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American Red Cross

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

How to Help Oklahoma Tornado Victims

American Red Cross of Southeastern Michigan shares ways local residents can support those affected by the disaster.

Dozens of people – including children – were killed when a massive tornado Monday afternoon ripped through the town of Moore, Okla., a suburb of Oklahoma City, according to the Associated Press. As search-and-rescue crews continue to dig through the rubble, many people are wondering what they can do to help those affected by the disaster. John Mozena, spokesperson for the American Red Cross of Southeastern Michigan, said the organization should know more later today about exactly how much help is needed. "We're still in the assessment phase of what's going on in Oklahoma with our disaster assessment professionals," he said. "You see the photos of the devastation and it's just horrific, and the people in the town have lost everything." …

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EBC

6:41 pm on Tuesday, May 21, 2013

What a great idea giving a donation to Petfinders! Here is a wonderful video of a woman finding her dog after the tornado. http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50147264n Grab a tissue for this one.   more ›

Monday, May 20, 2013

Farmington Hills Blood Drive Honors Boston Marathon Bombing Victims

While tragedies motivate people to donate, blood is needed all year around.

A June 6 blood drive in Farmington Hills will honor those who were injured or killed in the Boston Marathon bombings. Sponsored by the Southeastern Michigan branch of the American Red Cross, the drive will be held from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. at the Costick Center, 28600 W. 11 Mile Road. It is also designed to raise awareness of the need for blood when emergencies or disasters strike. “Blood donations usually increase after disasters such as the Boston Marathon bombing,” said Diane Ward, CEO for the Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region. “Tragedies can often motivate people to donate blood, but it’s important to realize that blood is needed year-round to help hospitals serve patient needs.” Last year, about 8 million Americans gave about…

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

14 Ways to Protect Yourself from Flooding

Here are some tips from the American Red Cross for Southeastern Michigan.

Here comes the rain again. This week's forecast for the Southeast Michigan area shows, rain, rain and more rain. April showers bring May flowers, but they also bring flooding to the area, and the American Red Cross of Southeastern Michigan wants you to be prepared. According to a press release from the Red Cross, floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Conditions that cause flood include heavy or steady rain for several hours or days that saturate the ground. Flash floods occur suddenly due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying area. You will likely hear weather forecasters use these terms when floods are predicted in your community: 7 Tips for Responding Appropriately During a Flood 7 Tips to Stay …

Friday, February 8, 2013

Cancelled Blood Drives Lead to Expanded Hours at Red Cross Donor Centers

Three donor centers in this area will be open until 4:30 p.m. today.

Due to weather-related blood drive cancellations, the American Red Cross urges donors who can safely go to one of the following donor sites to do so today.   Hours have been expanded at these donor center locations near Farmington and Farmington Hills: For more information or alternative donation sites go to 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Source: Red Cross media alert

Monday, January 14, 2013

Give the Gift of Life Jan. 17 at the Costick Center in Farmington Hills

January is National Blood Donor Month.

The Southeastern Michigan branch of the American Red Cross will sponsor a blood drive on Jan. 17 from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. at the Costick Center, 28600 W. 11 Mile Road in Farmington Hills. January is National Blood Donor Month, and it’s historically a difficult time to collect donations due to the cold weather and the demands of the New Year.  “When you resolve to donate blood, you’re changing lives – including your own,” said Diane Ward, CEO for the Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region. “By getting a start in January, donors have the time for several lifesaving opportunities throughout the year.” To make an appointment, call 248-473-1800 or register online at redcrossblood.org, with the sponsor code "costickcenter". Giving blood …

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Red Cross: Blood Donations Needed to Help Communities Affected by Hurricane Sandy

Red Cross urges blood donations in unaffected areas across the country as emergency responders assess damage from the superstorm. Farmington area residents have several opportunities to donate locally.

Editor's note: This article was submitted by the Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. Hurricane Sandy has forced the cancellation of approximately 300 American Red Cross blood drives in 14 states along the East Coast, resulting in a shortfall of more than 9,000 units of blood and platelet donations. All eligible donors in unaffected parts of the country are encouraged to roll up a sleeve and give blood or platelets. “Just as Red Cross volunteers have mobilized to provide disaster relief and other emergency assistance, we are mobilizing blood and platelets donations to ensure patients have access to the potentially lifesaving blood products they need,” said Diane E. Ward, CEO for the Southeastern Michigan …

Friday, October 12, 2012

Learn First Aid, CPR, AED at Farmington Hills Fire Station 4 Nov. 20

The class is open to the public, but only 18 spots are available.

The Farmington Hills/Farmington Emergency Preparedness Commission (EPC), in cooperation with the Farmington Hills Fire Department, will offer an American Red Cross First Aid, CPR, and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) Class on Tuesday, Nov. 20 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The class is open to the public and will be held in the upstairs training room at Fire Station 4, 28711 Drake Road. A $10 fee will cover the cost of the class and materials. The cost will be $30 for those who require a Certificate of Training. Participants must be at least 12 years old. The class size is limited to 18 people. To register, contact EPC Vice Chair Tim Tutak at tim.tutak@live.com or 248-417-0930.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Botsford Hospital Holds Blood Drive Sept. 7 to Meet Critical Red Cross Need

Donations are down 10 percent nationwide, the American Red Cross says.

Botsford Hospital will hold a Blood Drive for the American Red Cross on Friday, September 7. According to the Red Cross, donations are down more than 10 percent across the country, resulting in 50,000 fewer pints of blood than expected.  Blood donations will be accepted between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. in the Community Room inside the Administration & Education Center located on the campus of Botsford Hospital at 28050 Grand River Ave., Farmington Hills. Walk-ins will be accepted until 5 p.m. Donors are urged to visit www.givelife.org and enter "Botsford" as the sponsor code to register for this blood drive. Or, donors may contact Amy Bowes from Botsford's Employee Services Department at 248-888-2610.   In order to donate blood, you must be…

Monday, August 13, 2012

Farmington Hills 'Battle of the Badges' Blood Drive Set Aug. 16

Because there is a critical need, the Red Cross has come up with a special incentive.

Would you like a chance at winning a $500 gas card? All you have to do is roll up your sleeve.  The Southeastern Michigan branch of the American Red Cross will sponsor a blood drive on Thursday, Aug. 16, 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., at the Costick Center in Farmington Hills. Because there is currently a critical need for blood donations, the Red Cross is offering an added incentive: All donors will be entered into a drawing to win a $500 gas card. This Aug. 16 blood drive is also the annual “Battle of the Badges,” a friendly competition between the Farmington Hills Police and Fire Departments. Donors can cast a “vote” with their blood donation to help raise the tally of either department. During the summer, there is always a significant decrease …

Monday, June 25, 2012

Red Cross Needs Blood: Where to Donate Around Town

Several upcoming blood drives will be hosted in Farmington and West Bloomfield, according to the American Red Cross.

The American Red Cross is asking Americans to roll up their sleeve and give blood this summer. According to the Red Cross, their blood supply has reached emergency levels with 50,000 fewer donations than expected in June. Due partially to the early summer and a lack of scheduled blood drives, this shortfall leaves the nonprofit with half the readily available blood products on hand now than this time last year. All blood types are needed, but especially O positive, O negative, B negative and A negative in order to meet patient demand this summer. “Every day, the Red Cross must collect more than 17,000 pints of blood for patients at more than 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country. Of that, the Southeastern Michigan …

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