American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts

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Hurricane Preparedness

It's that time of year again - hurricane season. According to the National Weather Service, this season should be relatively normal in the realm of storms, with four to seven hurricanes, and one to three major hurricanes. Despite these average figures, the weather has the reputation of changing unexpectedly. The American Red Cross of Central MA is urging hurricane-prone areas to immediately begin preparations for potential storms.

American Red Cross of Central MA Receives Grant to Promote HIV/AIDS Prevention for Adolescent Girls

The American Red Cross of Central MA is pleased to announce grant funding of $5,000 from The Investing in Girls Alliance to provide education on HIV/AIDS prevention, promoting sexual health and healthy relationships for middle school aged girls in the greater Worcester area.

7th grade ETS students at BF Brown Middle School raise funds for ARC!

Our thanks go out to the fine 7th graders involved in the MWCC (Mount Wachusett Community College) Educational Talent Search program at BF Brown Middle School in Fitchburg who raised $99 for our local American Red Cross! Under the direction of teacher Sharmese Gunn, these students meet often to explore opportunities that will prepare them for college including being mindful of the importance of community service. Each year the ETS students hold a penny drive, visiting each class to collect as much change as possible to be given to a good cause.

Home Pool Essentials Maintenance and Safety Online Course Offered

Alarming statistics have recently shown that in the past year, 79% of children under age 5 drowning have occurred in residential pools. The American Red Cross has teamed up with the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) to create an online course which will cover basic home pool operation, safety awareness, and rescue techniques to ensure a safer summer for you and your family.

Chapter CEO Visits Guatemala Red Cross

Lisa Piehler, CEO of the American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts recently traveled to Guatemala to visit her son who is studying and working abroad.

Two of her priorities while traveling were to visit the Guatemalan Red Cross and attend a Rotary International Club meeting. Unfortunately, there were no Rotary meetings during the time due to Semana Santa (Holy Week). However, Lisa was able to exchange the Worcester Rotary Club flag with the Guatemala City Rotary Club flag, because the friends of the family where Lisa and her son were staying with were Rotarians.

Get to Know Us Before You Need Us- Disaster Open House

Nearly 50 representatives from over 25 towns gathered at the Red Cross on Friday, April 3rd for an informational session geared towards Emergency Managers, Public Health Directors and Towns Administrators. Topics included Shelter Operations--What's My Role?, Free Shelter Trainings available to your town, Disaster Planning with the Red Cross, The role of your local Medical Reserve Corps and an overview of "lessons learned" from the 2008 New England Ice Storm.

Attendees at the Open House include Emergency Managers as well as MEMA and FEMA representatives. Picture courtesy of WRMRC.

Local Red Cross Volunteer Joins North Dakota Relief Effort Additional Chapter Volunteers On Stand-By

Worcester, MA, March 27, 2009— As residents of the Red River valley prepare for potentially record flooding, the American Red Cross is moving into position to provide help where needed. A shipment of 24,000 pre-packaged meals are expected to arrive today, along with thousands of cots, blankets and toiletry kits.

Breakfast Of Champions To Salute Nine Local Residents

In its continued desire to recognize and encourage heroism at the local level, The American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts held “A Breakfast of Champions” on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 7:30 a.m. at the Beechwood Hotel Ballroom, located in Worcester.

Eight local residents were recognized for their heroic acts at this special event.

Aquatic Seminars Offered

Attention Water Safety Instructors, Aquatic Directors and Aquatic Facility Managers:

For information about our three Aquatic Seminars, please click here.

Saint-Gobain Receives Philanthropist of Distinction Award

The American Red Cross was honored to nominate Saint-Gobain for the Association of Fundraising Professionals Philanthropist of Distinction Award in recognition of their support Red Cross services and programs.

Since 2001, Saint-Gobain has sponsored the local American Red Cross Adopt-A-Day of disaster relief program which provides financial support to assist families with clothing, food, temporary shelter and mental health counseling and helps to rebuild lives after a disaster.

Saint-Gobain continuously steps forward as a philanthropic leader in support of our signature events (Heroes Community Breakfast, Annual Golf tournament, etc.) that fund our healthcare career training, health and safety programs and disaster recovery services for the residents of central Massachusetts.

In addition, Saint-Gobain generously donates valuable storage space for our disaster related equipment and material resources.

We are grateful to Saint-Gobain for their outstanding partnership and commitment.

Pictured: Donna Zalauskas, Mgr-Community Relations; Lisa Piehler, CEO-Red Cross; Kelleen Loewen, General Division Manager & Red Cross Board of Director

4H Huggable Hounds Give Comfort!

Thanks to the Mass Huggable Hounds 4H Club our local Red Cross Chapter has been restocked with “Comfort Kits”, providing a valuable service to our many clients affected by house fires and other emergencies.

Red Cross Receives $75,000 from National Grid for Ice Storm Relief

WORCESTER, MA, DECEMBER 15, 2008 - The American Red Cross announced today they have received a donation of $75,000 from National Grid in support of its current ice storm relief operations and to assist in preparations and response for future disaster relief in the local area. The gift is part of a total $225,000 that National Grid is donating to the American Red Cross to assist with relief efforts for the Ice Storm. Other chapters receiving support are ARC of Northeastern New York and ARC of Massachusetts Bay.

Instructor Spotlight

Every three months the ARC of Central Mass will highlight one of our Instructors from Health and Safety, Health Care Programs and Disaster Education. The ARC of Central Mass is very proud of these dedicated, accomplished individuals, we would like to spread the word. Please read on and enjoy!

Red Cross Online Training Lets Students Learn Lifesaving Skills on Their Own Time and Pace

WORCESTER, MA, October 7, 2008 - Now central Massachusetts community members have a new, convenient way to get trained in lifesaving skills such as CPR and first aid - Online. The American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts has partnered with the American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis to offer Red Cross online training.

CRITICAL NEED FOR INSTRUCTORS

The American Red Cross is seeking qualified Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide, EKG and Phlebotomy instructors for our Worcester and new Leominster locations.

Welcome to the American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts

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