Colonial Crossroads Chapter Invites Community to
Celebrate Red Cross Month

AREA (February 22, 2008) – The Colonial Crossroads Chapter of the American Red Cross is celebrating Red Cross Month throughout March by hosting a series of special events aimed at raising public awareness about the Red Cross and its lifesaving services. Events include a special mass first aid training session, a comprehensive disaster readiness exercise, four blood drives and a platelet drive, as well as free community events including a lecture about preparing your pets for disasters, inspirational and informational open houses, and a pair of blood pressure screenings.

“Celebrating Red Cross month provides an opportunity to remind the community that the Colonial Crossroads Chapter is active and ready to serve them,” said Christy Hodde, executive director of the local Red Cross chapter, which serves Berkeley Heights, Chatham Borough, Chatham Township, East Hanover, Florham Park, Long Hill Township, New Providence, Madison, Springfield and Summit.

“We are a local Red Cross chapter making a local impact,” explained Hodde. “Every day of the year, our volunteers are in action, responding to house fires and floods; training neighbors in life-saving skills, and providing a safe and plentiful blood supply. Donations made to our local chapter, stay here and are used to help people locally. This March and throughout the coming year, the Red Cross Colonial Crossroads Chapter needs continued support.”

In the past year alone, the Colonial Crossroads Chapter trained more than 17,000 participants in life-saving skills such as First Aid, CPR, the use of an AED, babysitting, water safety and life-guarding; provided shelter, meals, financial assistance and emotional support to 11 families impacted by house fire or storm damage; provided 9,545 free rides for Union County seniors to medical appointments; delivered 4,150 meals to seniors in partnership with Sage Eldercare eals-on-Wheels; generated nearly 1,100 units of blood through 44 blood drives; helped 11 local families communicate with a family member serving in the U.S. Armed Forces during a time of emergency and distributed more than 49,000 pieces of disaster preparedness educational materials.

Red Cross Month events include:
Chapter Disaster Readiness Exercise
Friday, Feb. 29 -- Saturday, March 1
Summit Medical Group Education Center (1 Diamond Hill Road, Berkeley Heights)

The Colonial Crossroads Chapter of the American Red Cross will conduct a Chapter Disaster Readiness Exercise and Evaluation to measure the chapter’s readiness to respond to disaster in the local service area, develop specific strategies to enhance its readiness and to practice response activities. Space to conduct the unique bi-annual event was donated by chapter partner Summit Medical Group.

Cocktail Reception honoring Barton & Brower Families
Saturday, March 1 (7 – 10 p.m.)
Red Cross Chapter House in Summit (695 Springfield Ave., Summit)

The Red Cross Colonial Crossroads Chapter and the Noe Pond Club will honor the volunteer service of Chatham Township residents Chuck and Kim Barton and Bailey and Taz Brower with a cocktail reception. A long-time Red Cross supporter, Chuck Barton recently stepped down as chairman of the Colonial Crossroads Chapter Board of Directors, which he served from 2004-2007. Ticket prices start at $45 per person and can be purchased by calling (908) 273-2076.

FREE Be Red Cross Ready Lecture: Preparing Your Pets for Disaster
Tuesday, March 4 (7 – 8:30 p.m.)

Summit Medical Group Education Center (1 Diamond Hill Road, Berkeley Heights)
St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center director of community services Carolyn Currey will outline how to be prepared to protect pets before and when disaster strikes, as well as basic dog and cat first aid and CPR.

FREE Blood Pressure Screening
Tuesday, March 4 & March 18 (1 – 3 p.m.)

Red Cross Chapter House in Summit (695 Springfield Ave., Summit) -- FREE
As a service to the community, the Red Cross offers free blood pressure screenings to all members of the community the first and third Tuesday of each month. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact (908) 273-2076.

FREE Hour for the Red Open House
Wednesday, March 5 (2 – 3 p.m.)
Tuesday, March 11 (7 – 8 p.m.)
Red Cross Chapter House in Summit (695 Springfield Ave., Summit)

An Hour for the Red open house is a chance for individuals to get to know us and for us to meet more of our valued community members. Through these brief, informal presentations, volunteers and staff share powerful stories of how Red Cross work is touching the lives of our neighbors at some of the most vulnerable times in their lives. The chapter also provides information about how you can volunteer and receive training through the Red Cross. There is no charge to attend An Hour for the Red, however reservations are required. To reserve a seat, please call the Summit Chapter House at (908) 273-2076.

First Aid Mass Training
Wednesday, March 12 (5:45 – 9:45 p.m.)
Sarah Bailey Civic Center (30 Church Mall Road, Springfield)

A community mass First Aid training course will teach basic care for injuries or sudden illnesses until advanced medical care can be provided. Topics include handling emergency situations, basic disease transmission precautions, recognizing and caring for bleeding, wounds, and immobilizing muscle, bone and joint injuries. In celebration of Red Cross Month, the course fee will be discounted 50 percent to $20 per person. To register, call (908) 273-2076 or visit www.ccnjredcross.org.

Blood Drives
Saturday, March 15 (9 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
Red Cross Chapter House in Summit (695 Springfield Ave., Summit)

Tuesday, March 18 (1 – 7 p.m.)
Red Cross Chapter House in Madison (1 Madison Ave., Madison)

Friday, March 21 (1 – 7 p.m.)
St. Teresa of Avila Church (306 Morris Avenue, Summit)

Wednesday, March 26 (3 – 8 p.m.)
Brooklake Elementary School (235 Brooklake Road, Florham Park)

Anyone at least 17 years of age, in good general health, and weighing 110 pounds or more is eligible to donate blood every 56 days. Donors must provide picture identification, showing proof of age. Individuals do not need to know their blood type to donate and walk-ins are welcome. To eliminate waiting time, donors may make an appointment by calling 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (800-448-3543) or visiting www.pleasegiveblood.org.

Platelet Drive
Tuesday, March 18 (1 – 7 p.m.)
Red Cross Chapter House in Madison (1 Madison Ave., Madison)

Donors with Type A and AB blood are asked to consider a Platelet donation, also know as an Apheresis. The specialized process is as safe and painless as whole blood donation and provides as many platelets as five whole blood donations would provide. Donations will be carefully matched to patients, helping cancer, burn and trauma patients in our local hospitals. The donation takes 90-120 minutes, during which donors receive personalized care from our Red Cross staff while relaxing, watching television, reading or listening to music. Call (973) 379-4198 for more information or to make an appointment.