Welcome to the American Red Cross - Wyandotte County Chapter

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Blood Services for Haiti Relief

On Tuesday, January 12, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti causing catastrophic damage and loss of life. The American Red Cross is responding to this tragic event with financial assistance. At this time, no specific request has been made by the Haitian government for the Red Cross to provide blood or blood products to support treatment of the victims of the earthquake. However, the Red Cross is shipping blood products at the request of the UN Mission in Haiti as well as for some patients who have been moved to a hospital in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba .

The American Red Cross Blood Services is meeting the needs of this tragedy through current supplies. At this time, we do not anticipate the need for a special donor appeal to support our efforts. As always, blood donors are encouraged to call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit us online at redcrossblood.org to make an appointment.

Our Mission

The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, will provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.

DONATIONS NEEDED TO IMPROVE CANTEEN SERVICE

Wyandotte County Chapter provides canteen service upon request for firefighters, police officers and other

emergency responders in situations of extreme weather or a response of more than four hours duration.

These first responders, who often wear heavy turnout suits, are susceptible to dangerously high temperatures.

A new product, the Kore Kooler Rehab Chair, offers a way for us to provide rapid temperature rehabilitation

for these responders. These chairs are essentially a modified folding chair with arm reservoirs that contain

plastic bags filled with ambient temperature water. After each individual rehab, the bags are removed with

the water they contain and a new bag is inserted to be filled with clean water. Forearm cooling such as this

has been shown to be very effective in helping the responders return to the job more quickly. There is no

need to cool the water in the chairs; ambient temperature water from a house spigot, engine pump or

hydrant works perfectly.

These chairs cost approximately $200 apiece, and it is not practical for the Fire Department or other

responders to store them in their vehicles. Your designated donation could make it possible for the

American Red Cross to provide this valuable service to the first responders we work with. Donations

may be sent to Wyandotte County Chapter at 1600 Washington Blvd., Kansas City, KS or a donation

may be made in our online store. Please contact Jennifer Tarwater at 913-321-6314 if you have any

questions. Thank you so much for responding to this need.

WHEN DISASTER STRIKES

In the event of a disaster such as a tornado, you may be separated from your family and friends. The American Red Cross has created a website where you may register your location and your loved ones may search for you. In order to find someone on this website, basic information is required that your loved ones would know, but confidentiality is strictly enforced so that your safety is protected. Please click here for further information about this valuable resource.

DONATIONS NEEDED TO IMPROVE CANTEEN SERVICE

American Red Cross: In The News