A Mid-Year Report to our Supporters Top Row:(left to right) Lauryn Miller-Executive Director, Tiffany Smith-Volunteer Coordinator, Bridget Hymas-Program Coordinator, Heather Porter Development Specialist, Doris Eager-Caseworker Coordinator Bottom Row: (left to right) Keri Ahem-Receptionist. Brigeeta Jensen-Receptionist, Erin Grey-Health & Safety Director, Marcie Valdez-Development Director, Chris Ellis-Controller, Victoria Grant-Executive Assistant Not pictured: Amanda Lindseth- Emergency Services Director The first six months of our fiscal year proved challenging in ways we could never have imagined. At the end of August, we became part of the largest disaster response in the history of the American Red Cross. The Northern Utah Chapter deployed 54 trained disaster volunteers to areas devastated by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma. We also provided shelter, food, clothing, and medical needs to 71 families who self evacuated to Northern Utah. There were local challenges as well. Two of those disasters were 24-unit apartment fires and happened within three weeks of one another. Our disaster budget for the entire year is $67,000 and currently we have committed more than $58,000 in disaster relief to 192 people whose lives were devastated when they lost their homes to fire. In January, we were selected as Small Business of the Year by the Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce. We were so honored that the American Red Cross of Northern Utah was being recognized for our local Hurricane Katrina relief efforts and for the manner in which our organization is run; our approach to client and donor relations; and our active role in the business community. Our entire team, our Board, our volunteers, our employees and our donors, made this award possible. We hope that you will take pride and join with us in celebrating this accomplishment. We would like to thank those of you who remembered our neighbors across the street and donated to our local Red Cross services during a time of unprecedented disaster response both locally and nationally. Volunteer Spotlight Kathy Allen The work of the Northern Utah Chapter of the American Red Cross could not be accomplished without the commitment of our 634 active volunteers. Kathy Allen, from Liberty, Utah is just one of those volunteers. Kathy has been a Red Cross volunteer for over 25 years. She has volunteered in almost every service that Red Cross offers. She can often be found helping in the office answering phones, assisting with accounting, and data entry. Kathy teaches disaster courses, CPR, lifeguarding, and babysitter training. Kathy has also served on several national disasters including the terrorist attacks of September 11, and most recently served two 3-week assignments to help the victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Kathy understands first hand the importance of becoming certified in CPR. Three years ago on a scuba diving excursion in Hawaii, tragedy struck when her husband was not breathing when he reached the top of the water. Because of their American Red Cross Lifeguard training, Kathy and her sons were able to perform CPR for 25 minutes regaining a pulse, and saving her husband’s life. For their lifesaving efforts, Kathy and her children were recognized nationally with The Certificate of Merit, signed by President Bush. In addition, Kathy was recently awarded the Clara Barton Award, one of the highest Chapter level awards that can be given. Her devotion to the American Red Cross and the community plays an important part in carrying out our mission; together we can save a life. American Red Cross Celebrates 125th Anniversary On May 21, the American Red Cross will celebrate an historic event: our 125th anniversary. Clara Barton, our founder, successfully organized the American Association of the Red Cross in Washington, D.C., on May 21, 1881. The founding aims of the new Red Cross have remained largely unchanged in the last 125 years: to serve America in peace and in war, during times of disaster and national calamity. Today, the American Red Cross plays a leading role in responding to the immediate needs of disaster victims in our communities, our nation, and throughout the world. But the Red Cross mission includes far more than disaster response. Millions of Americans turn to the Red Cross every year for training in health, safety, disaster preparedness and much more. None of our work would be possible without the generous support of people like you. On behalf of your local Red Cross chapter, and the entire American Red Cross, thank you for helping us be there when help can't wait. OUTDOOR SAFETY TIPS Develop an emergency plan before you start your trip. Get training to ensure everyone knows what to do if they become lost or a medical emergency arises. Give children whistles with the instructions to "stop and blow" if they become lost. Travel with a companion. Your group should have a minimum of four people; this way, if one is hurt, another can stay with the victim while two go for help. Stay calm if you get lost. Try to remember how you got to your present location. Pay close attention to your surroundings and landmarks, and relate this to your location on a map. Be weather wise. Keep an eye on current and predicted weather conditions. People who have been hit by lightning carry no electric charge and can be safely tended to. If the person is not breathing, begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. But if a pulse is absent begin CPR. Learn basic first aid so you will know how to identify and treat injuries and illnesses. Get trained in Basic First Aid to learn how to identify the symptoms of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hypothermia, and dehydration, and know how to treat them. Pack a first aid kit. Your kit can prove invaluable if you or a member of your group suffers a cut, bee sting or allergic reaction. Bring emergency supplies: map, compass, flashlight, knife, waterproof fire starter, personal shelter, whistle, warm clothing, high energy food, water, and insect protection. For all of your outdoor emergency and first aid needs visit Clara's Closet, located in the Red Cross Building, 2955 Harrison Blvd., Suite 204, Ogden, UT. We offer a wide range of courses including CPR,Wilderness & Basic First Aid & When Help Is Delayed.