The Hunt for Heroes has Begun

The Heartland Chapter of the American Red Cross is pleased to announce that they are currently accepting nominations for their 2010 “Heroes in the Heartland” event. The award honors individuals from Burt, Cass, Douglas, Sarpy, Saunders or Washington counties who have saved another person’s life during the past year, or who have positively impacted the quality of life in the Heartland in another way. Past honorees have ranged in age from nine to 92 and have represented all walks of life, and almost every conceivable circumstance.

The chapter is also pleased to announce Jodie Mackintosh as the event chair and Red Cross supporters Mary and Charles Heider as honorary chairs for the event. “The Heartland Chapter is excited to be honoring local heroes for the tenth year in a row,” said Jodie Mackintosh, Event Chair. “Heroes walk among us everyday and it is nice to take the time out to thank those who change lives.” Additional volunteers serving on the planning committee include: Chad Beeson, Jean Bell, Cathy Bonnesen, Lisa Fisher, Nadine Johnson, Jennifer Jones, Lisa Koch, Diny Landen, Lisa Mellen, Rochelle Mullen, Linda Newell, Sandy Parker, Carol Russell, Shelley Siemers, Kathi Sites, Jessica Thurmond, and Ellen Wright.

Awards will be given in the following categories:
Lifetime Hero - presented to an individual who by the way they live their life are considered an inspiring example to others. This individual has either overcome tremendous hardship and risen above their challenges, or spent much of their time devoted to service to others.

Good Samaritan - presented to an individual who is considered a hero because of their unselfish devotion and concern for the welfare of others.

Call to Action - presented to an individual who by circumstances beyond their control found themselves in a challenging situation and demonstrated extraordinary courage.

Commitment to Community - presented to an individual, couple, group or organization that has made a tremendous impact on the community through their volunteerism, philanthropy, service to others, or example.

Disaster Relief - presented to an individual or organization who has served an important role in disaster relief in our community.

Public Servant Hero - presented to an individual who in the line of duty (police, fire, military, medical, etc.) went above and beyond the call.

Nominations must be returned to the Heartland Chapter, 2912 South 80th Ave., Omaha, NE 68124, or faxed to (402) 343-7777 by November 16, 2009. The awards will be presented at a lunch Wednesday, March 3rd at 11:45 a.m. at Embassy Suites LaVista Conference Center. Reservations may be made by calling Carol at 343-7769. Proceeds benefit the American Red Cross in our community.

Happy Halloween from Characters at the Heartland Chapter!

Hope you have a spooky (and safe) Halloween!

Holiday Mail For Heroes is here again!

(Posted here originally.)

Holiday Mail For Heroes is here again! This year, we are teaming up with our friends at Pitney Bowes for the third time to send holiday cards to service members, veterans, and their families. This is a great way to give back this holiday season - by sharing your kind words and thanks with those who have given a great deal to their country.

We will begin accepting cards on November 2nd. Send in your cards to the address below, and please read the guidelines carefully!

Holiday Mail For Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

All cards must be postmarked no later than Monday, December 7th. Cards postmarked after this date will unfortunately be returned to the sender. This deadline ensures enough time to sort and distribute cards before the holidays.

After the mailbox closes, the cards we received will be screened for hazardous materials by Pitney Bowes and then reviewed by Red Cross volunteers working around the country. Then, the cards are sent out to recipients in time for the holidays.

“Trick” to Safety this Halloween

(Red Crosser Danelle's cat, Penny Lane, in her favorite bumble bee costume)

The American Red Cross wants you to be safe this Halloween so they’re providing 13 tips to keep your little ghouls and goblins out of mischief’s way. Halloween’s greatest hazards aren’t vampires and villains, but falls, costume mishaps and automobile collisions, so follow theses Lucky 13 Tips:

•Map out the route that you plan to roam, so adults are assured you will find your way home!

•From the bravest of superheroes to the noblest of knights, everyone should remember to bring their flashlights!

•If you visit a house where a stranger resides, accept treats at the door and, please, don’t go inside.

•When you get ready to put on your disguise, use face paint instead of masks, which will cover your eyes.

•Always remember, before you embark, to wear light-colored clothing to be seen in the dark! (And remember to use reflective tape, even on bikes, skateboards and brooms!)

•Whether you walk, slither or sneak, do it on the sidewalks and not in the street.

•As you roam through the neighborhood collecting your treats, please look both ways before crossing the street! (And cross from the corner!)

•Wigs, capes and costumes are flammable attire, so avoid open flames to prevent a fire!

•Use a glow stick instead of a candle so your jack-o-lantern isn’t a safety gamble!

•You may fly on a broom or a space ship from Mars, but please be on the lookout for drivers in cars! (And don’t hide between parked vehicles).

•Monsters and zombies should stay off the lawn, and only visit homes with their porch lights turned on!

•You may be dressed as a werewolf, a cat or a frog, but be cautious around strange animals, especially dogs.

•Have a grown-up inspect your candy when you’re done trick-or-treating to remove open packages and choking hazards before eating.

H1N1 Poll Results

The blog below was posted originally on National's blog this afternoon.

Today, the Red Cross released results from a new poll focused on the H1N1 virus and taking precautions during flu season. There were some very interesting results!

H1N1 Poll Oct 2009 Report

View more presentations from American Red Cross.

Take a look at these highlights:

There were significant differences in how men and women have reacted to the threat of the H1N1 flu.

83% of women surveyed responded that they made an extra effort to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, compared to 67% of men.

35% of women surveyed have gotten their seasonal flu shots this year, compared to 26% of men.

Women are more concerned than men about the safety of the H1N1 vaccine: 60% of women expressed concerns about it, compared to 44% of men.

People turned to traditional media more often for info on the new flu.

In the past two months, one in five households has someone who has gone to work or school when they were sick.

You can see all of the findings here.
To learn more about preventing the flu click here.

Child’s Mother Encourages Blood Donations to Help Patients in Need

Written by: April Oppliger, Blood Services

Within hours of being diagnosed with leukemia and being admitted to the hospital, two-year-old Christian Dexter, son of Brad and Janelle Dexter, received his first blood transfusion. Throughout his treatment, he will continue to receive transfusions.

“The need for blood is constant. With only 38 percent of the population eligible to give, it’s important for eligible individuals to make blood donation part of their everyday lives,” said Tricia Rubens, CEO of the local Red Cross Blood Services region. “When you give blood, you help save lives.”

Christian’s mother, Janelle, encourages the community to give blood because patients like Christian in hospitals across the country need blood every day. “I cannot thank all of the blood donors, and future blood donors, out there enough,” Janelle said. Blood is a perishable product that must be constantly replenished by generous volunteer blood donors. “This experience has exemplified the importance of blood donation so much for our family.”

The need for blood is constant and the gratification is instant. When you donate blood through the Red Cross, you help provide the gift of life for patients in serious medical need. Make an appointment to donate blood today and you can change a life, starting with your own. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit givebloodgivelife.org to make an appointment or for more information.

How to Donate Blood

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors younger than 19 years also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Red Cross Educates Families at Community Safety & Wellness Festival

Written by: Jennifer Oumarou, Disaster Services

As part of our mission to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies, the Red Cross was represented inside and outside at the Community Safety and Wellness Festival last weekend.

DAT Chair Bill Dreyfus was outside to give children a chance to explore the Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) and learn about how we use it in disaster response. Rita Dantzler was inside with Youth Council members Jenna Winkler, Ashley Dantzler, CJ Vickers, Madeline Dangerfield, Rosa Rodriguez and Jason Dinsmoor. Educational materials and activity books covering general disaster preparedness, pandemic flu, fire safety and other topics were available inside and out. Youth Council members took turns bringing Longfellow, the Red Cross water safety mascot, to life.

Our thanks to Bill, Rita, Jenna, Ashley, CJ, Madeline, Rosa and Jason for spending their Sunday in support of the Red Cross mission!