American Red Cross of Northern New England

In late April 2024, the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul suffered what authorities called the worst disaster in the state’s history. Heavy rains caused unprecedented flooding that affected over 2 million people. The already devastating situation worsened when heavy rain and new flooding hit the area again in June. Brazilian Red Cross volunteers worked tirelessly to deliver first aid, psychological support and relief supplies across flood-affected communities. Four highly trained crisis responders from the American Red Cross deployed alongside local Red Cross and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) teams in the weeks following the flooding to lend skills in information management, communications and cash and voucher assistance (CVA). The CVA program has been implemented since July 2024 and has reached 1,170 families (3,510 people). Cash assistance is a dignified and efficient way to support people impacted by disasters, allowing them to purchase items specific to their individual needs, while also supporting local economies.

“Medically, I probably still shouldn’t be here – and one of the biggest reasons why I am still alive are because of the donations of blood from other people." Seth Meyer, a renowned tennis coach from Maine, was diagnosed with stage 4 B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in January 2024. He spent most of the year fighting for his life. He needed so many transfusions of whole blood, platelets and plasma that he and his wife lost count. “I’ve always been a very active person – out on the tennis courts running around. So going from that to being super, super sick in the span of weeks, was really quite the shock,” he said. “This experience has certainly opened my eyes – and my wife’s eyes – to the importance and value of blood donation." 1?? in 3?? people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Cancer patients use nearly 25% of the nation’s blood supply – more than patients fighting any other disease. But these lifesaving blood products that cancer survivors, like Seth, depend on can only come from generous volunteer donors. He is now joining with the Red Cross calling on more Mainers to give blood. Will you help us save more lives? Sign-up to give blood on March 26 at the NEWS CENTER Maine Blood Drive. There are 5 donation locations across the state. Use this link to make your appointment: https://rdcrss.org/34xvkSc.

Did you know: 1/3 of Americans lack access to regular primary care due to a shortage of providers in their local communities? When you donate blood with the American Red Cross, you receive a free mini health check to ensure you're well enough to donate. This includes: ? Blood pressure check ? Hemoglobin level testing ? Pulse & temperature check You can track your health over time! Your health data is available in the Red Cross Blood Donor App, where you can monitor trends in your blood pressure and hemoglobin levels. Staying informed about your health has never been easier! Why Donate? ?? Help save lives ?? Gain valuable health insights ?? Make a difference in your community Share your good health. Donate blood. Schedule your next donation today & start tracking your wellness! Find a donation center near you: https://lnkd.in/ebwyUut

Proud of our platelet donors! ?? Did you know that every 15 seconds, someone in the United States needs platelets? That’s why there’s a constant — and often critical — need for new and current donors to give to keep up with hospital demand. Listen to the stories of a few of our dedicated platelet donors in Maine. The fixed blood donation center in Portland is the Red Cross’s only plasma donation site in the state and collects 75% of all platelets donated in Maine. Our donors continued commitment to saving lives through platelet donation is inspiring! By giving platelets regularly, donors can help patients fight cancer and recover from other life-threatening illnesses and injuries. To learn more visit RedCrossBlood.org

Please join us in wishing Red Cross volunteer Mike Plotczyk, of New Hampshire, well as he deploys to Birmingham, Alabama to help with the disaster recovery efforts after a powerful storm system caused violent tornadoes and devastating wildfires over the weekend, leaving behind a heartbreaking path of destruction across the Midwest and South. Mike will be part of the DST - or disaster services technology - team. This team can quickly set-up communications systems in the aftermath of a major storm. This may include establishing radio connectivity, setting up of computer networks, establishing internet connectivity, maintaining and managing the inventory and distribution of cell phones, tablets and laptops – pretty much anything related to technology. These Red Crossers are the backbone of an operation overcoming limited communication capabilities, providing circuits of connectivity between all Red Cross services so that volunteers can efficiently respond to community needs. This is not Mike's first deployment, but it's been almost 20 years! We know he'll serve the team well. Mike, be safe and thank you for your service ??. #RedCrossMonth

Imagine losing your home to a disaster and not knowing where to go or when your next meal will be. When you donate $20, you can provide someone a full day of meals at a shelter as they receive support from Red Cross volunteers and begin to plan their next steps. Be the difference for someone before a disaster strikes by supporting our relief work and donating on @RedCross Giving Day —March 26: Your gift, no matter the size, can change lives: https://rdcrss.org/4gDI20z #HelpCantWait

?? Grill Safely, Stay Fire-Free! ?? ?? Never grill indoors—not in your home, tent, or camper. ?? Grilling accidents spark 11,000+ home fires yearly. Cook smart, stay safe! ?? #EndHomeFires For more information on home fire escape planning or to request a free smoke alarm, visit https://lnkd.in/e3cA6gt.

Another 30 alarms installed this past weekend! The Red Cross of Northern New England held another successful Sound the Alarm event on Saturday in Redfield, Maine, helping make homes safer across the area. Our volunteers installed smoke alarms and helped provide fire safety education, making sure that homeowners knew what to do in the event of a fire. Thank you to all of our volunteers and community partners that helped make it such a great day! The American Red Cross responds to approximately 500 fires in Northern New England each year, providing financial assistance for food, clothing and emergency shelter. The region has ramped up our prevention efforts and is taking our fire safety message to the cities and towns of the Northern New England Region. For more information on the Sound the Alarm program in Northern New England, and how you can learn more about free smoke alarm installation, please visit https://rdcrss.org/3zdH5r3

To celebrate Red Cross Month, we’re thanking the incredible volunteers and donors that give so much to support our mission. We rely on people like Dorothy Miller, a volunteer blood transportation specialist, to help us get lifesaving blood where it’s needed. We also count on partners like Cumberland Farms that are inviting customers donate at the register until March 31 in support of our work. To our volunteers and partners powering our mission, thank you! #RedCrossMonth #HelpCantWait

Every day, Red Cross blood, platelet & plasma donors are a lifeline for car accident victims, patients facing complicated childbirths and those battling cancer. #HelpCan’tWait in an emergency. Roll up a sleeve and give this March, Red Cross Month: https://rcblood.org/appt