Transcript Slide 1
Partnering with the American Red Cross The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood. TM Who We Are The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization with a rich tradition of community service. We are committed to serving our communities, and we rely on businesses, places of worship, schools and other organizations to help ensure our nation has a safe, adequate blood supply. What We Do The Red Cross provides blood for patients in need, collecting more than 40 percent of the nation’s supply. • • • • Single largest blood supplier in the United States Trusted provider for patients in more than 3,000 hospitals National blood inventory management system Participate in Rare Donor Registry What We Do Other lines of service: Disaster Services – Each year the Red Cross responds to more than 75,000 disasters – locally, nationally and worldwide. These services are free, a donated gift of the American people. Armed Forces Emergency Services – The Red Cross operates an around-the-clock, around-theworld emergency communication network for the men and women of the armed forces and their families. What We Do Health and Safety Outreach- The Red Cross has offered health and safety education for more than 90 years, helping to save lives and strengthen communities. International Humanitarian Services – A global network works to restore hope and dignity to the world’s most vulnerable people. Who We Serve More than 38,000 blood donations are needed everyday to treat patients in need. Patients like Elise. Elise was born with a life-threatening heart defect. In order to save her life, Elise had to undergo an eight-hour surgery to fix her heart defect. She required 22 units of whole blood and clotting factors to make her body strong enough for surgery. Who We Serve • The Red Cross National Inventory Management System (NIMS) ensures the consistent availability of blood and blood components throughout the country. • Local hospital needs are always met first. However, through our national network, we can quickly move blood around the country as needed. • By donating to the Red Cross, donors may be helping patients not only in their community, but also their family and friends across the nation. Who We Serve Hospital patients undergoing surgeries and treatments can require various amounts of blood products. Becoming a Partner By partnering with the Red Cross, you are: • Ensuring an adequate blood supply is available to those in need. • Aligning yourself with one of the largest, most trusted non-profit organizations in America. • Showing the community how much you and your school care. Becoming a Partner How will partnership benefit your school? • • • • • • Helps to save lives in your community and across the nation. Provides education about blood products and blood needs. Provides schools a "Community Service and Good Citizen" program that involves all students. Provides volunteerism opportunities to students. Promotes a new generation of blood donors. Attracts positive publicity and good-will to your school. The Bottom Line While there is hard work and dedication involved in partnering with the Red Cross, you won’t do it alone. And the Red Cross and the patients we serve need you! “Thank you to all of the donors who help people like Elise, who so desperately need a second chance at life.” - Terri Punke, Elise’s Mom The Bottom Line But don’t just take our word for it. “In 2002, one of our Woodruff High School students became gravely ill and spent several months in the ICU. Classmates suggested hosting a blood drive in his honor, and to this day it has been one of our most successful drives. Through first-hand experience, our students really grasped the magnitude of why we continually work with the Red Cross. As long as there is a need, this school community will always be there to provide its support.” - Maria Diaz, Activity Director, Woodruff High School