of residents.
We provided help to four people in two units. Because of the devastation, not everyone was ready to speak with the Red Cross after the fire, yet Braynon expects to hear from more residents in the next couple of days.
Public Affairs Volunteer Gary Krupczak talked to several media outlets that were on the scene. For more on the story, see Fox 2’s report: http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/fire-at-apartment-building-in-rockwood-100317.
This morning, in a hotel fire on Detroit’s east side, one man was killed and another was left in serious condition after a fire swept through the hotel/boarding house. The Southeastern Michigan Chapter responded, but most of the residents were at the hospital or had dispersed to other places.
Specialist Braynon spoke with the hotel owner - getting the names of residents and also providing Red Cross contact information for them. We expect to service several of the residents who were living there.
Read MoreWayne County Executive Declares March 2010 as Red Cross Month in County
In a heartfelt showing of appreciation, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross publicly thanked Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano for proclaiming March 2010 as American Red Cross month in the county.
“We appreciate this local recognition of our work,” said James Laverty, CEO of the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter. “We are striving to be there for people when they need us the most - whether it’s here in southeast Michigan, across the country or around the globe.”
Wayne County Executive Ficano recognized the Red Cross for its role in providing humanitarian aid to victims of disasters, services to the military, health and safety training, and a majority of the region’s blood supply.
While the U.S. president has declared every March as Red Cross Month since 1943, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter was pleased to receive the recognition in its own back yard, Laverty said.
The Wayne County executive’s proclamation recognized the local Red Cross for such things as providing local disaster relief to an average of four home fires a day in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
The county executive also acknowledged the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross for working around the clock to fulfill an important role: keeping service members and their families in communication during emergencies, and offering psychological support before, during and after deployment.
Similarly, the Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross was recognized for supplying a majority of the region’s blood supply, providing blood to 43 hospitals in the region.
The Red Cross was also acknowledged for international relief efforts, such as helping the Haitian people after the recent earthquake, where the Red Cross will continue providing aid for years to come.
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter received similar proclamations from the board of commissioners in Oakland and Macomb counties.
About the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter
The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter is a non-profit humanitarian organization that turns caring into action by providing three core services for residents in the tri-county area: relief to disaster victims, support to military personnel (both active and veteran) and their families, and the knowledge and skills to help the community prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. We are volunteer-driven and reflect the diversity of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. As part of the international Red Cross network, we are dedicated to protecting human life and dignity locally, nationally and worldwide. To learn more, log on to www.semredcross.org or follow our blog at www.semtourofduty.org.
Contact Andrea Tomaszewski
313-494-2740 or
313-350-1434 (cell)
Board of Commissioners Declare March 2010 as American Red Cross Month in Macomb County
In a heartfelt showing of appreciation, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross publicly thanked the Macomb County Board of Commissioners today for its proclamation declaring March 2010 as American Red Cross month in Macomb County.
“We appreciate this recognition from the Macomb County Board of Commissioners,” said James Laverty, CEO of the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter. “We are working to be there for people when they need us the most - whether it’s here in southeast Michigan, across the country or around the globe.”
The Board recognized the Red Cross for its role in providing humanitarian aid to victims of disasters, as well as services to the military, health and safety training, and a majority of the region’s blood supply.
While the U.S. president has traditionally declared every March as Red Cross Month since 1943, the local Red Cross was glad to receive the recognition in its own back yard.
The Board of Commissioners recognized the Southeastern Michigan Chapter at its recent Feb. 25 meeting with an official proclamation, for such things as providing local disaster relief to an average of four home fires a day in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties, providing families with temporary food, clothing and shelter to help them rebuild after their losses.
The Board of Commissioners also acknowledged the local Red Cross for supporting military personnel and their families, helping them to cope with the stresses of deployment as service members help fight terrorism a world away.
The Board further recognized the Chapter for preparing residents for medical emergencies, citing the fact that last year, the Red Cross certified 47,762 Oakland, Macomb and Wayne county residents in First Aid/CPR/AED, and 76,176 residents in water safety skills.
Similarly, the Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross was recognized for supplying a majority of the blood supply, providing blood to 43 hospitals in the region.
The Red Cross was also lauded for supporting international relief efforts, to help other countries cope with enormous disasters, such as the recent earthquake in Haiti, where the Red Cross will continue providing aid for years to come.
About the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter
The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter is a non-profit humanitarian organization that turns caring into action by providing three core services for residents in the tri-county area: relief to disaster victims, support to military personnel (both active and veteran) and their families, and the knowledge and skills to help the community prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. We are volunteer-driven and reflect the diversity of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. As part of the international Red Cross network, we are dedicated to protecting human life and dignity locally, nationally and worldwide. To learn more, log on to www.semredcross.org or follow our blog at www.semtourofduty.org.
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Contact Andrea Tomaszewski
313-494-2740 or
313-350-1434
Oakland County Commissioners Declare March 2010 as Red Cross Month
(Pontiac, Mich.) - With March declared as Red Cross Month nationally, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday proclaimed March 2010 as American Red Cross month in the county, recognizing and thanking the Southeastern Michigan Chapter for its commitment to helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.
“The qualities of life upon which we pride ourselves in Oakland County are, in part, demonstrated by the commitment and dedication of special organizations like the American Red Cross,” said Bill Bullard, Jr., Oakland County Commissioners chairperson, at the board of commissioners meeting, before presenting the proclamation to James Laverty, CEO of the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross.
Every year since 1943, the President of the United States issues a proclamation that designates March as Red Cross Month. The tradition began when Franklin D. Roosevelt appealed to the American public to assist the Red Cross during World War II.
The Oakland County Commissioners followed President Barack Obama’s lead, recognizing the Red Cross for its role in Oakland County, throughout the nation and around the world in sheltering, feeding and providing emotional support to victims of disasters, supplying a majority of the nation’s blood supply, teaching lifesaving skills, and supporting military members and their families.
The Oakland County Board of Commissioners acknowledged the Southeastern Michigan Chapter for preparing local residents for medical emergencies, citing the fact that last year, the Red Cross certified 47,762 Oakland, Macomb and Wayne county residents in First Aid/CPR/AED, as well as 76,176 residents in water safety skills.
Similarly, he recognized the Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross for supplying a majority of the blood supply in southeast Michigan, providing blood to 43 hospitals in the region.
Board of Commissioner Chairperson Bullard also recognized the Southeastern Michigan Chapter for providing humanitarian aid to an average of four home fires a day in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties, providing the families with temporary food, clothing and shelter to help them rebuild after their losses.
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter was also acknowledged for supporting military personnel and their families, helping them cope with the stresses of deployment as service members help fight terrorism a world away.
Further, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross was recognized for supporting international relief efforts, to help rush immediate aid to countries rocked by disaster, such as the recent earthquake in Haiti, where the Red Cross will continue providing aid for years to come.
About the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter
The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter is a non-profit humanitarian organization that turns caring into action by providing three core services for residents in the tri-county area: relief to disaster victims, support to military personnel (both active and veteran) and their families, and the knowledge and skills to help the community prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. We are volunteer-driven and reflect the diversity of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. As part of the international Red Cross network, we are dedicated to protecting human life and dignity locally, nationally and worldwide. To learn more, log on to www.semredcross.org or follow our blog at www.semtourofduty.org.
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Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bill Bullard, Jr. reads a Proclamation declaring March 2010 as American Red Cross Month in Oakland County, before presenting it to James Laverty, CEO of the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross. Deborah Macon (left), Ambassador for the Southeastern Michigan Chapter, and Nancy Scarlet, Board Member of the Southeastern Michigan Chapter and Human Resources Director for Oakland County, also look on.
Contact
Andrea Tomaszewski
313-494-2740 or
313-350-1434
Read MoreDr. McGeorge Delivers Medical Care to Haitians
WDIV Good Health Reporter Dr. Frank McGeorge went to Haiti shortly after the earthquake to provide medical care and humanitarian aid to people, as well as news reports for Channel 4.
On his first morning, Dr. McGeorge began setting up his medical supplies at 6 a.m. in a standing structure, and word spread quickly throughout the neighborhood. Soon, the “walking wounded” as he calls them, were lined up to be treated for such things as fractures and sprains.
Because Dr. McGeorge arrived after the first week following the earthquake, the people with horrible crash injuries had either already received medical treatment or were currently aboard the USNS Comfort receiving medical care.
When he wasn’t providing medical care, Dr. McGeorge witnessed – and videotaped with the help of a cameraman – the vast devastation in Haiti.
“While we clearly have our problems here in America, the human tragedy that I witnessed in Haiti is so far beyond anything I’d ever witnessed,” Dr. McGeorge told WDIV viewers. “We are all on the same little planet. Be thankful for the life that you’re blessed with. Help anyone who’s less fortunate whenever you can.”
While witnessing and videotaping the destruction with his cameraman, Dr. McGeorge noticed a huge need for food, shelter and water, the basic humanitarian provisions that the Red Cross has been providing to the Haitian people.
He noted that shelter is an especially huge problem, because the makeshift homes made from sticks and blankets and tied with a string would never stand up to the coming winds and rain, and provide very little privacy, which is a basic human need.
He said the tents and cooking supplies that the American Red Cross began delivering will be a tremendous help. Until the Haitians can redevelop their agricultural base, they need food from the Red Cross and other organizations.
Though he saw a lot of devastation, he also saw things that lifted him up, such as a lot of help coming in from the U.S. and all over the world, which he said was “incredibly awe-inspiring.”
Read MoreAEDs in the Workplace Presentations--Free in March
(DETROIT) - In celebration of Red Cross Month, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter is offering a free 45-minute Automated External Defibrillator (AED) presentation for organizations in the tri-county area throughout the month of March. The presentation is intended for those organizations that don't have an AED, or for those who already own one but have not been trained recently in its use.
Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., claiming more than 200,000 lives each year. According to the American Red Cross, when sudden cardiac arrest strikes - for every minute that passes - the chance of survival goes down by 10 percent.
"Many people don’t realize how easy it is to use an Automated External Defibrillator, and how important it is to have one nearby in case of sudden cardiac arrest,” said Lynne Osborne, Manager of Workplace Programs for the Southeastern Michigan Chapter.
To better prepare workplaces for these medical emergencies, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter is offering the free 45-minute AED session for any size group during the day or evening, seven days a week, at any location in Wayne, Oakland or Macomb county. The presentation, which normally costs $150 (or is waived for those purchasing AEDs from the Red Cross), will be free for the first 100 organizations.
During the session, an experienced Red Cross AED professional will:
Explain sudden cardiac arrest and the “Cardiac Chain of Survival.”
Teach when and how to use an AED.
Give a demonstration of a live AED.
Discuss the precautions and safety features within an AED.
Review the Michigan Good Samaritan Laws, and liability issues or concerns.
Explain specific maintenance including when and how to change pads/batteries.
Answer questions and dispel lingering fears about AEDs.
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter can tailor the orientations to specific AEDs from the following manufacturers: Cardiac Science, Medtronic/Physio-Control, Philips Medical and Zoll Medical.
For more information or to register, contact Osborne at 313-576-4106 or osbornely@usa.redcross.org.
About the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter
The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter is a non-profit humanitarian organization that turns caring into action by providing three core services for residents in the tri-county area: relief to disaster victims, support to military personnel (both active and veteran) and their families, and the knowledge and skills to help the community prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. We are volunteer-driven and reflect the diversity of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. As part of the international Red Cross network, we are dedicated to protecting human life and dignity locally, nationally and worldwide.
Read MoreAEDs in the Workplace Presentations are Free in March
DETROIT) - In celebration of Red Cross Month, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter is offering a free 45-minute Automated External Defibrillator (AED) presentation for organizations in the tri-county area throughout the month of March. The presentation is intended for those organizations that don't have an AED, or for those who already own one but have not been trained recently in its use.
Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., claiming more than 200,000 lives each year. According to the American Red Cross, when sudden cardiac arrest strikes - for every minute that passes - the chance of survival goes down by 10 percent.
"Many people don’t realize how easy it is to use an Automated External Defibrillator, and how important it is to have one nearby in case of sudden cardiac arrest,” said Lynne Osborne, Manager of Workplace Programs for the Southeastern Michigan Chapter.
To better prepare workplaces for these medical emergencies, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter is offering the free 45-minute AED session for any size group during the day or evening, seven days a week, at any location in Wayne, Oakland or Macomb county. The presentation, which normally costs $150 (or is waived for those purchasing AEDs from the Red Cross), will be free for the first 100 organizations.
During the session, an experienced Red Cross AED professional will:
Explain sudden cardiac arrest and the “Cardiac Chain of Survival.”
Teach when and how to use an AED.
Give a demonstration of a live AED.
Discuss the precautions and safety features within an AED.
Review the Michigan Good Samaritan Laws, and liability issues or concerns.
Explain specific maintenance including when and how to change pads/batteries.
Answer questions and dispel lingering fears about AEDs.
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter can tailor the orientations to specific AEDs from the following manufacturers: Cardiac Science, Medtronic/Physio-Control, Philips Medical and Zoll Medical.
For more information or to register, contact Osborne at 313-576-4106 or osbornely@usa.redcross.org.
About the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter
The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter is a non-profit humanitarian organization that turns caring into action by providing three core services for residents in the tri-county area: relief to disaster victims, support to military personnel (both active and veteran) and their families, and the knowledge and skills to help the community prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. We are volunteer-driven and reflect the diversity of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. As part of the international Red Cross network, we are dedicated to protecting human life and dignity locally, nationally and worldwide.
Read MoreLearn Lifesaving Skills through the Red Cross
March is the perfect time to learn lifesaving skills, as it is American Red Cross Month. The Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross offers the following classes at its Riverview classroom site, located at 20950 Grange Rd.
Adult CPR/First Aid/AED is taught on March 11 and 18, from 6-10 p.m. – or a one-day session on March 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - for a cost of $55. There is also a blended learning class, taught both online and in the classroom for $60. The second (classroom) portion is taught on March 20 from 9 a.m. to noon.
For those with children in their lives, the Adult First Aid/CPR/AED and Child/Infant CPR class is taught on March 6 and 13 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., or March 8, 15 and 22 from 6-10 p.m., for $70. The blended learning class is on March 9 from 6-10 p.m. for $75.
For youth, the Red Cross offers its Babysitting Training class on April 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at a cost of $55.
Advance registration is required for all classes. To learn more or register, call 313-576-4101 or log on to www.semredcross.org.
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Read MoreRed Cross Thanks Detroit Tiger for Going to Bat for Haiti Relief
SE MI chapter thanks MLB star Ordonez for $100K donation to support relief efforts
DETROIT—Today in a heartfelt showing of appreciation for his generosity, the Southeastern Michigan chapter of the American Red Cross publicly thanked Detroit Tigers outfielder Magglio Ordonez for his $100,000 contribution supporting the American Red Cross relief and recovery efforts in Haiti.
As one of Michigan’s most renowned athletes, Ordonez’s generous gift was lauded by the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross as they continue to ask for local support for what will be a long-term relief effort.
“Magglio not only wields a big bat on the field, but also when it comes to supporting humanitarian causes,” said Jim Laverty, CEO of the Southeastern Michigan Chapter. “We are extremely grateful for his generosity and his donation will certainly help in providing ongoing relief to those on the ground in Haiti.”
Since January 12, the American Red Cross remains as one of the lead humanitarian organizations in Port-au-Prince helping to provide medical aid, food, shelter and water to thousands of Haitians everyday. To date, the Red Cross has provided daily emergency relief to hundreds of thousands in Haiti. In addition, the organization has:
• Produced more than 1.2 million liters of water daily for more than 300,000 people
• Provided more than 1 million water purifiers for people to clean and carry water
• Distributed food and relief items (blankets, hygiene kits, water containers, laundry soap and mosquito nets) to more than 250,000 people
The Red Cross continues to make progress each day, however due to the many complexities of this disaster and the extraordinary needs of the Haitian people, officials estimate that the emergency relief phase could last for up to 12 months.
People can still donate in support of the relief effort in Haiti at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS. Mobile donors can text “HAITI” to 90999 to make a $10 contribution. Red Cross officials have estimated that at least 91 cents of every dollar goes towards relief and recovery efforts for this disaster.
A $10 donation can provide a family with two water cans to store clean drinking water, basic first aid supplies or a blanket.
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Contact Howard Hughey
313-743-3527
*Red Cross Thanks Detroit Tiger for Going to Bat for Haiti Relief
SE MI chapter thanks MLB star Ordonez for $100K donation to support relief efforts
DETROIT—Today in a heartfelt showing of appreciation for his generosity, the Southeastern Michigan chapter of the American Red Cross publicly thanked Detroit Tigers outfielder Magglio Ordonez for his $100,000 contribution supporting the American Red Cross relief and recovery efforts in Haiti.
As one of Michigan’s most renowned athletes, Ordonez’s generous gift was lauded by the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross as they continue to ask for local support for what will be a long-term relief effort.
“Magglio not only wields a big bat on the field, but also when it comes to supporting humanitarian causes,” said Jim Laverty, CEO of the Southeastern Michigan Chapter. “We are extremely grateful for his generosity and his donation will certainly help in providing ongoing relief to those on the ground in Haiti.”
Since January 12, the American Red Cross remains as one of the lead humanitarian organizations in Port-au-Prince helping to provide medical aid, food, shelter and water to thousands of Haitians everyday. To date, the Red Cross has provided daily emergency relief to hundreds of thousands in Haiti. In addition, the organization has:
• Produced more than 1.2 million liters of water daily for more than 300,000 people
• Provided more than 1 million water purifiers for people to clean and carry water
• Distributed food and relief items (blankets, hygiene kits, water containers, laundry soap and mosquito nets) to more than 250,000 people
The Red Cross continues to make progress each day, however due to the many complexities of this disaster and the extraordinary needs of the Haitian people, officials estimate that the emergency relief phase could last for up to 12 months.
People can still donate in support of the relief effort in Haiti at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS. Mobile donors can text “HAITI” to 90999 to make a $10 contribution. Red Cross officials have estimated that at least 91 cents of every dollar goes towards relief and recovery efforts for this disaster.
A $10 donation can provide a family with two water cans to store clean drinking water, basic first aid supplies or a blanket.
# # #
Contact Howard Hughey
313-743-3527