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Originally uploaded by Rock River Red Cross
Many thanks to all the Culver’s who participated in “Day of Giving” it was a huge success and all the money raised goes to help victims of the recent flooding in the Midwest. At the Culver’s on North Main Paul Youngblood of WTVO/FOX39 did the weather and we talked about what’s in a comfort and clean-up kits.
Thanks to all those who came out!
Culver’s Restaurants are banding together again for the benefit of the American Red Cross’ Disaster Relief Fund. Culver’s restaurants of the Rock River Valley are among more than 370 Culver’s restaurants donating 10 percent of their respective sales on Tuesday, July 1 to their local participating American Red Cross chapter.
The Rock River Chapter will then use 100 percent of the funds to provide immediate relief to victims of disasters such as the recent Midwestern Floods.
Guests can enhance the total Red Cross contribution by giving personal donations in canisters available at stores.
Flooding and Red Cross Damage Assessment
Originally uploaded by rockriverredcross
We were out today assessing damage in flooded areas of the Rock River. In some areas front yards had actual fish living in ditches. Others needed boats to access their homes. Check out more photos on our flickr page.
The Rock River Chapter of the American Red Cross has closed the emergency shelter at Harlem High School. A sign is posted on the doors instructing any families who still need assistance to contact the Red Cross at: (815) 963-8471
Culver’s has one again stepped up to the plate and is having another “Culver’s Day of Giving” on July 1, 2008 and the American Red Cross gets 10% of your purchase. So, mark you calendars to eat a meal or two at Culver’s on July 1st.
Thanks Culver’s!
97 ZOK is helping out the Red Cross! For your donation today on 97 ZOK you also get to request any song you’d like! The money donated goes to support the Red Cross and victims of disaster.
Like Rockford Illinois’ own Cheap Trick? Like Rick Nielsen? How about winning a Hammer brand guitar with his autograph on it?
You’re in luck you can win it at Rock’n for the RED this Saturday, June 21st, at Davis Park in Rockford, IL from noon to 11 pm! There’s a picture of it below, tickets are just $5 for one and $25 for six tickets to win.
Raffle tickets can be purchased at Rock’n for the RED or at the chapter house located at 727 N. Church Street, Rockford, IL 61103 you must be 18 to enter and you do not need to be present to win.
Two Round Trip Tickets to Las Vegas, NV
Donated by Allegiant Air
Zavius Jewelry Items
Total worth $5,000
Magic Waters Season Pass &
Golf (4 course)Season Pass
Donated by the Rockford Park District
All proceeds from the raffle go to benefit victims of disaster and the Red Cross Rock River Chapter!
The Rock River Chapter of the American Red Cross’ shelter at Harlem High School currently houses 23 individuals affected by flooding with their emergency needs of shelter, food, and clothing. The Emergency Response Vehicle has distributed over 100 meals and snacks to those affected in response to the flooding. Five families have been housed in a local hotel as health issues prevent them from staying in the Red Cross shelter at Harlem High School.
If you are interested in doing your part to help the residents displaced by the recent flooding of the Rock River you can:
- Donate to the Disaster Relief Fund
- Come to Rock’n for the Red, Saturday, June 21 from noon-11 p.m. Proceeds from this event go towards the support the Red Cross provides during disasters such as the recent floods.
- Become a Red Cross trained volunteer. Volunteers currently make up 96 percent of our organization.
- Have breakfast at Cliffbreaker’s on Wednesday, June 18 from 6-9 a.m. where all proceeds benefit the Rock River Chapter’s Disaster Relief Fund.
Any families with emergency needs caused by the recent flooding can contact the Rock River Chapter at 815-963-8471.
The Rock River Chapter of the American Red Cross, at the urging of city officials, has opened an emergency shelter at Harlem High School located at 1 Huskie Circle in Machesney Park; please enter through Entrance 7 where registration will begin at 2 p.m.
The Chapter encourages those who need shelter to bring pillows and blankets if they can, along with any medications. Currently it’s estimated that 4 families and 20 plus individuals have been affected, and are expected to seek shelter at the shelter. If any individuals need immediate assistance – food, shelter, clothing- please contact the chapter at: (815) 963-8471.
Three lucky winners will be chosen for an all inclusive VIP package, consisting of admission to the exclusive VIP seating area, catered food by Damon’s Grill, a wine tasting, hor d’oeuvres, goodie bags, special raffle items, soft drinks and more.
Featured entertainment includes performances by The Avatars, The Tom Mac Group, The Frontiers, The Moment, The Souls, The Moon Dogs and Southern Heritage.
To enter just go to: http://mystateline.com/content/contestsandpromotions
The Office of Investigations, Compliance and Ethics has been alerted to a scam targeting the families of military staff. A caller contacts a spouse or another family member of a military staff person and identifies himself/herself as a representative of the American Red Cross. The caller states the military staff person has been injured while on duty in Iraq and is being or will be air-lifted to Germany for treatment and care. The caller may ask for additional information about the military staff person; for example, date of birth or social security number. In a subsequent call, the caller updates the family member and asks for a donation to the Red Cross to help cover the cost of the air-lift and medical care.
This is a scam using the Red Cross brand. American Red Cross representatives typically do not contact military members or military dependents when a service member has been injured or killed in action. Rather the service member’s Command or the casualty assistance branch of the respective Service contacts the primary next of kin when a service member has been injured or killed in action.
Military families are urged not to give out any personal information or money over the phone if contacted by unknown/unverified individuals, including confirmation that a family member is deployed. Should any military family member receive such a call, they are urged to report it to their local Family Readiness Group or Military Personnel Unit.
First 10 people who come to our chapter house TODAY get a coupon for a free button to Rock’n for the RED & a scoop of custard from Culver’s!
We’re located at:
If anyone in the Rockford or surround areas want to display a Rock’n for the RED yard sign just click this link! Please help spread the word for this event which supports the Rock River Chapter of the American Red Cross. We can either drop off a sign or you can pick up sign from our chapter while supplies last!!
Looking for a job that allows you to make a difference? Look no further. The American Red Cross – Rock River Chapter is seeking an extremely detail oriented individual who excels in and enjoys logistical and administrative work. This person will work closely with co-workers and volunteers to provide support for all lines of service within the Health and Safety department. Ideal candidate is well organized, has administrative experience, strong computer skills, and has the ability to multi-task. We offer competitive salary and benefits.
If interested, please send resume to Jessica Blackbourn at blackbournj@usa.redcross.org.
Rock’n for the Red will be held on the North lawn of Davis Park Saturday, June 21, 2008
and runs noon until 11 pm. You can buy buttons, just $5 at the following locations:
- Kelley Williamson Mobil Gas Stations
- Rockford, IL Area Culver’s
- Logli Supermarkets
- Rockford Area Arts Council
- Kryptonite
- CJ’s Lounge
- Vinny’s on Block 5
- American Red Cross - Rock River Chapter
100% of the money made will go back to support your neighbors in the Rock River Valley. Click here to find out what bands are playing and when.
Sudden cardiac arrest claims the lives of more than 166,000 people in this country every year. Sadly, an astonishing 94 percent of people who suffer sudden cardiac arrest die before reaching a hospital. If ordinary people act immediately with Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), instead of just waiting for help to arrive, many thousands of lives can be saved every year.
It can take emergency personnel precious minutes to arrive on the scene. For every minute without defibrillation, a sudden cardiac arrest victim’s chance of surviving drops. It is critical for as many people as possible to be trained to perform CPR and know how to use an AED until advanced help arrives.
American Red Cross training in CPR and proper use of an AED can provide people with the knowledge and confidence to respond during an emergency situation with skills that can help save a life. Red Cross recommends that at least one person in every household and place of business receive this training. Over the past year, the Rock River Chapter has trained over 7,000 men, women and children in lifesaving skills in CPR, First Aid and AED.
Congress has set aside June 1-7 as the first annual National CPR/AED Awareness Week to spotlight how lives can be saved if more Americans know CPR and how to use an AED. In the declaration, Congress is asking states and municipalities to make AEDs more publicly accessible. During this week, Red Cross chapters across the country will conduct CPR/AED classes and demonstrations, host events, and provide educational information on the importance of CPR and AED training. Red Cross joins the American Heart Association and National Safety Council in recognizing the significance of this week.
Last year 11 million people took Red Cross health and safety training. Whether you want to be able to help a loved one at home, help someone in your work place, or use your training professionally, Red Cross can give you the knowledge and skills to be able to help. To find out more, contact the Rock River Chapter at: (815) 963-8471. Sign up before Sunday, June 8, to receive a 10% discount on any training course that includes an AED segment.
See the the links below for more on AED and CPR:
http://www.redcross.org/preparedness/BRCR/stories.html
http://www.redcross.org/preparedness/BRCR/gettrained.html
Red music festival will recognize everyday people doing extraordinary things.
For more than 90 years, the Rock River Chapter of the American Red Cross has been a hero for thousands of people in our community; lending aid during times of disaster, seeing to the welfare of military families and providing citizens with lifesaving CPR and First Aid skills. Now, the Rock River Chapter is seeking nominations by community members for someone who has saved a life.
Whether they are a police officer, firefighter, medical professional or an “everyday Joe”, the Rock River Chapter wants to recognize these heroes for demonstrating the mission of the American Red Cross. Through the actions of your neighbors numerous lives are saved every year thanks to their fast response, and by being equipped with the life-saving skills taught by the Red Cross. The nomination form can be found at: www.rockriver.redcross.org. All forms must be returned to the Rock River Chapter by Wednesday, June 18 to be considered by the Rock’n for the Red event committee.
For more information on Rock’n for the Red or how to become trained in First Aid/CPR feel free to contact the Chapter at: (815) 963-8471.
Our homeless shelter clean-up is this Saturday May 31, 2008. We are still looking for volunteers to help out. If you’d like to volunteer please visit our website and sign up - just click this link! We start at 9 am and work until we’re done - which is usually around 1 pm.
The shelter is located at:
Admission is just $5 to attend Rock’n for the Red and there is something to do for the whole entire family. 100% of the money raised at Rock’n for the Red stays to help victims of disaster in the Rock River Region.
Build a Stuffed Animal!
Families will have the opportunity to build a stuffed animal with PAWS in addition to build a stuffed animal for themselves PAWS will donate a stuffed animal to give to children that are victims of disaster (most commonly single-family house fires).
Balloon Animals!
Billy the Balloon Guy will make an appearance making balloons for everyone in the whole family. Billy can make anything from bunnies to pirate swords and everything in between. To learn more about Billy go to his website.
Bean Bag Toss
Bean bag toss, corn toss, bags, whatever you want to call it’s just plain fun! Kids and adults can play corn toss at Rock’n for the Red - Super Corn Toss is sponsoring Rock’n for the Red check out their website.
Face Painting!
Want to become a kitty cat, tiger, pirate, or even Spiderman? You can and our face painters at Rock’n for the Red are there for you! Let your imagination be your guide.
Meet a Firefighter!
The fire department will be at Rock’n for the Red with many different interactive stations are set up showing children and parents what the Fire Department does for the community.
Tie Dye a T-Shirt!
If you’re an NBA fan, you probably caught Yao Ming’s PSA during the game over the weekend.
From http://www.youtube.com/NBACaresVideo
He is helping us get the word out that survivors of the earthquake in China need our assistance.
RELATED:
- Information on both the American Red Cross and International Federation response in China
- Join our Facebook Cause
The above is from RedCrossChat.org
Yes, we are on MySpace and it’s a great way to keep in touch with what’s going on at our chapter.
http://www.myspace.com/redcrossrockriverchapter
Be our friend today it’s free and a great way to keep in touch. In addition to our MySpace page we also have a YouTube Channel.
http://www.youtube.com/rockriverredcross
Right now our channel has a few videos and our mini-movie promoting Rock’n for the Red. If you have a video you’d like to share that relates to the Red Cross please contact us. These are just a couple of ways for you to find out what’s going on at the Rock River Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Today’s American Red Cross is keeping pace with the changing military. Using the latest in computer and telecommunications technology, the Red Cross sends communications on behalf of family members who are facing emergencies or other important events to members of the U.S. Armed Forces serving all over the world.
These communications are delivered around the clock, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
While providing services to 1.4 million active duty personnel and their families, the Red Cross also reaches out to more than 1.2 million members of the National Guard and the Reserves and their families who reside in nearly every community in America.
Locally, the Rock River Chapter has assisted 378 military members and their families in times of crisis while providing 19 international tracing services.
The chapter has recently begun to develop the VIDITalk project. VIDITalk is a powerful, cost effective, easily implemented solution to improve communications. It enables loved ones to easily create and send high-quality personal video messages (VIDIs) from their computer to their friend or relative serving our country overseas on high-speed or dial-up connections. The user creates a video message on their computer where it is automatically compressed, encoded, and sent to the hosting server. The VIDITalk server returns a hyperlink to the creator for placement into email, instant messages or any electronic document. Recipients click on the link and view the streamed video message in a customized playback screen using Microsoft Windows Media Player.
The American Red Cross’ legendary service to the military has received its share of detractors over the years. An outstanding grievance is the story about the Red Cross selling coffee and doughnuts instead of giving them away to military personnel during World War II.
This unfortunate policy came into being because service agencies in Britain helping British military personnel were less well-financed than the American Red Cross.
Thus, these agencies were forced to charge British military members for the same items that American service members were getting free from the American Red Cross.
To avoid further embarrassment to the British, who were playing host to thousands of U.S. troops, the U.S. secretary of war requested that the American Red Cross begin charging American service members for such items as coffee and doughnuts in its canteens. The Red Cross interpreted this request as a wartime demand and complied so that it could continue aiding U.S. troops. However, the Red Cross sold items at or below cost and never profited a penny from these sales.
Since the end of World War II, the American Red Cross has not charged military personnel— not in the Korean, Vietnam, or Persian Gulf conflicts, for example. If you were 126 years old, chances are there would be a lot of stories about you — and some of them wouldn’t be true!
Community-based military members and their families are entitled to the same valuable Red Cross emergency services as full-time active duty personnel. When your doctor, your pharmacist, or your neighbor is mobilized or deployed with the Reserve or National Guard, the American Red Cross is there.
We keep them in touch with their families at home, verify emergency leave information, secure emergency financial assistance and help families cope with separation when their loved ones are far from home in defense of our country. For information on Armed Forces Emergency Services feel free to contact the Rock River Chapter at: 815-963-8471.
Cedric A. Johnson is community relations specialist for Rock River Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Below is a post from Red Cross Chat - in case you missed it regarding what the Red Cross is doing in Virginia after the tornado.
Tornadoes in Southeastern Virginia
- The Suffolk Chapter of the Red Cross will be offering supply assistance.
- Southeastern Virginia Chapter has deployed an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) to provide canteening services.
- We have disaster assessment teams gathering damage info.
- We have Health Services staff on standby.
See the link below:
Earthquakes strike suddenly, without warning. Earthquakes can occur at any time of the year and at any time of the day or night. On a yearly basis, 70 to 75 damaging earthquakes occur throughout the world. Estimates of losses from a future earthquake in the United States approach $200 billion. Forty-five states and territories in the United States are at moderate to very high risk of earthquakes, and they are located in every region of the country. California has experienced the most frequent damaging earthquakes; however, Alaska has experienced the greatest number of large earthquakes—many of which caused little damage because of the area’s low population density at the time.
The most widely felt sequence of earthquakes in the contiguous 48 states was along the New Madrid Fault in Missouri, where a three-month long series of quakes from 1811 to 1812 included three with estimated magnitudes of 7.6, 7.7, and 7.9 on the Richter Scale. These earthquakes were felt over the entire eastern United States, with Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi experiencing the strongest ground shaking.
Much of the damage caused by earthquakes is predictable and preventable. We must all work together in our communities to apply our knowledge to enact and enforce up-to-date building codes, retrofit older unsafe buildings, and avoid building in hazardous areas, such as those prone to landslides. We must also look for and eliminate hazards at home, where our children spend their days, and where we work. And we must learn and practice what to do if an earthquake occurs.
If you are at risk from earthquakes, you should:
- Discuss with members of your household the possibility of earthquakes and what to do to stay safe if one occurs. Knowing how to respond will help reduce fear.
- Pick “safe places” in each room of your home and your office or school. A safe place could be under a piece of furniture, such as a sturdy table or desk, or against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases, or tall furniture that could fall on you
- Practice drop, cover, and hold on in each safe place. Drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, and hold on to a leg of the furniture. If suitable furniture is not nearby, sit on the floor next to an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your arms.
- Keep a flashlight and sturdy shoes by each person’s bed.
- Talk with your insurance agent about earthquake protection. Different areas have different requirements for earthquake protection. Study the locations of active faults, and, if you are at risk, consider purchasing earthquake insurance.
- Inform guests, babysitters, and caregivers of earthquake plans. Everyone in your home should know what to do if an earthquake occurs, even if you are not there at the time.
For general preparedness, every household should create and practice a Family Disaster Plan and assemble and maintain a Disaster Supplies Kit. In addition, every household should take earthquake specific precautions and plan and practice what to do in the event of an earthquake. For more information on disaster preparedness feel free to contact the Rock River Chapter at: (815) 963-8471 or rockriver.redcross.org.
Gail J. McGovern, a successful business executive and proven nonprofit fundraiser, was today named President and CEO of the American Red Cross. McGovern, who held top management positions at AT&T Corporation and Fidelity Investments, has experience running large organizations in competitive industries, and a track record for improving business performance and service delivery to the public. Currently, she teaches marketing at the Harvard Business School.
“Gail McGovern brings outstanding leadership skills from the private sector, coupled with a deep commitment to volunteerism,” said Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, Chairman of the Board of the Red Cross. “With a passion for our noble mission and the people we serve, Gail will ensure excellence in all areas of Red Cross service. On behalf of the entire Board of Governors, who voted unanimously to approve her selection, we warmly welcome Gail to the American Red Cross family.”
“It is an honor to be asked to lead the American Red Cross, the helping hand to so many people in times of disaster and crisis,” said McGovern. “I am humbled and inspired by this incredible humanitarian network of thousands of volunteers, workers, and supporters serving their neighbors in communities across our Nation and world. I look forward to joining them and am committed to the long-term growth and success of the Red Cross and its life-saving mission.”
McGovern has been recognized twice by Fortune magazine as one of the most powerful and influential women in corporate America. She spent 24 years (1974-199 
at AT&T where she began as a computer programmer and rose through the ranks to the second largest job in AT&T, Executive Vice President of the Consumer Markets Division. In that position, she had direct responsibility for residential long distance and internet services, servicing 75 million customers, generating $26 billion in revenue and overseeing 40,000 employees.
Joining Fidelity Investments in 1999, McGovern oversaw all retail distribution channels in 85 locations. A year later, she became President of Fidelity Personal Investments and was responsible for 4.5 million customers, $500 billion in assets, and 10,000 employees.
McGovern became a member of the Harvard Business School faculty in June 2002. In 2007, she was appointed to the chaired position of the MBA Class of 1996 Professor of Management Practice and teaches in the MBA and Executive programs.
Over the years, much of her volunteer time has been devoted to nonprofit fundraising. As a member of the Board of Trustees and co-chair of the Campaign Executive Committee at The Johns Hopkins University, McGovern and her colleagues kicked off a $2 billion, seven-year campaign. The development team exceeded that goal two years ahead of schedule and has now increased the goal to $3.2 billion.
Her fundraising activities also include events for Children’s Hospital Boston, Dana Farber, and the United Way of Boston. She also serves on two for-profit boards: the Board of Directors of Hartford Financial Group and DTE Energy.
Born in 1952, McGovern received her Bachelor of Arts in Quantitative Sciences from The Johns Hopkins University in 1974. She received an MBA from Columbia University in 1987. She currently resides in Boston with her husband and 18 year old daughter.
McGovern will start with the American Red Cross on June 23, taking over from Mary S. Elcano, who is serving as Acting President and CEO. Ms. Elcano will return to her position as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. In addition, the Red Cross recently announced that Jeffrey T. Towers, a veteran fundraiser with more than 25 years experience in the non-profit sector, will become Chief Development Officer for the organization. In this role, Towers will be responsible for the overall fundraising efforts of the charity.
Preparedness & Response Manager
- Provide coordination and support for chapter’s emergency response systems and personnel for both small and large-scale disasters. Effectively manage all disaster planning, preparedness, education, response and Homeless Shelter activities. Ensure provision and staff support of daytime Disaster Action Team response, the Chapter’s capability to respond to disasters after hours and weekends and support the staff with client casework management. Maintain inventory and restocking of emergency response materials and supplies. Serve as Emergency Homeless Shelter support and liaison.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
- Two years experience in emergency services or community services related work. Experience working closely with volunteers strongly desired. Strong computer skills including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- This position reports directly to the Emergency Services Director.
- Bi-Lingual in Spanish is desired but not required.
Click the link below for the full job description and who to contact:
http://rockriver.redcross.org/index.php?pr=Preparedness__Response_Manager
Q. What is Compression-Only CPR?
A. Compression-Only CPR is giving continuous chest compressions (approximately 100 compressions per minute) without giving rescue breaths.
Q. When should Compression-Only CPR be used?
A. Based on scientific evidence, the American Red Cross supports Compression-Only CPR (continuous chest compressions) as an effective alternative when:
- a bystander is unwilling, unable, untrained or unsure how to perform full CPR (cycles of chest compressions and rescue breaths) and;
- a bystander has witnessed the sudden collapse of an adult.
Q. When should Compression-Only CPR not be used?
A. Compression-Only CPR should not be used for infants and children, for an adult whose sudden collapse is not witnessed or when a respiratory emergency may have caused the cardiac arrest.
Q. Is “Compression-Only CPR” the same as “Hands-Only CPR?”
A. Yes. The Red Cross uses the term “Compression-Only CPR” while the American Heart Association (AHA) uses “Hands-Only CPR.” The technique is the same – giving continuous chest compressions (approximately 100 compressions per minute) without giving rescue breaths.
Q. Do the Red Cross and AHA agree on the recommendations for Compression-Only CPR?
A. Yes. Both Red Cross and AHA hope that Compression-Only CPR will save lives by encouraging bystanders who witness the sudden collapse of an adult to get involved and have someone call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number and then start giving continuous chest compressions until help arrives or the adult shows obvious signs of life (normal breathing or movement).
Q. Do people still need to take traditional CPR courses?
A. The Red Cross encourages everyone to learn traditional or full CPR (cycles of chest compressions and rescue breaths). There are emergency situations where a person shows no signs of life (normal breathing or movement) and may benefit from full CPR. Many individuals will still need to take training that includes full CPR such as those who take CPR training for certification to meet federal, state and local requirements, lay responders in workplaces who have a duty to respond, or those who care for infants and children.
Q. What about professional rescuers?
A. Compression-Only CPR does not affect Red Cross professional rescuer level CPR/AED training programs.
Q. Do you use an AED if performing Compression-Only CPR?
A. Yes. An automated external defibrillator (AED) should be used as soon as it becomes available – regardless of whether or not the sudden collapse was witnessed. The device will not cause additional harm to the victim and will not defibrillate unless a shockable rhythm is detected.
Q. What should I do if I am trained in full CPR, do not have a duty to respond and witness the sudden collapse of an adult?
A. If you are trained in full CPR, do not have a duty to respond and you witness the sudden collapse of an adult - have someone call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number. If you are comfortable doing so, give full CPR. If you are not comfortable do so, giving Compression Only CPR is an effective alternative. Continue compressions until help arrives or the adult shows obvious signs of life (normal breathing or movement).
Q. What should I do if I am trained in full CPR, have a duty to respond and witness the sudden collapse of an adult?
A. If you are trained in full CPR, have a duty to respond and you witness the sudden collapse of an adult - have someone call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number. Perform the skills according to your level of training.
In the wake of weather reports concerning excessive rainfall, flooding concerns have arose in the northern areas of the Rock River Valley. With potentially more rain projected, and the Rock River noticeably on the rise in certain areas, it is important to have a disaster plan in place:
Know What to Expect
- Know your area’s flood risk–if unsure, call the Rock River Chapter, emergency management office, or planning and zoning department.
- If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
- Listen to local radio or TV stations for flood information.
Reduce Potential Flood Damage By –
- Raising your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.
- Consult with a professional for further information if this and other damage reduction measures can be taken.
Floods Can Take Several Hours to Days to Develop
- A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area.
- A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.
Flash Floods Can Take Only a Few Minutes to a Few Hours to Develop
- A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area.
- A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon.
Igor Kasyanyuk, a Harlem High School Student, won our button design contest for Rock’n for the Red. He was awarded a brand new laptop donated by American TV & Appliance. See video footage, a picture and the winning design below.
Tony Gasparini & Igor
This button will be used for admission, just $5 and 100% goes directly back into the Rock River community, to Rock’n for the Red Just 21, 2008 at Davis Park in Rockford, Illinois.
Featuring:
Thanks to Thomas S. Ciciura and Prairie Soul Studios for donating their time and expertise to get this momentous project done. Tom has worked with and been mentored by Steven Spielberg, Robert Richardson, Mel Gibson, George Clooney, Steven Soderbergh, Michael Mann, and Robert Altman to just name a few.
Tom took our idea from a brainstorming session, a storyboard, and script and made it real.
Thanks to all of the actors and volunteers involved it wouldn’t of been possible without you. Watch it below.
In celebration of March as American Red Cross month, the Rockford IceHogs are teaming up with the Rock River Chapter to raise funds for Rock River Valley-area disaster victims.
The IceHogs are hosting an American Red Cross night against the Chicago Wolves at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 28. To help support this cause, you can purchase tickets by clicking this link - we get $4 for each ticket sold (make sure you use the link)!
The money will help provide disaster victims with personal care items, emergency shelter, case management and supportive services.
I hope to see you there! If you attend you will also get to see who wins the brand new laptop for our button design contest as well and our brand new Rock’n for the Red commercial.
If you were 126 years old, chances are there would be a lot of stories about you—and some of them wouldn’t be true! Here are some of the most common myths and legends about the American Red Cross and the services we provide.
Government
Patriotism
The American Red Cross is unpatriotic.
That would be a surprise to the president of the United States, who serves as our honorary chairman!
Like the other Red Cross and Red Crescent societies all over the world, the American Red Cross is required to be neutral. To maintain the confidence of everyone who may need our assistance, we cannot take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.
From time to time, decisions made in an effort to avoid controversies are in themselves controversial—for example, one chapter received criticism for asking that a choral group avoid religious or patriotic musical selections in its performance. Such missteps are the exception.
Ties to U.S. Government
The American Red Cross is an agency of the U.S. government.
The Red Cross is not a government agency. We are a nonprofit humanitarian organization that relies on voluntary contributions—of time, money, and blood—to do our work. The confusion about our status probably arises from the fact that the American Red Cross is chartered by the U.S. Congress to perform certain functions, such as responding to the needs of disaster victims, that are performed solely by the government in many countries.
Among the fundamental principles under which all Red Cross and Red Crescent societies operate are independence, neutrality and impartiality. These principles require that we maintain our autonomy, refrain from political controversy, and provide assistance based on need, without regard to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions.
Military Services
Coffee and Donuts
The Red Cross sold coffee and donuts instead of giving them away to military personnel during World War II.
This unfortunate policy came into being because service agencies in Britain helping British military personnel were less well-financed than the American Red Cross. Thus, these agencies were forced to charge British military members for the same items that American service members were getting free from the American Red Cross.
To avoid further embarrassment to the British, who were playing host to thousands of U.S. troops, the U.S. Secretary of War requested that the American Red Cross begin charging American service members for such items as coffee and donuts in its canteens. The Red Cross interpreted this request as a wartime demand and complied so that it could continue aiding U.S. troops. However, the Red Cross sold items at or below cost and never profited a penny from these sales.
Since the end of World War II, the American Red Cross has not charged military personnel—not in the Korean, Vietnam, or Persian Gulf conflicts, for example.
Blood Services
Cost Recovery
The Red Cross shouldn’t charge money for blood given by donors.
A lot of things must happen to your donated blood before it can be given to a patient who needs it. The Red Cross must collect, test, process, store and transport the blood to area hospitals and transfusion centers. Each unit must be tracked carefully along the way. There are significant costs associated with each of these processes, and we must charge hospitals to recover these costs.
Discrimination
Red Cross blood donation policies discriminate against gay people.
It’s important to understand that blood safety is a public health issue, not a social policy issue. The Red Cross is required by law to follow all Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines and recommendations for the blood industry, including the current deferral of men who have had sex with other men. Along with other members of the blood banking industry, the Red Cross supports a data-based reconsideration of deferral criteria. Read more