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Northwest Arkansas Chapter Issues Annual Report Tontitown, AR - October 31, 2006 Download Report HERE Message from the Chairman of the Board This past year has certainly been a year when the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross has not only met, but far exceeded our mission statement requirements. This year we immediately and compassionately provided for the urgent needs of hundreds of people whose lives were affected by local disasters and the hundreds more who evacuated to Northwest Arkansas after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  Some still require our assistance. Recently we announced an ongoing program to provide mental health care for those who are devastated by the trauma of their loss. In addition, we are proud to provide emergency assistance to our Armed Forces and their families and similar services to our local families with international needs. We intend to continue to provide and expand these vital services in the future. Your chapter has prepared nearly 14 thousand individuals to respond to emergencies in our community.  Many lives have been saved because of the outstanding training we provide.  This effort is also being aggressively expanded thru a new program we call Be Red Cross Ready . This effort is designed to eventually train responders in every business and family in our community. We are proud to announce that the American National Red Cross has selected our chapter to be promoted to regional status and assigned responsibility for the Northern third of Arkansas ( 27 counties).  We are being asked to duplicate our efforts across the state while improving our results here in Northwest Arkansas . The counties to our east across Arkansas will be provided our assistance to stand up their own programs using their own resources, staff and volunteers, but with our guidance. These achievements were possible because of the superb chapter staff and the hundreds of loyal, hardworking volunteers providing these services.  Our future plans will be achieved by the continued efforts of these same people and others who join us as we build a stronger Red Cross for our communities. Rick McLeod, Chairman of the Board El Nading, Interim Executive Director                   Mental Health Assistance For 2005 Hurricane Survivors American Red Cross rolls out Access to Care to support long-term recovery TONTITOWN, AR – October 27, 2006 – Survivors of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma who are still suffering emotionally from the effects of the storms now have help obtaining needed professional treatment, thanks to a new benefit offered by the American Red Cross. The Red Cross Access to Care program allows those in need to receive outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment from licensed professionals across the United States . The program is open for all survivors of the hurricanes who meet eligibility requirements. Access to Care is a continuation of services provided by the American Red Cross, complementing the ongoing case management and community recovery efforts of the Red Cross and other agencies, which have been concentrated in the Gulf Coast . Designed in consultation with mental health experts and other agencies active in disaster recovery, the program meets needs which are clearly emerging. "Our study showed that the prevalence of serious mental illness and mild–moderate mental illness doubled after hurricane Katrina, which is consistent with other evidence of adverse mental health effects of major disasters,” said Professor Ron Kessler of Harvard Medical School, principle investigator for the August 2006 study Mental illness and suicidality after hurricane Katrina . “Programs like the American Red Cross Access to Care can provide a benefit to survivors in need who are experiencing chronic adverse circumstances, in addition to the acute traumatic stressors and secondary adversities that make the distress linger and worsen that natural disasters produce,” added Kessler. “The Red Cross benefit removes a barrier that might otherwise block the ability to receive needed mental health services." Survivors nationwide can enroll in the Access to Care program themselves either through the web at w ww.a2care.org or by calling toll-free 1-866-794-HOPE. Eligibity is based on their pre-disaster address. The Access to Care benefit program focuses on reducing barriers to mental health and substance abuse services. Hurricane survivors experiencing disaster related emotional distress are now eligible to enroll in the program. The benefit program, administered by Link2Health, a non-profit subsidiary of The Mental Health Association of New York City, allows individuals to choose their own licensed provider. Program benefits can move with the individual. "This program will go a long way in meeting needs that are really becoming clear today.  The Red Cross was very intentional and collaborative in designing this program to help meet needs so massive they stretch all of our resources. We look forward to our continued relationship as we join together to help survivors of the 2005 hurricanes," Tom Hazelwood, Executive Secretary for U.S. Disaster Response, United Methodist Committee on Relief and President, National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. “Losing your home to a disaster is stressful. Losing your neighborhood, your school, your church or temple, your whole community—that's traumatic. And still not having those things after a year—that's more trauma than many people can face without help,” said Russ Paulsen, Executive Director of the Hurricane Recovery Program. “This program means that people won't have to worry about being able to afford the treatment they need as they grapple with what happened last fall.” As individuals and families from the devastated Gulf Coast region continue to rebuild their lives, the Red Cross continues to concentrate its resources in these three areas: 1. Case management: helping survivors develop sound recovery plans and providing information, referral and access to means of recovery; 2. Emotional support for recovery: assisting survivors with their recovery by responding to the emotional needs of at-risk individuals through appropriate mental health programming; 3. Information sharing: improving service to impacted clients and communities through non-duplicative efforts to share information for effective service and actions; and, 4. Anticipating emerging needs through resources to be held in reserve for unanticipated or late-emerging client and community needs. “We know, however, that the needs of the survivors greatly outweigh the resources, not just of the American Red Cross, but of the entire non-profit community,” Paulsen said. “We will continue to strengthen existing partnerships at the local level and forge new ones to address other unmet and emerging needs.” The Red Cross Hurricane Recovery Program will continue to identify and respond to unanticipated or late-emerging client and community needs and is committed to careful stewardship and accountability of the resources used for the program. American Red Cross Stresses Fire Safety Tontitown, Tuesday, October 23, 2006 — With a rash of recent house fires the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross urges families to take steps to prepare their home and families for the unthinkable. According to a recent poll by the Red Cross, four out of five Americans are unaware that home fires are the most common disaster in the United States , and only 26 percent of families have actually developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. Since fires kill more Americans each year than all natural disasters combined, the Red Cross urges families to use Red Cross resources to develop a fire escape plan and to take steps toward fire prevention and safety. "Preparing for a home fire doesn't require a lot of expensive equipment or training, and October is Fire Safety Month so it is a great time for families to plan for a potential fire," said Red Cross Emergency Services Director, Sharon Ledbetter. "In addition to smoke alarms, one of the easiest ways you can prepare is to develop and practice a home fire escape plan so that every family member can escape quickly and safely." The Red Cross suggests that a fire escape plan include at least two escape routes for every room in the home, and a convenient meeting place at a safe distance from the fire. Families are encouraged to pay particular attention to developing and regularly practicing escape plans for children and the elderly because of their increased risk of injury or death from fire. According to the NFPA, children and adults 65 and older are twice as likely to die in a home fire as the American population at large. Last year the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross responded to 103 local disasters, most of those were house fires. The Red Cross provides immediate emergency assistance to fire victims. The local Red Cross chapter uses donations to provide assistance for food, clothing, prescription medications, temporary shelter and other special needs an affected family might have. For more Red Cross fire safety and preparedness information visit www.nwarkansasredcross.org . Simple Steps to Prevent Fires Keep all sources of fuel (paper, clothing, bedding, and carpets or rugs) at least three feet away from all heat sources when cooking, or using alternative heating like a space heater. Provide constant adult supervision during cooking or in rooms with lit candles or fires. Do not leave burning candles unattended. Keep matches and lighters away and out of reach of children. Teach young children to tell an adult if they see matches and lighters and not to touch them. Teach adolescents to resist peer pressure and not to play with fire if curious or bored.   Simple Steps to Make Your Home Safer Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and on each additional level of your home. If people sleep with doors closed, install smoke alarms inside sleeping areas. Use the test button to check each smoke alarm once a month. When necessary, replace batteries immediately. Replace all batteries at least once a year. Smoke alarms become less sensitive over time, so replace your smoke alarm every 10 years. Consider having one or more working fire extinguishers in your home. Get training from the fire department in proper use of your extinguishers. Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your home. Determine at least two ways to escape from every room of your home. Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floors. Learn how to use escape ladders and store them near windows. Select a location outside your home where everyone would meet after escaping. Practice your escape plan, especially with children and older adults, at least twice a year and revise as necessary.   Safety Tips During a Home Fire Once you are out, stay out! Call the fire department from a neighbor's home. If you see smoke or fire in your first escape route, use your second way out. If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to your exit. If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If the door is warm, use your second way out. If smoke, heat, or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed. Signal for help using a brightly colored cloth at the window. If there is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them where you are. Middle East Crisis - Red Cross Responds Overview Since the capture of two Israeli soldiers on July 12, 2006, Israel has mounted an increasingly forceful aerial bombardment of targets in Lebanon, including roads, bridges, airports, ports, fuel and gas storage tanks, as well as Hezbollah strongholds in various parts of the country including Beirut. At the same time, Hezbollah has fired numerous rockets into Israel , some targeting Haifa , Israel 's third largest city. Recent days have brought the worst escalation of armed conflict between Israel and Lebanon in many years, causing numerous casualties on both sides, widespread destruction of Lebanon 's infrastructure, the displacement of increasing number of civilians and general uncertainty as to when the violence will end. To date, most casualties on both sides of the border have been civilians. Many Israelis and Lebanese have left their homes close to the Israeli-Lebanese border to seek refuge from the fighting further inland. The violence also has prompted large numbers of foreigners to leave Lebanon , many of whom have still not managed to get out. With the runways of Beirut international airport damaged by Israeli air strikes, the Israeli navy blockading its ports and the main Beirut-Damascus road cratered by bombs, Lebanon's remaining international transport links are severely limited. Several countries are planning to deploy naval ships off Lebanon 's coast to evacuate their nationals. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement Response Guided by its Fundamental Principles – humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality – the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement) brings emergency relief to victims of disasters and conflicts and improves basic living conditions of those in need. The American Red Cross Guided by the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement , the American Red Cross is a neutral and impartial organization that supports people affected by man made or natural disasters, crisis and emergencies at home and abroad based on need, regardless of nationality, race, religious beliefs, class, or political opinions. Further, the American Red Cross cannot and does not endorse any comments of a political nature. The American Red Cross is monitoring the situation and stands in solidarity with all members of the Movement as they seek to meet the increased humanitarian needs caused by this conflict. The American Red Cross is responding to appeals, or formal requests for support, issued by Movement partners and based on need. The American Red Cross is currently supporting an appeal issued for Lebanon humanitarian relief. Humanitarian assistance in Lebanon , provided through the Movement, will include food, water, medical assistance such as first-aid, shelter and psychosocial assistance to the affected population. The American Red Cross will consider additional appeals for support if they are issued, such as appeals from the Magen David Adom in Israel and the Palestine Red Crescent Society. American Red Cross volunteers and chapters are assisting individuals being evacuated to the U.S. due to this conflict. All service provided is based on need. Knowing that evacuation from a combat zone can be stressful for evacuees and their families, the Red Cross is providing comfort and care to evacuees in a number of ways. The assistance provided to evacuees is similar to relief services that the America Red Cross provides during domestic disasters. At the request of the federal government, the American Red Cross is providing evacuees with shelter, food, first aid, and help in obtaining government assistance and emergency communications. The Red Cross may provide additional assistance including child care, mental health counseling, and personal-hygiene items if our federal partners request those services. Updates regarding American Red Cross activities and fundraising will continue to be updated at www.redcross.org . International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) In partnership with National Societies in the Middle East , the ICRC is working to alleviate the worst effects of the current violence in the region. There is particular concern about the situation in Lebanon , where emphasis is being placed on evacuating the wounded and delivering food and other essential items as stocks begin to run low. For more information about work in the conflict areas, visit www.icrc.org. International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Federation) The Federation is focusing its efforts on the needs in surrounding countries where those fleeing the conflict are arriving and where the Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies have expressed a need for additional support. For more information, please visit www.ifrc.org . FINDING MISSING LOVED ONES International Welfare Inquiries (Family Tracing) At this time, the American Red Cross is unable to accept any inquiries regarding the well-being of family members in the affected areas. Inquiries concerning U.S. citizens should be referred to the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 1-888-407-4747. Please remember that this phone number is frequently busy during the first days of a large disaster. All Citizens Traveling Abroad should Register with the State Department Americans traveling abroad, including those who are traveling long-term (living abroad), who have not yet registered with the Department of State, should call 202-501-4444 from overseas or 888-407-4747 if calling from the U.S. and Canada. Registration also can be done online by visiting https://travelregistration.state.gov . ICRC Family Links Web Site In order to respond to the need of families to know the whereabouts of their loved ones, the ICRC has launched a specific page of its Family Links website.  The objective is to allow persons in Lebanon or who have fled Lebanon to register themselves as safe and well and provide information on their current location.  In addition, concerned family members around the world may register relatives for whom they are seeking information. The website can be accessed in English and in Arabic at: http://www.familylinks.icrc.org NOTE: All information in this website is provided by relatives of persons sought or by persons who register themselves.  Information posted on this site is not confidential and cannot be verified by the Red Cross. For inquiries regarding U.S. citizen abroad, call U.S. Department of State at 1-888-407-4747 U.S. citizens traveling abroad can register by phone at 202-501-4444 or 1-888-407-4747 U.S. citizens traveling abroad can register online at https://travelregistration.state.gov Visit ICRC Family Links Registry for international disaster registries New Web site Launched for 2006 Hurricane Season Safe and Well Web site excellent vehicle for helping disaster victims share welfare information with friends and family WASHINGTON, Saturday, July 01, 2006 — A month into the 2006 hurricane season that began on June 1, the American Red Cross is launching the Safe and Well Website to provide families with a tool to exchange welfare information with loved ones and friends in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. The overwhelming scope of the 2005 hurricane season challenged the Red Cross to develop innovative ways, such as the use of web-based technology, to help disaster victims communicate with loved ones outside of the disaster area. The Safe and Well Web site, accessible via http://www.redcross.org/ , allows a disaster victim to select and post standard messages for friends and family that indicate the victim is safe and well at a shelter, home or hotel and will make contact when they are able. Those worried about the safety of their family member can access the Safe and Well Web site, enter either the name and telephone number or name and complete address of the person in question and view their "safe and well" messages. There will be telephone-based assistance for those who cannot access this site and service via the Internet. As with any other Red Cross service or product, the Safe and Well Web site safeguards the privacy of disaster victims. Messages will be viewable by friends and family, but the Web site will not reveal a registered person's location. Privacy laws require the Red Cross to protect each person's right to determine how best to communicate their contact information and whereabouts to family members. The effectiveness of the Safe and Well Web site will depend largely on widespread awareness of what the tool can do, especially by populations living in disaster-prone areas and their family and loved ones. In the wake of hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma where millions of people were ordered to evacuate, the Red Cross urges all Americans to develop a family communication plan and make the Safe and Well Web site an integral part of it. Important tips to remember when developing a family communication plan: Plan ahead for the possibility of becoming separated from your family and friends. Choose an out-of-town contact that each family or household member can call or email should a disaster occur. Your selected contact should live far enough away that they would be unlikely to be directly affected by the same event. They should be aware that they are the chosen contact. All of your loved ones should have the phone number for the contact as well as each other's phone numbers and email addresses. Loved ones should agree to call the out-of-town contact to report their whereabouts and welfare. Consider having a laminated wallet-sized card made to carry with you at all times. Preparing for a disaster, such as a hurricane, ahead of time can help alleviate the stress you may face during the storm, and ease the burden on your family and loved ones. For more information regarding how individuals and families can prepare for disasters visit http://www.redcross.org/ or contact your local Red Cross chapter.
Susan Duell-Mitchell, Director of Community Relations Phone: (479)306-4688
Heat Can Be Dangerous--Take Precautions! Tontitown , AR July 17, 2006 — The Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross offers these tips in response to temperature extremes predicted this week throughout Northwest Arkansas . Extreme heat is more than an issue of discomfort. It forces the body into overdrive as it tries to stay cool through perspiration and evaporation. The effects of extreme heat can undermine your physical well-being so slowly and subtly that the dangers aren't apparent until it's too late. It is important to know how to stay cool during extreme heat. Here are some guidelines to follow: Stay indoors and avoid extreme temperature changes. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Keep your electric fans running but make sure to consume extra liquids to prevent dehydration associated with the fluid losses we experience due to sweating. Drink fluids (particularly water or juice) often, even if you do not feel thirsty, to help your body's thermostat stay cool. Avoid alcoholic beverages (including beer), which dehydrate the body. Eat small, frequent meals. Reduce foods that are high in protein, which increases metabolic heat. Keep pets indoors and refill their water bowls often. They are very heat sensitive If you must go outside, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect the sun's energy. Avoid strenuous outdoor activity. If you must engage in strenuous activity, do so in the coolest part of the day, between 4 am and 7 am. Cover all exposed skin with a high-SPF sunscreen, and wear a wide brimmed hat to protect your face and head. Never take a cool shower immediately after becoming overheated. You may cool too quickly and become ill, nauseous, or dizzy. Rest in a cool place first. Please remain aware of the effects of heat on young children and the elderly. Keep a close watch on them for heat related concerns. They are extremely vulnerable and may not be able to summon assistance in an emergency.   If a health emergency arises due to extreme heat take the following steps: Heat cramps : This is an early sign that the body is stressed by the heat. Press on cramping muscles or gently massage. Take sips of water unless nausea occurs. Move to a cool place. Avoid fluids with alcohol or caffeine. Heat Exhaustion : Occurs with heavy exertion. Is a mild form of shock and can lead to Heat Stroke. Rest in a cool place. Loosen clothing and apply cool, wet cloths. Continue SLOWLY taking sips of water unless nausea occurs. If vomiting occurs, seek medical attention. Stay alert for changes in level of consciousness. Heat Stroke (Sunstroke): This is a life threatening situation. Call 911 immediately for emergency medical services. Victims cease sweating and temperatures rise to dangerous levels. Remove clothing, and immerse in a cool bath, use a cool sponge bath or fan to attempt to lower body temperatures. DO NOT GIVE FLUIDS IF VOMITING. Watch for problems breathing. Many Americans take medications that may place them at higher risk for heat related medical issues. Visit with your physician. Take a First Aid course from your local Red Cross and be prepared for an emergency. Visit www.redcross.org or www.nws.noaa.gov for more information. BARNES AND NOBLE TEAMS WITH AMERICAN RED CROSS TO PROVIDE WATER SAFETY CLASSES TONTITOWN, AR MAY 26, 2005 - Barnes and Noble Booksellers in Rogers and the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross have teamed up to provide Northwest Arkansas residents with a series of safety presentations this summer. Red Cross instructors will offer a variety of programs for children and adults. The courses will be held at Barnes and Noble in Rogers and are free to the public. “We are extremely grateful to Barnes and Noble for providing us with the opportunity to share our preparedness message with their customers,” said Jody Dilday, spokesperson for the Northwest Arkansas Chapter. “This partnership is a natural fit for the Red Cross because, like us, Barnes and Noble is committed to providing quality educational programs for their customers.” “It is a unique opportunity to be able to partner with an organization such as the American Red Cross to offer the community information to help insure the safety of their families. By offering these safety discussions Barnes and Noble wishes to help our customers and our community have a safe and fun summer!” said Randall Gregory, spokesperson for Barnes and Noble. A description of the presentations and a schedule are as follows: Longfellow's WHALES Tales teaches safe behavior in, on and around the water and is designed for children ages 5-12. Scrubby Bear is a personal hygiene presentation which teaches children proper hand washing techniques. Scrubby Bear is intended for children ages 4-7. American Red Cross Safe Baby Presentation provides participant's with the knowledge and skills to sustain an infant's life and minimize the consequences of injury or sudden illness until advanced medical help arrives. The Safe Baby presentation is ideal for parents and caregivers of small children. TOGETHE WE PREPARE encourages five actions that every organization, individual and family should take to better prepare themselves for an emergency or disaster. Saturday, June 3 rd , 2006 Kick Off Day/Whales Tales Grades K – 6 th Lesson 1 – Swim with a Buddy… 1:00 – 1:30 PM Safe Baby Parents 1:40 – 3:00 PM Tuesday, June 6 th , 2006 Scrubby Bear Ages 4 – 7 1:00 – 1:30 PM Tuesday, June 13 th , 2006 Scrubby Bear Ages 4 – 7 1:00 – 1:30 PM Tuesday, June 20 th , 2006 Whales Tales Grades K – 6 th Lesson 2 – Be Cool, Follow the Rule 1:00 – 1:30 PM Saturday, July 8. 2006 Together We Prepare Family Grades 1 st Lessons 1-2 1:00 – 2:00 PM Tuesday, July 11,2006 Whales Tales Grades K – 6 th Lesson 3 – Look Before You Leap 1:00 – 1:30 PM Safe Baby Parents 1:40 – 3:00 PM Tuesday, July 18, 2006 Whales Tales Grades K – 6 th Lesson 4 – Think So You Don't Sink 1:00 – 1:30 PM For more information on staying safe in and around the water, or to learn about other life-saving skills training visit www.nwarkansasredcross.org or contact the Northwest Arkansas Chapter at 479/306-4688. Barnes and Noble offers several different in-store events catering to all age groups such as story-times, book-groups, author signings and fundraising opportunities for non-profit organizations and schools. Our mission is to help in all areas of arts, literacy and educational needs. If you have questions you may contact the Community Relations Manager at 1-479-636-2807. About American Red Cross: The American Red Cross is where people mobilize to help their neighbors—across the street, across the country and across the world—in emergencies. Each year, in communities large and small, victims of some 70,000 disasters turn to neighbors familiar and new—the nearly 1 million volunteers and 35,000 employees of the Red Cross. Through almost 900 locally supported chapters, more than 15 million people gain the skills they need to prepare for and respond to emergencies in their homes, communities and world.  Some 4 million people give blood—the gift of life—through the Red Cross, making it the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States .  The Red Cross helps thousands of U.S. service members separated from their families by military duty stay connected.  As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, a global network of 181 national societies, the Red Cross helps restore hope and dignity to the world's most vulnerable people.   An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work. Jack McGuire is the interim President and CEO of the American Red Cross. About Barnes and Noble: Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS), the world's largest bookseller and a Fortune 500 company, operates 799 bookstores in 50 states.  For the fourth year in a row, the company is the nation's top retail brand for quality, according to the EquiTrend® Brand Study by Harris Interactive®.  Barnes & Noble conducts its online business through Barnes & Noble.com ( www.bn.com ), one of the Web's largest e-commerce sites and the number one online bookseller for quality among e-commerce companies, according to the latest EquiTrend survey. General information on Barnes & Noble, Inc. can be obtained via the Internet by visiting the company's corporate Web site: http://www.barnesandnobleinc.com . NORTHWEST ARKANSAS CHAPTER LAUNCHES RED CROSS CLUBS FOR KIDS TONTITOWN, AR. Tuesday, May 23, 2006The Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross held its first "Red Cross Club for Kids" meeting on Tuesday, May 23rd. .  Elementary students from Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale and Fayetteville a ttended this informational session with their parents.  The Red Cross Club is a service club which engages youth in community service under the humanitarian mission of the American Red Cross.   The club will make cards and write letters to send to U.S. Troops at the next club meeting June 13, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. at the Chapter headquarters in Tontitown.   For more information about Red Cross Clubs contact Carmen Newberry, Community Relations Program Specialist at 479/306-4688. RED CROSS TORNADO RESPONSE CONTINUES TONTITOWN, AR. Friday, March 17, 2006 – The Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross and its trained cadre of volunteers continue to respond with comfort and compassion to Benton County residents impacted by Sunday's tornado. Two Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) deliver hot meals each night to neighborhoods in Gentry, Centerton, Bentonville and Little Flock. Caseworkers man Red Cross Service Centers at the First Baptist Church of Centerton as well as the Shewmaker Center on the campus of Northwest Arkansas Community College , ready to dispense much needed supplies such as tarps, trash bags, sunscreen, bottled water and diapers. Families can also meet with caseworkers to receive financial assistance for groceries, clothing, and minor building repairs. All of this is made possible by the generous contributions of time and money to the American Red Cross. The Red Cross reached 35 families today with financial assistance, clean up supplies and health services. Meteorologists are predicting significant rainfall for the weekend but that will not slow down Red Cross outreach teams, which will continue to canvas the affected neighborhoods offering assistance to families recovering from the storm. The Chapter will hold a training session on Family Service Casework on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the chapter's headquarters in Tontitown. Volunteers need not register for the class, and size is not limited. Family Service Casework is the method by which Red Cross disaster relief is delivered. A community meeting will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 19 th at the First Baptist Church of Centerton for anyone affected by the tornado. The Crisis Center will lead this informational meeting and discuss the emotional effects of a disaster and the journey towards recovery. A special informational meeting for parents will follow and will address ways to help children cope with the effects of a disaster. For more information regarding the mission and services of the American Red Cross, as well as resources on disaster preparedness, log onto www.nwarkansasredcross.org .
RED CROSS TORNADO RELIEF UPDATE CENTERTON , AR , March 14, 2006 — The Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross has completed the preliminary phase of damage assessment following the tornado which ravaged portions of Benton County on Sunday night. Red Cross workers identified roughly 400 homes which were affected by the storm. Damage ranges from very minor damage (shingles and siding) to homes that were completely destroyed. The Red Cross has an emergency shelter and service center open at the First Baptist Church of Centerton ( 351 W. Centerton Blvd ). A hot evening meal will be served at 6:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church . The chapter will deliver meals to the affected areas again at 6:00 p.m. Beginning tomorrow (Wednesday) a second service center will be open at the Shewmaker Center for Workforce Technology located at 1100 SE Eagle Way, Bentonville (behind the Northwest Arkansas Community College). Residents who have been affected by the disaster and are in need of assistance are encouraged to meet with a Red Cross caseworker between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at whichever location is most convenient and accessible to them. The Red Cross will be able to provide assistance and referrals to help families who need food, clothing, housing, minor building repairs, and household items. The amount of Red Cross assistance is determined based on family size and the extent of property damage. The chapter utilized 29 disaster relief workers and provided 93 meals to affected families and emergency service workers yesterday. In addition to the on-going response in Benton County , the chapter responded to an apartment fire in Eureka Springs this morning. Six of 20 units were affected and six families were displaced. The Red Cross is providing shelter to the affected families as well has assistance with food and clothing.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS CHAPTER RESPONDS TO BENTON COUNTY TORNADO CENTERTON , AR , March 13, 2006 — In response to last night's devastating storms, the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross responded by mobilizing disaster relief workers to meet the emergency needs of those affected. The Red Cross opened a shelter at the First Baptist Church of Centerton ( 351 W. Centerton Blvd. ) at 11:30 p.m. Sunday. The shelter will remain open tonight for anyone displaced by the storm. The chapter will re-evaluate on Tuesday morning the need for on-going sheltering. The shelter location also serves as an emergency aid station where emergency service workers and affected residents can receive bottled water, snacks and meals. Red Cross disaster assessment teams have been out all morning surveying the damage and identifying the homes affected. Seventy-five Disaster Clean-Up Kits have been ordered and will be distributed to residents beginning tomorrow morning. Through a long-standing partnership with the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Association, the Red Cross will serve an evening meal tonight at First Baptist Church Centerton (6 p.m.) and will provide mobile feeding to affected residents in Little Flock, Gentry and Bentonville. Residents who have been affected by the disaster and are in need of assistance are encouraged to call the chapter at 1-866-692-7572. All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of the March 12 Tornado and thousands of other disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter at PO Box 789, Tontitown, AR 72703, or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.
POPULAR LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY “ARRESTED” FAYETTEVILLE , AR March 10, 2006 – A popular local radio personality was “arrested” today by the Washington County Sheriff's office on charges of “Criminal Ignorance.” It seems that Joe Farmer, of Sam 98's Farmer and Dawn does not know about Red Cross services in Northwest Arkansas . The Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross is in the midst of its “Heroes Campaign,” a grass roots effort to raise awareness and support for local Red Cross services. For three weeks (March 1-25) volunteers and participating businesses will distribute information regarding Red Cross services and collect pledges and contributions for the campaign. The results of the campaign will be announced at the 4 th annual Celebration of Heroes April 1 at Embassy Suites. Washington County Sheriff Tim Helder is the chairperson for the Heroes Campaign in Fayetteville . He plans to raise $25,000 with help from his campaign team Rick Hoyt, Jay Cantrell, Shannon McCuin all with the Sheriff's Department, Butch Scruggs with Superior Industries and the Northwest Arkansas Mall. The DJ lockup was the brainchild of Bridget Elkins, Marketing Manager for the Northwest Arkansas Mall . “We hope that this event will help raise the community's awareness about our local Red Cross chapter and how they make a difference in everything they do,” said Elkins. When approached, Anita Cowan, Promotions Director for Cumulus Broadcasting quickly agreed to join in the effort. “Cumulus Broadcasting is always looking for opportunities to help the community and having Joe Farmer incarcerated seemed like a long over due idea to me,” says Anita Cowan. The Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross will have volunteers at the mall throughout the “incarceration” to distribute information on disaster preparedness, health and safety services and service to the military as well as collect gifts and pledges for the Heroes Campaign. “We are extremely grateful to the Northwest Arkansas Mall, Cumulus Broadcasting, the Washington County Sheriff's office and especially Joe Farmer, for helping us raise awareness of our life-saving mission” said Jody Dilday, Director of Development and Community Relations for the chapter. One hundred percent of the funds raised will remain in Northwest Arkansas to provide disaster relief, provide life-saving skills training, and to communicate emergency messages to members of the United States Military. The Northwest Arkansas Chapter responded to 93 local disasters last year (primarily house and apartment fires), communicated 382 emergency messages to soldiers, and trained 13, 695 people in life-saving skills. If you'd like to become a Hero for the Red Cross, you may leave your gift or pledge at the Red Cross information booth (located near the Food Court ) during Mall hours at the Northwest Arkansas Mall, or log onto www.nwarkansasredcross.org and click on HEROES CAMPAIGN to make a pledge.
AMERICAN RED CROSS LAUNCHES “HEROES” CAMPAIGN Rogers , AR March 1, 2006 – The Northwest Arkansas Chapter, with the help of community leaders and the support of local businesses, today launched the “Heroes Campaign” with a kickoff held at the corporate offices of Celebrate Magazine in Pinnacle Hills. The “Heroes Campaign” is a grass-roots effort to raise awareness and support for local Red Cross services. For three weeks (March 1-25) volunteers and participating businesses will distribute information regarding Red Cross services and collect pledges and contributions for the chapter. The results of the campaign will be announced at the 4 th annual Celebration of Heroes April 1 at Embassy Suites. Campaign leaders and volunteers gathered this morning at the offices of Celebrate Magazine to receive their campaign packets. Celebrate Magazine will be the presenting sponsor for the Celebration of Heroes and hosted today's kickof f . “Celebrate Arkansas Magazine and the American Red Cross are celebrating together today. We celebrate these community leaders as they kick off the Heroes Campaign, and we'll celebrate together again at the conclusion of the campaign when we honor heroes at the Celebration of Heroes,” said Mari See, publisher of Celebrate Arkansas Magazine. Campaign co-chairs are Dick Trammel and Rick McLeod. “I'm pleased to help the Northwest Arkansas Chapter with the Heroes Campaign,” said Trammel. “You never know when you'll need help from the Red Cross in your own backyard.” Community Chairs in Bentonville, Rogers , Springdale , Siloam Springs and Fayetteville have assembled “Hero” Teams to raise $25,000 within their respective communities. Different teams will utilize different strategies to reach their goals. Plans include a Texas Hold ‘Em style poker tournament, employee jeans days, and customer donation programs at various banks, restaurants, and retailers. “The Heroes Campaign is reminiscent of the old Red Cross Roll Call of the 1920s and 30s, when nearly 80% of all Americans gave a small annual gift. ” said Jody Dilday, Director of Development for the Northwest Arkansas Chapter, “The Heroes Campaign is not a major gifts campaign. This is about the Power of One : ONE person, ONE dollar, ONE volunteer hour, or ONE pint of blood. One person really can save a life.” If you'd like to become a Hero for the Red Cross, click here to make a pledge.
FIRST AID FOR FIDO FROM THE AMERICAN RED CROSS Manual helps pet lovers meet health and safety needs of four-legged furry loved ones [TONTITOWN, AR] - The American Red Cross is known for helping to keep Northwest Arkansans and their families healthy and safe. Now with "Pet First Aid," its guide to preventing, preparing for and responding to emergencies, the Northwest Arkansas Chapter is spreading the word that it can do the same for four-legged loved ones as well. The chapter is offering a Pet First Aid course: a three-hour session that provides hands-on training for some of the issues the book addresses. The course will be held on Saturday, December 10th, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. The $25 course fee includes participants' materials such as the Pet First Aid handbook. "Pet First Aid" explains emergency care procedures for cats and dogs in simple terms. Written by Bobbie Mammato, DVM, MPH, it runs just over one hundred pages, features more than 130 illustrations, and offers step-by-step directions for topics from giving medication to administering CPR and rescue breathing. The book retails for $12.95 and is available at the Northwest Arkansas Chapter. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, almost 38 million households had a dog and a little more than 33 million had a cat in 2002. "This guide is a must-have for pet lovers-homes with pets really should not be without it," points out Stephanie Reno, Director of Health and Safety Services for the chapter. "We know pet owners enjoy a very special bond with their pets-they're a part of the family. Just like with people, accidents and emergencies can happen and being prepared by knowing what to do could make a lifesaving difference." Guidance from "Pet First Aid" includes: Pay attention to what is normal for your pet so you can detect signals when something is wrong. Dogs who hang their heads out of car windows can be injured by flying debris. Keep your pet safely inside any moving vehicle and never transport your pet in the back of an open pickup truck. Keep contact information of your veterinarian, 24-hour veterinary emergency hospital, National Animal Poison Control Center and animal shelter or animal care and control agency readily available. "This manual is another lifesaving resource that supports our mission of keeping Northwest Arkansas and their families healthy and safe," said Reno. "It's a perfect addition to home reference libraries and makes a great gift!" For more information or to register for the course, contact the Health and Safety Department at 479-306-4688 or email us at kmartin@nwarkansasredcross.org. WWII Veteran Repays Red Cross Kindness by Helping Katrina Survivors Written by Shannon M. Garry , Special to Redcross.org
Wednesday, September 21, 2005 - HOUSTON - Bill Ritt's first experience with the American Red Cross came near the end of World War II, when the then 17-year-old Navy recruit fell ill and the organization helped contact his parents. More than 60 years later, Ritt has gotten a chance to repay the Red Cross - many times over - as a volunteer working for the Santa Clara Valley Chapter in California. The day after Hurricane Katrina struck he traveled from his San Jose home to Houston, where he spent the next three days working - with no sleep - to move survivors and equipment into the Astrodome shelter. The fact that the 78-year-old was accepted for the assignment, which carried numerous hardship conditions, is a testament to the retired lawyer's fitness and vitality. Ritt said that the biggest challenge in those first few days - aside from exhaustion - was trying to help the some 25,000 distressed survivors settle in. Just some of the supplies volunteers like Bill Ritt helped move into the Houston Astrodome to meet the needs of the massive influx of tens of thousands of Hurricane Katrina survivors evacuated from New Orleans, Sept. 1, 2005. (Photo Credit: Daniel Cima/American Red Cross)		"I'll be glad to help whenever and wherever they need me," said World War II Veteran Bill Ritt, who helped move evacuees and equipment into the Houston Astrodome. (Photo Credit: Michael Seamans/American Red Cross) "In all fairness to everybody, the Red Cross did a really good job," he said. "I'm really pleased that I was able to be here - it's a great organization. I'm delighted to be part of it, and I'll be glad to help whenever and wherever they need me." All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of recents disasters and thousands of other disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org . The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation.
A Taste of Home for New Orleans Hurricane Survivors Written by Shannon M. Garry , Special to Redcross.org
Wednesday, September 21, 2005 - HOUSTON - Some of life's simplest pleasures, often taken for granted in the course of busy days, can mean so much following a disaster -- like a cup of your favorite coffee. Hurricane Katrina survivor and New Orleans evacuee Bob Muir, known now to fellow survivors at the Houston Astrodome as "Uncle Bob," knows that well. Nearly three weeks after setting up house in the Astrodome, then relocating next door to the Reliant Center, Muir's positive outlook persists. He's established himself as an unofficial volunteer, serving a special blend of New Orleans coffee - at his own expense - to fellow evacuees, volunteers and law enforcement officials. While shelter families prepare to call it a day, Muir sets up his cart - loaded with percolator, ground coffee and cups - to begin brewing his blend in the wee hours of the morning for hundreds in the shelter, many of whom recognize the brand as one popular back home. "They wake up with a smile and get a taste of New Orleans," Muir said. The slight, 66-year-old retiree has lived in Houston shelters since being forced from his home in St. Bernard Parish, New Orleans, after Hurricane Katrina devastated the area. Pushed by 16-foot flood waters in the aftermath of the hurricane, Muir waited in the rafters of his shed until his nephew rescued him by boat. Still, Muir considers himself one of the richest men in Houston. "Every time you make a friend, you get rich," he said. "I've got so many friends it's pitiful." For Muir, providing a memory of home to fellow survivors is a labor of love.		Bob Muir, an evacuee from New Orleans known around the Houston Astrodome shelter as Uncle Bob, brings a taste of home to his fellow evacuees. (Photo Credit: Michael Seamans/American Red Cross)
"My days pass faster, and I like to see people smile. We take care of each other-that's the only way to live," Muir said, as he shakes hands with a woman lying on cot nearby. "Their name might be Ann Brown. It might be Jim Green. But we all have the same name behind it - Survivor."

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American Red Cross NWA Chapter
PO Box 789
250 Industrial Circle, East
Tontitown, AR 72770
Phone - (479) 306-4688 FAX - (479) 306-4325
Toll-Free - 1-866-692-7572
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