Red Cross, Greater Richmond Online Newsroom

Red Cross & Goodwill graduate the 100th student from its Nurse Assistant Training Program: For many, this training is the beginning of a new life

2008-10-10T09:03:00.000-07:00

Highlights

Red Cross/Goodwill will graduate its 100th student from its Nurse Assistant Training Program; the ceremony takes place on Friday, Oct. 17
This nurse assistant training program offers low-income students skills to get a stable job with benefits
As the population ages, there’s a growing demand for nurse assistants
Nurse assistant student Paula Southerland illustrates how the program is changing her life
Red Cross instructor Sue Fowler, RN, grew up poor and worked as a nurse assistant at night as she put herself through nursing school
The program is a result of a Red Cross/Goodwill partnership—the only partnership of its kind in the Richmond area

October 10, 2008

Red Cross & Goodwill graduate the 100th student from its Nurse Assistant Training Program
For many, this training program is the beginning of a new life

RICHMOND, Va.—On Friday, October 17, the American Red Cross, Greater Richmond Chapter and Goodwill Industries will graduate its thirteenth class of students to complete its Nurse Assistant Training Program. Along with this commencement comes the milestone having graduated 100 students.

The six-week training program includes classroom, lab and hands-on clinical experience at McGuire VA Hospital. Exceeding national and state guidelines, the 150-hour program prepares students for the state Certified Nurse Assistant exam and incorporates not only nursing skills, but life and career skills as well.

“Many of our students have been working a series of part-time jobs and not getting very far,” said Sue Fowler, registered nurse and course instructor. “After taking this course, many can get stable jobs that pay a living wage and have benefits.”

Across the United States, nurse aides generally earn about $9 per hour (about $20,000 per year). Some can earn less; some can earn more.

Nurse assistants help care for ill, injured or disabled people in hospitals, nursing care facilities or private homes. Their duties can include bathing, dressing, feeding, setting up medical equipment and performing simple treatments.

Because the demand for nurse assistants is so great, employment prospects are excellent for those who graduate from the Red Cross/Goodwill program.

Nurse assistant student Paula Southerland says the program has been a blessing. “It sure hasn’t been luck,” said Southerland, “The only luck I’ve had has been bad. This program is a new start for me.”

Southerland, age 41 and the mother of six, worked for eight years as a certified nurse assistant in North Carolina. When she moved to Virginia she couldn’t get her certification here and her job prospects were dim.

“In this economy, it’s very difficult. For more than four months, I’ve been unemployed and living below the poverty line,” says Southerland.

“Thanks to a scholarship from the Department of Social Services, I’ve been able to attend this class and that includes learning new skills that I was never taught before. Best of all, soon I’ll have a job that’s not just a basic survival job. I’ll be able to improve my housing situation, and open new doors for myself and my family.”

According to the 2008-09 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the national demand for nurse assistants will grow steadily, particularly in the field of home health care. Currently, there are about 780,000 home health aides; by 2016 that number is expected to increase to 1.2 million. Today, there are about 1.4 nurse assistants working in hospitals and nursing homes; by 2016 there will be 1.7 million.

Giving others the ability to earn a decent living is a big part of what motivates Fowler. She is known for working with students on scheduling, overcoming language barriers and working out transportation issues.

“Many of our students are low income, and they’ve been struggling. I’ve been there myself. I grew up in a poor family, and when I got out of school I was told to go work in a factory,” said Fowler.

“I wanted more for myself, so I worked at night as a nurse assistant and put myself through nursing school. Now I’m a registered nurse, and I’m happy to be able to give back.”

According to Southerland, there could be not better teacher for this program, “Ms. Fowler is a mother, friend and instructor,” she says. “She’s bright, and funny and committed to her students. She does more than teach us skills; she lifts us up.”

About the Red Cross
The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization whose mission includes helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to disaster. An initiative of the Greater Richmond Chapter’s Center for Community and Corporate Education, the Nursing Assistant Training Program is part of the chapter’s efforts to address the projected needs of the growing senior population in the Greater Richmond area.

About Goodwill
Founded in 1923, Goodwill Industries is a nonprofit provider of career development and support services for individuals with obstacles to employment, providing them with the skills they need to maintain long-term employment and gain an improved standard of living. The local agency serves 39 cities and counties across Central Virginia and Hampton Roads.

About the Nurse Assistant Training Program
In this partnership, the only one of its kind in the Richmond area, the American Red Cross provides the curriculum and the instructor, and Goodwill provides the classroom and job preparation training at its Career Center on Midlothian Turnpike.

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Altria donates $400,000 to the Red Cross National Disaster Relief Fund

2008-10-10T07:23:00.001-07:00

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In the Photo: Altria representatives Gordon Dixon and Charlie Aggie recently presented a check for $400,000 to Greater Richmond Chapter CEO Reggie Gordon. Also on-hand were Sean O'Berry, Red Cross vice president for financial development as well as other Red Cross staff members.

Red Cross chapters sending volunteers to respond to the devastation left by Hurricane Ike

2008-09-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Bill Harrison
Vice President, Public Relations
American Red Cross, Greater Richmond Chapter
Office: 804.780.2256 § Cell: 804.396.0162
Email: houset@usa.redcross.org
www.greaterrichmond.redcross.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 16, 2008

Red Cross chapters sending volunteers to respond to the devastation left by Hurricane Ike
As Ike deployments continue, volunteers from previous storms are still in the field

RICHMOND, Va.—In the wake of Mother Nature’s punishing assaults on the Southeastern and Gulf regions of the United States, local Red Cross chapters continue to send volunteers to help in the aftermath.The latest volunteers are leaving today to help in with Ike, and are flying to Texas and Louisiana to get their assignments. They will work in areas including sheltering, mass feeding, staff services, public affairs, client casework, and health services.

Hurricane Ike Deployments:

The Greater Richmond Chapter is sending three volunteers today and four more will deploy in the coming days. This brings the total number of Ike volunteers from the chapter to seven.
The Rappahannock Chapter is sending three volunteers today. That brings the total number of volunteers from the Rappahannock chapter to four—the first Ike volunteer deployed on Thursday, September 5.
The Southside Chapter is sending two volunteers today. Altogether a total of five Ike volunteers have deployed from the Southside Chapter since September 9.
The Halifax-Charlotte County Chapter has sent seven volunteers, including five that left on Friday, September 9.

While the placement of Ike volunteers continues, the Red Cross is still working to fill needed volunteer positions.

Deployments for Hurricane Gustav
Since Hurricane Gustav hit Louisiana in September, Red Cross database records show that local chapters have sent a steady stream of volunteers to storm-affected areas, and most of those volunteers are still in the field:

The Greater Richmond Chapter sent four volunteers, and another is leaving in the coming days.
The Rappahannock Chapter sent two volunteers.
The Southside Chapter sent 11 volunteers.
Halifax-Charlotte County Chapter sent seven volunteers.

The Red Cross needs donations
As the Red Cross continues helping those battered by the 2008 storms and hurricanes, a national fundraising campaign has been launched to raise an initial $100 million to fill a depleted Disaster Relief Fund. The fund allows the Red Cross to provide emergency assistance to help victims of disasters meet their immediate needs for food, shelter, counseling and other critical services.

To help disaster victims:

Donate online at the national Red Cross web site: https://chapowa.redcross.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.redcross.org/.
Call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Use your cell phone to donate $5 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by text messaging the keyword “GIVE” to “2HELP” (24357). Donations will appear on monthly bills or be debited from a prepaid account balance. All applicable text rates apply.

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Red Cross seeks public affairs volunteers

2008-09-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

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Red Cross sending two mass care volunteers to Florida in advance of Hurricane Ike

2008-09-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

Contact the Greater Richmond Chapter at 804-780-2250 or http://www.greaterrichmond.redcross.org/
Donate online at the national Red Cross web site: http://www.redcross.org/.
Call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Use your cell phone to donate $5 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by text messaging the keyword “GIVE” to “2HELP” (24357). Donations will appear on monthly bills or be debited from a prepaid account balance. All applicable text rates apply.

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Red Cross urges homes and businesses to prepare for hurricanes

2008-09-05T10:28:00.000-07:00

Remove dead or diseased branches and limbs and check windows.
Cut and dispose of dead or diseased branches from trees and tall shrubs so they do not break and become missiles during high winds.
If you do not have pre-installed hurricane shutters, get outdoor plywood and cut it to fit every window in the home.

Check garage doors
Garage doors are frequently the first feature in a building to fail. Reinforce garage doors so they can withstand high winds.

Prepare a disaster supplies kit

Include a battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, first aid kit, canned food, manual can opener, bottled water (three gallons per day) and medications.
Store food that does not require heating and any items you may need for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.

Know the meaning of hurricane watch and hurricane warning

A hurricane watch means a hurricane is possible in your area. Keep listening to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio or television for updated information.
A hurricane warning means a hurricane will soon occur in your area. If you are told to evacuate the area, do so immediately.

Listen to local authorities and stay alert to broadcasts

If local authorities ask you to leave, do so right away. You will need as much time as possible to evacuate, due to higher-than-usual traffic volumes.
Listen to NOAA Water Radio and local television broadcasts for the latest information about the storm.
Consult information provided by your local emergency management agency.

Prepare a family communication plan
Designate a friend or relative outside your area as your family contact in the eventyou are separated from family members during a hurricane.

If you live in a mobile home
No mobile home is safe in hurricane force winds. If you live in a mobile home, relocate to a safer structure until the storm passes.

Prepare your business

Have a disaster supplies kit on hand, including a NOAA Weather Radio with a tone alert feature. Keep it on and when the signal sounds, listen for information about the weather.
Back-up computer data frequently and keep a back-up off site. Use UL-listed surge protectors and battery back-up systems.
Consult with your insurance agent about precautions to take for disasters that may directly impact your business, including business continuity insurance.
Keep phone lists of employees and customers with you and provide lists to key employees.
Arrange for programmable call forwarding for your main business line. Then, if you can’t get to the office, you can call in a reprogram the phones to ring elsewhere.

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Red Cross urges tornado preparedness

2008-09-05T08:00:00.001-07:00

NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Theresa House
Public Relations Representative
American Red Cross, Greater Richmond Chapter
Office: 804.780.2297 § Cell:804.396-0186Email: houset@usa.redcross.org
http://www.greaterrichmond.redcross.org/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 5, 2008

Red Cross urges tornado preparedness

RICHMOND, Va.—Because tornadoes can sometimes accompany hurricanes, the American Red Cross encourages everyone to prepare for tornadoes by following these safety tips:

Assemble a disaster supplies kit that contains:

a first aid kit and essential medications
battery-powered radio
flashlight and extra batteries
canned food and manual can opener
bottled water for each family member

Prepare a home tornado plan:

Pick a location where family members can gather, away from windows. It can be a basement or center hallway, bathroom or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this area uncluttered.
If you live in a high-rise building and do not have enough time to go to the lowest floor, pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.
Share this plan with all family members and practice twice a year.
When a storm threatens:
Listen for storm warnings on TV and radio stations and take them seriously.
If outside, try and get inside a sturdy building. If a building is not available, crouch in a ditch or low-lying area that is not subject to flooding.
If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head to safety. It is not safe to get underneath a highway overpass.

Reduce high wind damage to your home:

Consult a professional about ways to reduce potential damage to your roof and garage doors.
Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased or damaged limbs.
Move or secure lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants or anything else that the wind can pick up and make a projectile.

Prepare your business

Have a disaster supplies kit on hand, including a NOAA Weather Radio with a tone alert feature. Keep it on and when the signal sounds, listen for information about the weather.
Back up computer data frequently and keep a back-up off site.
Use UL-listed surge protectors and battery back-up systems.
Consult with your insurance agent about precautions to take for disasters that may directly impact your business, including business continuity insurance.
Keep phone lists of employees and customers with you, and provide list to key employees.
Arrange for programmable call forwarding for your main business line. Then, if you can’t get to the office, you can call in and reprogram the phones to ring elsewhere.

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American Red Cross in dire need of funds

2008-09-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

How to Donate
To help Gustav and other disaster victims:

Contact the Greater Richmond Chapter at 804-780-2250 or http://www.greaterrichmond.redcross.org/
Donate online at the national Red Cross web site: http://www.redcross.org/.
Call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Use your cell phone to donate $5 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by text messaging the keyword “GIVE” to “2HELP” (24357). Donations will appear on monthly bills or be debited from a prepaid account balance. All applicable text rates apply.
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free.

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American Red Cross “Spirit of America” cooks as many as 30,000 meals a day for disaster victims

2008-09-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Bill Harrison
Vice President, Public Relations
American Red Cross, Greater Richmond Chapter
Office: 804.780.2256 § Cell: 804.396.0162
Email: harrisonb@usa.redcross.org
www.greaterrichmond.redcreoss.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 3, 2008

American Red Cross “Spirit of America” cooks as many as 30,000 meals a day for disaster victims
You are invited to see this state of the art kitchen-on-wheels at NASCAR races

RICHMOND, Va.—The Spirit of America, an American Red Cross mobile kitchen, will be part of a Red Cross display at the NASCAR races this weekend at the Richmond International Raceway. It will be located in the midway area of the track. Tours are available Friday, Sept. 5 from 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 6 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

The Red Cross booth will also include information on blood donation and hurricane preparedness.The Spirit of America is a self-contained, 53-foot trailer designed to produce as many as 30,000 hot, nutritionally balanced “home style” meals daily from within heavily impacted disaster areas. Meals prepared in the mobile kitchen are then loaded on Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicles and distributed to disaster victims throughout a disaster area.

The “Spirit” can operate anywhere: next to a standing building, in a parking lot or even in an open field. The unit can function in a stand-alone mode, or be connected to working community water and electrical systems. It contains potable (fresh) water tanks and wastewater disposal tanks, four propane tanks and a 65kw silent-running generator. The kitchen facilities include three tilt skillets, two stacked convection ovens, a roll-in-rack oven, an industrial size mixer, hot water on-demand system, five stainless steel sinks, and a walk-in refrigerator. The “Spirit” also carries a pressure washer, a fire suppression system, an electric lift, heating and air conditioning systems, a gas leak detector, and a winterization package.

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Editor’s Note: If you would like to tour the Spirit of America mobile kitchen, contact Bill Harrison to make an appointment. You can reach Harrison at one of the numbers listed above.

Red Cross sending volunteers and Emergency Response Vehicles to Alabama

2008-08-27T10:28:00.000-07:00

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Richmond Red Cross announces 2008-2009 board leadership

2008-08-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Theresa House
Public Relations Representative
American Red Cross, Greater Richmond Chapter
Office: 804.780.2297 § Cell: 804.396.0186
Email: houset@usa.redcross.org
http://www.greaterrichmond.redcross.org/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 21, 2008

Richmond Red Cross announces 2008-2009 board leadership

RICHMOND, VA– The American Red Cross, Greater Richmond Chapter is pleased to announce its 2008-09 board chairman and officers:
Peter J. Bernard is the chairman.
John F. Duval is the treasurer.
Susan Mize Cain is the secretary.

Bernard is senior vice president of Bon Secours Health System, Inc. and chief executive officer for Bon Secours Virginia. He brings more than 30 years of healthcare leadership experience to Bon Secours. Bernard is a member of the board of directors for a number of community-based entities including the Greater Richmond Chapter of the American Red Cross, St. Joseph’s Villa, and Venture Richmond. He served as the chair of the 2007 United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg campaign and is a member of the Management Roundtable and the chair-elect of The Forum Club. Bernard also participates in the Health Executive Network, the Leadership Institute, and is credentialed as a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Duval is the CEO of Medical College of Virginia Hospitals, the teaching hospital component of the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System. Before joining VCUHS in 2003, Duval was chief operating officer of University Medical Center at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center. He is currently a member of the American Hospital Association, where he serves on the Maternal and Child Health Governing Council, and is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives. He serves on the boards of Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond, the Greater Richmond Chapter of the American Red Cross, American Heart Association of Richmond, University Health System Consortium and Valentine Richmond History Center.

Mize Cain is a community volunteer who joined the Red Cross in 2002. Since that time, she has responded to small- and large-scale disasters including Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Isabel, Tropical Storm Gaston, and numerous fires. Mize Cain’s duties include consulting with service areas to improve disaster response, as well as acting as a national resource for managing “spontaneous volunteers,” those that volunteer for the first time immediately following a large-scale disaster. Before joining the Red Cross, Mize Cain worked in numerous project management and information technology positions for Signet Bank and Capital One.

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Red Cross youth volunteers reaching thousands with door-to-door campaign

2008-07-29T10:28:00.000-07:00

NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Theresa HousePublic Relations Representative
American Red Cross, Greater Richmond Chapter
Office: 804.780.2297 § Cell: 804.396.0186
Email: houset@usa.redcross.org
http://www.greaterrichmond.redcross.org/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 29, 2008

Red Cross youth volunteers reaching thousands with door-to-door campaign
Tomorrow is the last day of an outreach project that includes work in Oregon Hill

While many young people see summer as a time to relax by pools or work at part-time jobs, several area youth have spent much of the summer going door-to-door with lifesaving information on behalf of the American Red Cross, Greater Richmond Chapter.

According to the students, the work is rewarding because they know they are saving lives. Many times their visits reach people who need the information, but because of social or economic challenges, have not had the opportunities to learn.

Wednesday, July 30 marks the end of the month-long project that has brought the students into the homes of nearly 7,000 Richmond area residents. The students will leave the Greater Richmond Chapter at 9 a.m. for Oregon Hill where they will spend several hours visiting at least 100 homes. The Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association is working with the Red Cross to ensure successful visits.

“Our goal is to cause people to think about what they need to do and then act,” said Penny Phonesavanh, a Virginia Commonwealth University student who has coordinated the project. “Usually people know how to prepare, but wait before acting.”

The students have reached many people, mostly being Hispanic, who speak little or no English. That can create challenges, but many of the students are fluent in Spanish so they work in pairs and whenever possible. They also carry brochures in Spanish that are left with the residents.The youth discuss issues such as smoke detectors, disaster action plans and how to create a disaster kit that includes items such as bottled water, food and other needs if a disaster should strike.

This is the second year the chapter has sponsored the project, having reached more than 15,000 people.

“It is inspiring to watch these young people put their hearts into helping, and the number of lives they will save will never be known,” said Reggie Gordon, Greater Richmond Chapter CEO.

This year’s group included 12 students from area high schools who participated in the Summer Institute for Leadership and Public Service sponsored by St. Christopher’s School.

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The Red Cross and SMARTBOX partner to provide supplies for Powhatan’s emergency management exercise

2008-07-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

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