American Red Cross

We’re plugging into the future with style. This hybrid car is one of the hundreds of new vehicles we've added to our eco-friendly fleet. ✨ As part of our climate and sustainability efforts to reduce our environmental impact on the planet, we're replacing gas-powered vehicles with electric and hybrid options to reduce emissions and pollution. Who knew the color green would look this good on us? 💚

Our lifeguard virtual reality training app is designed to help lifeguards practice and hone essential skills to better recognize water emergencies. It exposes them to realistic and challenging scenarios in an immersive experience that allows trainers to evaluate their performance. We're excited to see the innovative work of American Red Cross Training Services in partnership with Lucid Reality Labs featured in Forbes! "If even one life is saved, it will have been worth it," Forbes contributor Anshel Sag said. "I tried out the drowning simulator and it was extremely realistic." Read more. ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/gSgahQU7

This storm shelter helped save Clara Rice and her family’s lives when tornadoes struck in western Kentucky in May. The shelter was recently installed by the Community Foundation of West Kentucky, through a grant awarded by our Long-Term Recovery team. The goal was to install 110 storm shelters in communities affected by the 2021 Kentucky tornadoes. Due to the popularity and positive impact of the program, they increased the goal to 130. “That’s what we stayed in,” Clara said. “There were 12 of us in it. The sound of the tornado coming over the shelter was the scariest thing I’ve ever heard in my life.” For Clara, this storm shelter was a blessing after losing her home to the deadly tornado that struck Kentucky in December of 2021. She and her grandchildren survived by sheltering in a bathroom. “I put my grandbabies in a bathtub and placed blankets and pillows down to cushion it," she said. "I put my mama’s bible right between them. The bathtub went flying. Neither one was wet nor injured.” “The American Red Cross was one of the first on the scene at my place. They were helping me clean up, helping with gift cards, food, anything they had to offer.” Sadly, Clara lost her home again to the recent tornadoes, but she's grateful for the ongoing support Kentucky Red Cross volunteers have provided her throughout her recovery. "The Red Cross has helped me in a lot of ways. I thank them for that.” ❤️

Lights, camera, volunteer! 🎬 While Katie Brown is earning her undergraduate degree in film, she's acting on ways to give back to her community. Katie started volunteering with the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region back in March transporting donated blood to hospitals. Despite her busy schedule, she finds time to make these lifesaving deliveries multiple times each month. She loves the opportunity to make meaningful connections through her role as a volunteer. "What I find so special about the Red Cross is how the community is global and makes an impact on so many," Katie said. No matter your skills or interests, you can make an impact and grow your network as a volunteer. Discover how by attending our virtual Volunteer Information Session on July 30. Learn more in the comments.

Reflecting on my first disaster deployment to Houston As president of Biomedical Services at the American Red Cross, my day-to-day is focused on ensuring a sufficient supply of blood products for our hospitals and their patients across the country. But our mission at the Red Cross extends beyond blood donation. Last week, I had the privilege of deploying to Houston to join my disaster colleagues at the Red Cross as they continue their response efforts post-Beryl. The scale of the operation and the dedication of everyone involved left me truly inspired. Witnessing the staging of emergency response vehicles (ERVs) and seeing them prepare to serve was a powerful sight. Visiting a shelter and meeting individuals affected by the hurricane reminded me of the importance of our work. Engaging with volunteers, hearing their stories, and seeing their unwavering commitment to making a difference was truly moving. Serving meals from an ERV to resilient communities working hard to recover from the storm's impact was a humbling experience. With the climate crisis, we know that disasters are increasing in frequency and intensity causing disruption and devastation in more and more ways. At times, we see it impact our ability to collect lifesaving blood as blood drives are cancelled by severe storms resulting in power outages and widespread destruction. While no single organization can end the climate crisis or solve its interrelated challenges alone, by working together we can make a difference. And that’s what I witnessed on the ground – people with heart and hope coming together to help one another. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this humanitarian mission and to witness the collective efforts towards rebuilding and supporting those in need. #JoinUs #Humanitarian #BerylResponse #MakingADifference #HoustonStrong #GiveBlood

Fifth grade teacher Johnnie Williams will do anything to keep her students safe. That promise rang true the moment one of them started choking in class. After 11-year-old Mason popped a hard candy in his mouth, it became stuck in his throat. He realized he was having trouble breathing and ran up to Johnnie at her desk. "I'll admit, I was scared when I first saw him," Johnnie said. But her Red Cross training kicked in, and she asked someone to get help while she remained calm and provided care. After giving multiple abdominal thrusts, the candy finally dislodged. Mason was shaken up, and Johnnie comforted him. "You never think that would be something to happen in school," said Mariesa, Mason's mom. "She's a hero, and we are so grateful for her." To recognize Johnnie's quick thinking and lifesaving actions, the American Red Cross of South Carolina awarded her with the Red Cross Lifesaving Award for Extraordinary Personal Action. Mason's two sibling's also made her thank you cards for saving his life. 💌 #LifesavingAward

Scott Piper grew up immersed in military life as the son of a Navy Special Operations Independent Duty Corpsman, also known as a combat medic. Like many military families, Scott's moved often. When Scott was older, he followed in his father's footsteps by serving in the US Navy and United States Marine Corps before being granted medical retirement after 11 years. “My dad wanted me to go off to college and make dumb decisions," Scott said. "But I made a different decision, I joined the military and followed in his footsteps. I saw what he did, and I knew that he loved it, and I’ve sought that out for myself.” After his service, Scott joined the Red Cross as a disaster program manager! “Everything I did in the Navy correlates to what I do now,” Scott said. "I know a lot of people have a hard transition time when they get out." As a member of our disaster team, Scott helps people prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters and other emergencies. We value the skills and experiences that veterans like Scott bring to the table. Our MOS Translator helps match their military training with open positions at the Red Cross. Learn more about this tool: https://rdcrss.org/3y0uw7b #RedCrossCareers

Extreme heat kills more people every year than any other weather event in the U.S. Heat waves are becoming more frequent, intense and longer lasting because of the climate crisis. Take steps now to protect yourself and loved ones from heat-related illnesses by following these tips: - Verify that your air conditioning at home is working properly. - If your home is too hot, find a public place with air conditioning like a library or cooling center to stay cool. - Check on loved ones and neighbors who may live alone and don’t have air conditioning.

You can really make a splash with a job like this on your resume. If you're a strong swimmer, love the water and want to give back to your community, train to become a lifeguard. Help us make a difference at local beach, pools and parks by reposting this to your network!

“Thank you to the hundreds of volunteers and staff who have shown up.” 🫶🏼 Trevor Riggen, our President of Humanitarian Services, recently shared his gratitude for the thousands of Red Crossers who have deployed to support people affected by severe storms, wildfires, flooding and extreme heat across the country. We’re extremely grateful for their time and service, as well as the generosity and collaboration of our donors and partners.