Union County Chapter of the American Red Cross

Safe Summer Water Fun

2009-06-10T22:28:00.001-04:00

A new survey conducted by the American Red Cross shows the importance of water safety skills, with half of those surveyed saying they have had an experience where they nearly drowned in their lifetime.
Nearly 1 in 3 said they had nearly drowned when they were between 5 and 15 years old.

§ This summer, many families are planning water activities at places without a lifeguard, making water safety training more important than ever.
More than 90% (93%) of those parents with children between the ages of 3 and 17 have plans to participate in water-related activities this summer.
48% plan to engage in water-related activities where no lifeguards would be on duty. Red Cross recommends swimming in areas supervised by a lifeguard. If no lifeguard is on duty, designate an adult as a “water watcher,” someone who maintains constant supervision of children around any water, no matter how well they can swim or how shallow the water.

§ The Red Cross survey found that nearly one in three parents (30 percent) believe that "floaties" are better than supervision.
Don't substitute “active” or constant supervision and the use of flotation devices such as arm floaties. Children–even adults–who are not strong swimmers should use U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices whenever they are in or around the water.

§ Now more than ever, with so many families making plans to be in or around water this summer, the Red Cross is urging families to learn to swim and learn water safety and lifesaving skills that can help save a life.
Most water-related accidents can be avoided by knowing how to stay safe and following a few simple guidelines.
Everyone should know how to swim well.
The Red Cross offers a comprehensive swimming and water safety program that teaches children and adults to learn how to swim skillfully and safely.

§ Water safety is particularly important for pool owners as almost 10% had experiences where they nearly drowned in a private pool.
It is important that pool owners know what to do and what equipment to have on hand to make the home pool or hot tub environment as safe as possible.
Enroll in water safety and learn-to-swim courses or CPR and First Aid courses offered by the Red Cross.

§ Contact us here at the Chapter House to learn more about Learn to Swim, CPR and First Aid classes.

Donors needed now and throughout the summer.

2009-06-10T22:23:00.001-04:00

“O” we need you this summer” says Lynne Whatley, Executive Director of the Union County Chapter. Slumps in blood donations are typical during June, July and August as donors become busy with summer activities and overlook donating blood. We are asking all eligible donors to make or keep appointments to give blood this summer to help maintain a stable blood supply for ongoing or emergency needs. Just one seriously injured patient can require dozens of blood products to survive.”

All blood types are needed, but Type O-negative is in especially high demand since it can be transfused to patients with any other blood type and is often used especially in emergency situations.

“Currently the Central Ohio Region has only a half day supply of type O-negative blood.” Whatley emphasizes. “Approximately 100 pints of O-negative blood are needed each day in Central Ohio. With just a half day supply of Type O-negative blood currently, we are urging eligible Type O-negative individuals to donate.

You can be the difference between an adequate blood supply and a summer shortage. To schedule an appointment, visit www.BLOODSavesLives.org. You can also visit our chapter website at chapters.redcross.org/oh/unioncounty, call our office at 937/642-6651 or stop by our office at 112 East 5th Street. Upcoming drives are as follows:
6/15/2009 Richwood United Methodist Church - Fellowship Hall
1:00 pm - 7:00 pm Open to public

6/18/2009 Catholic Community Center - Gym
12:00 pm - 6:00 pm Open to public

6/20/2009 Roby Auto Group
9:30 am - 2:30 pm Open to public

6/22/2009 Union County Family YMCA
1:00 pm - 7:00 pm Open to public

6/26/2009 Memorial Hospital - Women's center
9:00 am - 3:00 pm Open to public

6/27/2009 First UMC Marysville - Family Life Center
8:00 am - 2:00 pm Open to public

6/29/2009 Marysville Elks Lodge
1:00 pm - 7:00 pm Open to public

6/30/2009 Union County American Red Cross building/1st floor vacant space
Open to public
6/30/2009 Best Buy
1:00 pm - 7:00 pm Open to public

7/5/2009 Milford Center Lions Club Building 4-H club
12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Open to public

BE SURE TO ASK ABOUT SPECIAL PROMOTIONS AT THE UPCOMING DRIVES TO INCLUDE Cedar Point Discount Coupon Give AWAY, Saturn Lease promotion, Nascar Tickets Drawing, and the Gun’s and Hoses campaign.

In addition to providing blood donation services to our community, the Union County Chapter also provides relief to victims of disaster, trains thousands in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists our neighbors around the country who are victims of disasters or conflicts

If you are at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and are in good general health, you may be eligible to donate blood. All donors need to present positive identification. The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood.™

Union County Chapter of the American Red Cross - Board Members

2009-06-01T08:37:00.001-04:00

Union County Chapter of the American Red Cross Board Members
The Union County Chapter Board of Directors is a body of volunteers:
The local board is responsible to the National Board of Governors of the American Red Cross. The primary responsibility of the local board is to ensure that the chapter has adequate resources to carry out the Mission of the Red Cross and to implement the chapter’s strategic plan, and for ensuring the proper management of chapter resources.
Pete Emmons:Chairperson
Steve Bell: Board Vice-Chair
Lori Jones: Board Treasurer
Sandy DeBlanc: Board Secretary
Mary Walker
Cindy Maxhimer
Kevin Potter
Spence Fisher
Jim Yobaggy
Fred LaFrance
Cathy Oetker
Dani Plank
Chris Yapp

11th Annual Golf Outing Sponsors.

2009-05-30T23:23:00.006-04:00

Coldwell Banker/King Thompson
The Scott's Miracle-Gro Company
Burger King
Moose Family Center Lodge 1651
Memorial Hospital of Union County
Delaware County Bank
Fifth/Third Bank
Concept Building, Inc
Holbrook & Manter, CPAs
Jackson's Collision
Milholland Financial
Allen, Yurasek, Merklin & Owens-Ruff LLC
Page Engineering, Inc.
Brett Short Circuits, llc.
Benny's Pizza
Union County Sheriff's Department
Union Rural Electric
Check back for more sponsors as they committ to keeping Union County Safe!

Community Care Day with United Way of Union County

2009-05-30T23:12:00.004-04:00

On May 19, 2009, for Community Care Day of Union County, volunteers gathered at the First Methodist Church and the Union County Armory to make over 160 dozen homeade cookies. These cookies were 2008 Union County Fair Ribbon Winning recipies. They were made to make available at Union County American Red Cross Blood Drives and other events. Thanks to the wonderful volunteers, lives will be saved. Donors really like sitting down after giving "the gift of life" to eat 1 or 2 of these homeade cookies. The Board Members of the Union County Chapter along with the Executive Director and staff invite everyone to give Now.

2009-04-22T16:28:00.000-04:00

The Greater Columbus Chapter held its "Humanitarian of the Year" luncheon today. It was wonderful. Next year our whole board needs to go. And, we will have our own Hero Breakfast within the year. Most important, Union County has so many incredible local heroes deserving of recognition. The local chapter of the American Red Cross is just the right facilitator for such an event.

What are you waiting for?

2009-04-16T15:51:00.000-04:00

So??? What are you waiting for? Sign up now for the 11th Annual Golf Outing at Timberview Golf Club of Marysville, Ohio. All level golfers are welcome as we are conducting a scrambles format.

DAY OF THE EVENT

Friday June 12, 2009

7:15 to 8:15 Registration(team pictures) and Continental Breakfast

7:45 to 8:15am Putting Contest

8:30am Tee time

Registration is simple (form is found by clicking here). Registration is $260/foursome ($65 per player). More information can be found on our website.

A little bit about the Red Cross

2009-04-16T15:25:00.000-04:00

Since its founding in 1881 by visionary leader Clara Barton, the American Red Cross has been the nation'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, in addition to domestic disaster relief, the American Red Cross offers compassionate services in five other areas: community services that help the needy; support and comfort for military members and their families; the collection, processing and distribution of lifesaving blood and blood products; educational programs that promote health and safety; and international relief and development programs.

The American Red Cross is where people mobilize to help their neighbors—across the street, across the country, and across the world—in emergencies. Each year, in communities large and small, victims of some 70,000 disasters turn to neighbors familiar and new—the more than half a million volunteers and 35,000 employees of the Red Cross. Through over 700 locally supported chapters, more than 15 million people gain the skills they need to prepare for and respond to emergencies in their homes, communities and world.

Some four million people give blood—the gift of life—through the Red Cross, making it the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. And the Red Cross helps thousands of U.S. service members separated from their families by military duty stay connected. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, a global network of 186 national societies, the Red Cross helps restore hope and dignity to the world's most vulnerable people.

An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.

Welcome!

2009-04-16T13:05:00.000-04:00

What exciting news we have for Union County - We have a blog! We know that in today's economy, we are all struggling. We see it in the news every day - financial problems, job security concerns, and so on. But there are a LOT of good things happening right here in Central Ohio that you may not know.

Did you know that our community continues to pull together to make sure there is plasma available to those who are ill?
Did you know that the our member companies continue to contribute finances and resources to ensure we can be there when needed?
Did you know that new volunteers walk through our door, bringing office skills, technical skills, and most importantly a caring heart, offering their time to help those in need?

These are just a few of the things that make my heart smile, and make me proud of Union County, of Central Ohio, and of the United States.

You can share in these positive things that are happening. Our website for Union County Red Cross is your homebase. From there, you can find out what is happening, drop me an email, or get the latest and greatest news from our offices.

Since its founding in 1881 by visionary leader Clara Barton, the American Red Cross has been the nation's premier emergency response organization. If you have a few hours and want to help your fellow man, our website has a contact page to let us know!

Stay connected - by the net, by phone, or face-to-face.