Summer Safety: Water Tips

swimsafelyThere’s no time like the summertime! 8 person hot tubs are a must-have accessory for a family party. It’s finally warm enough to go swimming. As you’re breaking out your bikini or swim trunks, take some time to remember certain safety measures to practice when it comes to water. The Red Cross has a number of helpful tips for disaster prevention.

Never leave a child unattended! Even if lifeguards are present, there should be a designated familiar adult easily accessible to the child. Have young or inexperienced swimmers wear a life jacket or some kind of flotation device. Teach children to always ask permission before going near water. Practice the “buddy system” when swimming, even if at a public pool or beach.

Continue reading

Hoosiers Encouraged to Give Blood This Holiday Season

 
 
At hospitals and clinics across Indiana, the need for blood knows no season, but donations tend to drop at this time of year, so officials involved are urging Hoosiers to consider rolling up their sleeves to give a lifesaving gift.

According to Dan Fox, communications manager with the American Red Cross, what with school vacations, inclement weather and busy schedules, the number of donations declines over the holidays, while the need for blood in local hospitals remains constant.

Continue reading

Plan to Donate Blood During National Preparedness Month

 
 
The American Red Cross is in dire need of blood donations and officials urge you to plan to donate in the month of September during a blood drive.

September is National Preparedness Month and officials are taking action to plan and prepare for an emergency and for you to help in donating blood. All blood types are needed daily, especially type O negative which is the universal blood type and in frequent demand.

Continue reading

WKVI Sponsoring Red Cross Blood Drive Today

 
 
The American Red Cross is still in need of blood and platelet donations, as blood products are being distributed to area hospitals almost as quickly as donations are coming in. The Red Cross issued an emergency call for blood donations on July 9 after seeing about 50,000 fewer blood and platelet donations than expected in June. Donations have increased by about 15 percent since the emergency call for donors was issued, but the middle and end of July mark only the halfway point to the challenging summer months.

Continue reading

Red Cross Still in Urgent Need of Blood

 
 

Though the recent emergency call for blood and platelet donations from the American Red Cross has drawn thousands of people to respond to the growing need for blood, an urgent need yet remains for platelet donors, as well as donors with types O negative, B negative and A negative blood. Blood produts are being distributed to area hospitals almost as quickly as donations are coming in.

Continue reading

Red Cross Presents Several Starke County Entities With Awards

The Red Cross presented several awards to a number of Starke County organizations, businesses, and churches for their outstanding achievements and volunteer services during their annual recognition dinner at the Fort Wayne Marriott. This year’s theme of “Saving Lives by the Numbers” highlighted the many ways in which lives can be saved and how many those lives can affect.

The First-Time Sponsor Award was presented to Bethlehem Baptist Church for hosting their first American Red Cross blood drive during the last year.

Continue reading