Cross Blog: Award-winning Red Cross news and views from Oregon and beyond

Poll: CPR Happy Hour...What's Your Thought?

2009-11-09T17:24:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow afternoon, we're doing some brainstorming.

We've held a few Singles CPR classes and, though they've all been fantastic, they've never managed to achieve the stunning success of the inaugural Valentine's Day event. That one was a stunner -- attracting 38, uh, attractive men and women...way more than a normal class.

But, generally speaking, a non-V-Day event attracts more like 15-18 people. And definitely more girls than guys. While I think we've been "advertising" ('cuz we don't have funds to pay for it) and partnering with the right folks, I tend to think that paying $40 and spending 4 hours in an class that's not required by your work could be spendy.

Especially if you're really there to meet people...not just learn CPR.

And even more especially if you're part of the unemployed/underemployed 25-40 year old age group that we're sadly seeing so much of in Portland.

So a new idea has sprung.

How about a non-certification CPR Happy Hour? Still in a sweet location. Still lots of mixing and mingling. Still learning the skills to save a life. But making it more like $15-$20. And more like 1.5-2 hours.

Sure, you won't be certified (which will mean the folks who need it for work will head to Comedy CPR or a regular class instead), but you will know how to help someone in an emergency. And isn't it part of our mission to educate as many people as possible about how to do just that?

And, of course, we'll still hold a certification-filled Singles CPR on Valentine's Day 2010.

So, give us your thoughts in this poll. And make sure to leave comments about what idea YOU think will work best to teach a new generation of Portlanders the skills to save a life!

The Perfect Housewarming Gift...

2009-11-09T14:37:00.000-08:00

With the new homebuyer tax credit, there will surely be lots of people buying houses in the next couple of months. And what better housewarming gift than a disaster kit?

For real, folks.

A disaster kit is just the sort of thing that new homeowners need. They likely don't own one already (and probably haven't given it much thought just yet) and it's both practical and useful. What's more, a disaster kit is affordable; the one I have clocks in right at $45.

Whether you're a friend, family member or Realtor, we encourage you to give a housewarming gift that could save a life.

P.S. If you're a Realtor who gives thank you gifts to your buyers, get in touch! We might even be able to give you some special pricing if you order several kits...

Photo courtesy of thinkpanama

A Feel-Good Friday Post

2009-11-06T15:29:00.000-08:00

How about something to warm your heart at the end of this long week...

Nate brought me some thank you letters he received from school kids that his team had taught about preparedness, and I decided I'd type up a few sweet highlights. (My favorite is the last one. Hey, there's something to be said for honesty!)

Thanks for visiting our classroom... I didn't know that a fire extinguisher lasts only 8 seconds. That's some interesting stuff. I think your program is awesome. If someone didn't know what you talked about and heard it, it could save a life. Keep doing what you do.

- S.O.

Sometimes we just don't think about how something can come that we are not expecting... and just can't even imagine how we could just lose everything. After your speech I went home and talked about getting prepared for a bad time coming. So thank you so much for your time.
- K.M.

Thanks to you guys I got home and started packing up for emergencies. My family and I made a plan for fire emergency.

- A.M.

I really liked that you guys showed us what we should keep so that we would be prepared. I found out some things that I did not know.

-R.G.

I learned a lot... You should come to our class more often... because you came to our class I get extra credit.

- P.L.

CPR Minus Mouth-To-Mouth

2009-11-05T11:54:00.000-08:00

Word on the street is that you can do CPR without the mouth-to-mouth.

You knew that, right? It's called "compression-only" CPR and it's a great way to start learning the skills to save a life.

This new (and downright cute) video will teach you the basics of compression-only, but we'd still suggest following up with an actual CPR class so that you're fully prepared for any incident.

Don't forget; it's important to have at least one member of every household trained!

Do you bleed orange, or do you bleed green?

2009-11-05T10:00:00.000-08:00

Get out your duck call whistles and your beaver tails because the 8th annual Civil War Blood Drive starts today!

Show your school spirit by donating blood November 5-21. Whether you’re a Beaver believer or a diehard Duck, hospital patients need your help. Any fan who presents to donate blood or platelets on behalf of either Oregon State University or the University of Oregon, at any blood drive in Oregon or in Vancouver, Washington, will help one school win the Civil War Blood Drive trophy.

Plus, all participants may enter a drawing to win two tickets to the Civil War football game in Eugene on December 3!

To learn more about the Civil War Blood Drive and to check on the status of each team's daily scores, go to the Web site at CivilWarBlooddrive.com.

At least ducks and beavers can agree on one thing: an intense rivalry is even better when it's for a good cause.

We All Scream For Freeze-Dried Ice Cream!

2009-11-04T14:26:00.000-08:00

Our friend Magi's comment on yesterday's post reminded me of my childhood...

Or, more specifically, visits to OMSI where I got to indulge in the very special treat of freeze-dried ice cream!

While I remember the classic Neopolitan, evidently "astronaut" ice cream comes in varieties including double chocolate, mint and cookies 'n' cream. What's more, there are actually freeze-dried ice cream SANDWICHES. Ultra yum.

So you know where I'm going with this, right? Freeze-dried ice cream is the perfect -- PERFECT -- addition to your disaster kit. Especially if you've got kids. I mean, they might balk at a 1000 calorie food bar, but astronaut ice cream? I'm pretty sure that will go over really well in an emergency.

In a quick Internet search, it seems the shelf-life is anywhere from 2 to 7 years, so you can all scream for ice cream for a mighty long time!

P.S. In awesome state trivia, it looks like Oregon Freeze Dry, Inc. in Albany is a pioneer in the field, working with NASA in the 1960's and still making foods for the shuttle flights. If you want to order your ice cream straight from the local source, you can do that here.

P.P.S. If you really want to entertain the kiddos post-disaster, try picking up this Space Food Sampler, which includes "Splashdown Flavor Stix" for bottled water. Fun!

Prepare-aphernalia: Shelf-Stable Salmon

2009-11-03T13:44:00.000-08:00

I can't think of anything that would be more comforting after a disaster than some carb-filled macaroni and cheese.

Or how about a salmon fillet and a side of rice?

Sounds impossible, right? But thanks to researchers at Washington State University (home of the infamous Cougar Gold cheese!), we just might be able to add these delicacies to our disaster kits.

According to this press release, Juming Tang, a professor in the WSU Department of Biological Systems Engineering, led a team of university, industry and U.S. military scientists to develop a microwave energy technology for producing pre-packaged, low-acid foods. The outcome results in food with a longer shelf life as well as better flavor and nutritional value compared to more traditional food processing methods such as canning.

Since the FDA has approved the technology, these shelf-stable staples could be coming soon. Get all your questions answered -- especially the ones about shelf life and storage -- now.

And, while we wait for these products to come to market, go add the already shelf-stable (and delicious!) Cougar Gold to your disaster kit!

Red Cross goes Runway Ready

2009-11-03T08:56:00.000-08:00

In honor of the 150th anniversary of the Red Cross, French fashion house Louis Vuitton has teamed with our organization to create six artist designed custom trunks to be auctioned off at London based Sotheby's.

Those who have lent their creative talents to design for the cause include Patrick-Louis Vuitton, descendant of the man for which the brand is named; Annie Liebovitz, famed fashion photographer; and Marc Jacobs, the current Creative Director for Louis Vuitton.

My favorite piece from the designer series is none other than the customized Red Cross supply kit trunk created by artist Damien Hirst.

In addition to all of the auction proceeds going directly to the Red Cross, Louis Vuitton has agreed to donate 10% of the money generated from the purchases of their top four selling handbags on their U.S. website to the American Red Cross for the month of November.

If you don't think you need the luxury LV monogramed leather on the trunk of your first-aid kit, be sure to check out our store and pick a more practical approach to these life-saving supplies.

What Did YOU Get?

2009-11-02T09:26:00.000-08:00

Hey, trick-or-treaters. Did you spot any houses actually handing out hand sanitizer last weekend? I'm pretty sure that your dentist, your doctor and I all agree that it wouldn't be such a bad prize to find amongst all your fun-sized, full-of-sugar, finger-food.

And speaking of flu... who better to educate you on the truths and myths of H1N1 than Discovery Channel's Myth Busters! Check out their webpage devoted to flu at http://www.discovery.com/h1n1.

They bust myths about:

- The effectiveness of masks.

- The origins of H1N1

- "Swine Flu Parties" (**shudder**), and more.

Oh, and be sure to watch their icky, but impressive public service announcement about flu prevention. (Sleeve sneeze, people. Sleeve. Sneeze.)

P.S. If you're looking for flu supplies, we do sell germ guard packs that come with masks, gel and sanitizing wipes.

Thanks to Stephanie, our Health & Safety Director, for forwarding me the cartoon!

Run Neal, RUN!

2009-10-30T14:25:00.000-07:00

Much like Forrest Gump, Neal Gorman is running. While Forrest just decides to run one day, Neal however, is running for a cause. Not only has he raised over $2400, he's done it through Twitter and Facebook pledges across the web!

Check out Neal's ingenious use of social media called the $5 Red Cross Twitter Challenge. As Neal prepares for the NYC Marathon race, send some Red Cross encouragement his way with a tweet or two!

Photo courtesy of aceofcleancarpet.com

Just Treats

2009-10-30T09:01:00.000-07:00

Happy (almost) Halloween! Have you decided on your costume yet? Maybe you're skipping the parties and sticking to the treating. In that case, here's a Vampire Blood Lollipop recipe for you to try out. Mmm... sugary bloody goodness.

If you're still looking for something to do this Halloween, I have an idea for you (it's really my only idea I ever have for you): donate blood! Because real blood is way more useful than the fake costume kind.

Photo from curbly.com

A Bit of History...

2009-10-29T16:03:00.000-07:00

This morning I met someone who absolutely warmed my heart. Ray Schumacher, 82, drove to the Red Cross Portland Center to deliver a piece of our history: his wife's Red Cross volunteer uniform.

Ray's wife Leona passed away last year. He couldn't remember exactly when Leona volunteered at the Red Cross, but he guessed the late 50s or 60s. She was likely a nurse's assistant or blood donor canteen volunteer.

With a shaky voice and teary eyes, Ray told us that Leona would be very happy to know that her uniform made it back to the Red Cross. We promised him that we would take great care of it for her.

Photo: Red Cross community relations specialist Sandi Lesh holds Leona Schumacher's vintage Red Cross uniform. Ray Schumacher holds the uniform's matching hat.

Worldwide...um, Thursday... Wrap-Up

2009-10-29T10:35:00.000-07:00

[Better late than never...]

Welcome to the Worldwide ~~Wednesday~~ Thursday 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...

[The place names link to maps so that you can get a quick idea of the region.]

INDIA: The heaviest rains in more than a century have inundated parts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka states in southern India. The Krishna River and its tributaries have flooded surrounding villages, killing 384 people, displacing 674,500 and affecting more than 4.1 million

The Indian Red Cross is responding, providing relief supplies and water sanitation. The American Red Cross is sending $180,000 of relief items.

YEMEN: Aid from the ICRC and the Yemen Red Crescent has reached around 140,000 people over the past three months, but tens of thousands of others trapped in conflict areas or forced to flee must fend for themselves as winter approaches.

PAKISTAN: As thousands flee fighting in the south of Waziristan, the ICRC and Pakistan Red Crescent Society continue to help people displaced in the north of the country over the last six months. Photo gallery.

BURUNDI: A healthy albino baby boy was born last week in a police-protected shelter. A rare happy story in the Ruyigi province where albino people have been the target of occult-based killings.

WORLDWIDE: For more worldwide Red Cross and Red Crescent news, read the latest issue of Red Cross Red Crescent Magazine online.

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

We're On To You, Dunder Mifflin...

2009-10-28T16:55:00.000-07:00

About a week ago, I blogged on virtual world Second Life hosting a Zombiefest fundraiser for the Red Cross...last night I was recovering from the flu monster and caught the latest episode of The Office. Continuing a long streak of nods to our blog, the show was back to making too-relevant-for-coincidence references! I dare you to refute this connection after watching Dwight Schrute's Second Life rant linked here.

Otherwise, speaking of zombies...make sure to pay attention to Ready Radio tomorrow for some special preparedness tips!

Photo courtesy of nbc.com

Prepare-aphernalia: Wondermark Comic's Knit Kit Survival Bag

2009-10-28T16:17:00.000-07:00

First it was a comic strip (which we blogged here).

Then, a t-shirt.

Now, a survival kit messenger bag!

You've gotta give props to the folks at Wondermark for creating a functional, fashionable - and funny - disaster "go bag." Though it doesn't come stocked, so you might want to throw in some... oh, ya know... food and water along with your yarn and needles. Just in case.

A Message From Gov. Kulongoski... And Elmo

2009-10-27T14:53:00.000-07:00

Elmo has been busy lately recording public service announcements with congressmen and governors all across the country - reminding kids to sneeze into their sleeves and wash their hands during flu season.

Our own Governor Ted Kulongoski got to record a radio message with the Big E. Listen here.

P.S. For the grown-ups, our own Representative David Wu recorded a video PSA covering the same info, sans muppet.

Check out the vast library of flu PSAs at flu.gov/PSA.

Mystery of the Earthquake Swarms Solved!

2009-10-26T14:03:00.000-07:00

Remember last year when seismologists reported observing "swarms" of hundreds of small earthquakes in the Pacific ocean just off the Oregon Coast? At the time they weren't sure what was causing them, but now it seems the mystery has been solved!

Oregon State University researchers have discovered a whole new series of faults in the Juan de Fuca plate (as an Oregonian you know what that is) that they previously didn't know existed. Just how could these faults affect us? Could they contribute to triggering quakes closer to land? The scientists aren't quite sure yet.

One thing we do know for sure? How to prepare just in case. www.oregonredcross.org/earthquakes

Hat tip to Audrey for sharing the OSU article.

Samoan Community In Oregon Bands Together To Raise Funds For Relief Efforts

2009-10-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

“We want to let the people in Samoa know that the Samoan community in Oregon is keeping them in our thoughts and prayers as they begin a long journey to rebuild their lives.”

Those are the words of Ace Salu, pictured here presenting our grants manager, Darcie Spar, with the results of his incredible fundraising efforts.

In less than two weeks, Ace and his wife, Paula, organized a fundraising dinner at St. Philip Catholic Church to benefit relief efforts in American Samoa. The event, which was supported by the Pacific Island Council of Oregon and Noho Hawaiian Restaurant, raised thousands of dollars to help the victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami.

So a big thank you to Ace, Paula, and everyone who contributed to the fundraiser. Simply amazing.

For updates on relief efforts in American Samoa keep an eye on the American Red Cross Online Disaster Newsroom as well as our Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Ups.

Halloween Red Cross Style

2009-10-23T16:26:00.000-07:00

About this time each year I start to panic... what am I going to be for Halloween?! Next Friday is the Red Cross staff costume contest and I still have no idea. One year I dressed as a dead drummer from Spinal Tap (complete with skeleton t-shirt, leopard print pants, and crimped hair). I thought it was totally awesome, but nobody else understood it and I couldn't sustain a British accent for the entire night. Costume fail.

If you're also having a hard time figuring out a costume for this year, I've got some inspiration for you. How about showing off your Red Cross knowledge and support by dressing as:

-A giant blood drop (our mascot's name is "Buddy Blood Drop")

-"Disaster Dog" (another Red Cross mascot; see photo above)

-A blood donor (complete with a "Be nice to me, I gave blood today!" sticker, a bandaged arm, a fake bag of blood, and a doughnut in hand)

-A vintage Red Cross nurse

-A Vietnam Donut Dolly

-Dr. Charles Drew (the "father of blood banking")

-American Red Cross founder Clara Barton

-CPR Annie (the dummy)

-A Disaster Relief Volunteer

-A Red Cross Pirate...?!

Whatever you decide to dress as, remember to be safe out there (just like your mom, the Red Cross feels compelled to say this every time we talk with you).

Photo: Costume inspiration! Red Cross mascots Buddy Blood Drop, Disaster Dog and the Vintage Red Cross Gals

Pet First Aid Promo!

2009-10-23T15:57:00.000-07:00

So, Anne just posted on pet Pickle's predicament..but after stumbling on this article, it seemed worth sharing more Pet First Aid news with the Red Cross world! Also, make sure to check out our own Dog and Cat First Aid classes right here in Portland.

PS: I found this article through angieslist.com, which I have to say is a pretty great website for keeping businesses in check.

How Many Pints Are in 12 Gallons?

2009-10-23T14:15:00.000-07:00

That sounds like an SAT question. I just got kind of nervous.

Steve Stover of Salem, Oregon recently donated his 12th gallon--or 96th pint--of blood. He's been hooked on helping to save lives for the past 42 years after he gave his first donation at age 18.

Steve has potentially helped save hundreds of lives. Would you like to join him? To work towards your 96th pint, find a blood drive near you.

The Key To Volunteering?

2009-10-23T13:29:00.000-07:00

Pockets. Lots of pockets.

That's according to Andy, the ex-boyfriend who lives in the pit on NBC's Parks and Recreation.

And, once again, the Red Cross makes an appearance on primetime during the iParticipate campaign.

Here's the quote:

"The key to volunteering? A lot of pockets...for putting all the food in. The Red Cross has amazing cookies. I go there all the time!"

You can see it for yourself on Hulu -- 2:45 into the episode.

P.S. If you want to volunteer (or just want cookies), I'd suggest going here OR signing up to give blood.

Flu Prepare-aphernalia: Musical Hand Wash Timer

2009-10-23T12:51:00.000-07:00

According to a CDC survey, about 1 in 5 U.S. children had a flu-like illness earlier this month — and most of those cases likely were swine flu.

As we all know by now, handwashing is one of the best ways to stay safe. And we've shared kid-friendly wash tips on the blog before -- everything from singing the "Happy Birthday" song to introducing you to the Scrub Club.

Now we've got a piece of prepare-aphernalia that makes it easier for children to wash correctly...enter the musical hand wash timer!

Whether you like Disney princesses or talking cars, these toppers can be added to any bottle of liquid soap, making them both re-useable and versatile. I might not be a kid, but I'm tempted to buy one for myself.

Lights, music...wash!

Weebles Wobble But They Don't Fall Down

2009-10-22T12:35:00.000-07:00

And neither do these new self-righting buildings designed to withstand earthquakes. Built on a rocking frame that allows the building to safely sway, this design uses a system somewhat similar to the human body. Flexible steel frames dissipate the energy of a quake while steel cable "tendons" stretch vertically and spring back into their original length once the shaking is over, thus pulling the building back upright. In other words, turning the buildings into Weebles.

Check out the video of scientists testing their new structural design on the worlds largest shake table in Japan.

Sing, Dance, Volunteer

2009-10-22T10:27:00.000-07:00

Wednesday is my new favorite night. Why Wednesday, you might ask, when it's only half-way to the weekend? Because Wednesday, I might say, is the night I come home from the gym, slap on a face mask, open a bottle of red, and hit the couch to watch my new favorite show Glee!

With stylish, handsome, and hilarious actors, swoon-worthy love stories, witty dialogue and entertaining song and dance scenes, there isn't a whole lot I don't love about Glee. It almost (almost) makes me want to go back to high school to start a glee club. If only I could sing...

Last night's episode of Glee gave me yet another reason to love the show. While characters Rachel and Puckerman flirted their way down the hallways of their high school, I noticed a familiar sign on the wall behind them... a Red Cross volunteer poster! See it in the background of the screen shots? Pretty awesome. Red Cross volunteering must be cool if it's mentioned in Glee.

To find out more about how you can help save lives through volunteer work with the Red Cross, click here. We need your help... and so do the people whose lives you could help touch.