Spurred by the onset of the pandemic, Rochester blood researcher starts a new donation tradition

The days and weeks that followed the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 were filled with uncertainty. The day-to-day routines to which we’d been accustomed coming to a standstill as the world all but shut down as it eagerly awaited answers.

Educators and employers alike switched to virtual formats, forced to reassess the way in which they served the public with little notice. The American Red Cross and its partners were no exception. Like many organizations, we had to pivot in the wake of these changes both internally and externally to continue our mission-driven work of delivering help and hope, while maintaining a safe environment for our volunteer workforce and the people we are proud to serve.

Since the onset of the pandemic, the Red Cross has experienced about a 10 percent drop in the number of blood donors and a 62 percent drop in blood drives at local schools and colleges, further contributing to what is now a crisis-level blood shortage nationwide. As a result, the nation’s blood supply levels are at their lowest levels in more than a decade. To add to that challenge, locally in 2021 alone, the number of first-time blood donors in our region dropped by more than 34 percent – largely due to the pandemic.

And then there’s Paul Kingsley.

For the Rochester native, the uncertainties, particularly in the early days of the pandemic, seemed to have had the opposite effect.

“I was an occasional donor and hadn’t given for a while. But then I saw something on the media in April or May [of 2020]. Everything was shut down, people were working from home, unemployment was soaring. I was working from home at the time, and they said there’s still a desperate need for blood and they talked about how the bandwidth for donors was smaller. But they went through some of the protections in place to protect them and I decided, I think May of 2020, to donate blood and promote it on Twitter and Facebook to let people know – hey, yes, everything is risky these days, but this is something you can do to actually help people. Blood is the gift of life, so I chose to give.”

Kingsley should know better than anyone. Given his line of work with the University of Rochester for more than 30 years, he has a unique perspective on the benefits of blood donation. Not to mention that his decision to share with others on social media pays off. We first connected, after he tweeted some words of encouragement to potential donors; along with a brief personal background on his decision to donate.

“I'm a research scientist at the University of Rochester Medical Center and I work on blood cell development, including red blood cell development and being in a clinical department, in the Department of Pediatrics, I'm well aware of patients who have various anemias, like sickle cell anemia, how important red cells are – and also for people with cancer, especially kids with cancer. How important transfusions are.”

Nearly two years on from the onset of the pandemic, the ability to supply the lifesaving blood needed to treat those patients in need has never been under greater threat. A number of factors including COVID, winter weather and others have continued to impact the nation’s blood inventory with fewer donations leading to a less than day’s supply of critical blood types in recent weeks and donors like Kingsley are the only source.

“I give probably every eight weeks,” he explained. “Whenever they send me the notice I say ‘Ok, I’ll schedule.’ So I’ve become a more frequent donor and try to make up for people who can’t give or might be concerned about giving.”

But it’s also become more than that for the researcher whose continued penchant for blood donation also began as a way to honor his father’s legacy of donating, through his regular appointments he now makes a point of honoring others.

“There are drives to honor or to recognize people who may have passed on, so sometimes I’ll look and see what’s available. I’ve done that a number of times or made an effort to go to a different place than I normally do just to see the people who show up there and to help to recognize that person and participate.”

Just like Paul, you can participate and make a difference by making an appointment to donate in the days and weeks to come by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor app.

Meg Rossman, Regional Communications Manager, American Red Cross of WNY

There's No Place Like Home: Protect Yours This Fire Prevention Week

There’s no place like home…

There’s no place like home and the sense of security that you feel surrounded by loved ones. Now imagine that all taken away from you in a matter of minutes. 

Firefighters face fierce flames on a daily basis, whether they are paid or volunteer, their duty is the same to protect the public. Every 8 minutes, the American Red Cross responds to a disaster-related incident – the majority of which are home fires. I had the pleasure of speaking with AmeriCorps member Kayla McCall, who serves the American Red Cross of Western New York in the way of fire safety, on this topic.

It’s especially important this Fire Prevention Week as the Red Cross seeks to prepare families against the threat of home fires, which claim seven lives each day in the United States. These disasters are most common now, in the cooler months, when we tend to spend more time inside.

McCall was extremely knowledgeable and shared with me that fire safety is more than just fires and flames. As a person who experienced a home fire herself some years ago, she is now tasked within the ARC to educate families on the topic of residential safety and preparedness, and she has trained well over 30 families! On average, only 26% of families have actually practiced a home fire escape plan with their immediate family.  Regardless, children tend to fall back on their training and “hide from the bad guy” in an attempt to remain safe.  Sadly, if they hide during a fire, they are more likely to perish in the home not due to the fire but instead because of the thick and toxic smoke associated with fires. Statistics say that if there is a fire safety plan in place it reduces panic during an emergency and improves the outcome.

Kayla also had some noteworthy tips to share with our readers: when installing carbon monoxide detectors, place them lower to the ground as the toxic air is heavy and it remains low.  Smoke detectors should be installed up higher since smoke rises quickly.  But the one that I think will hit close to home for most is to avoid daisy chaining! This is the connecting of two or more power strips into each other.  Daisy chaining accounts for a number of OSHA violations, but more importantly they contribute to a large number of electrical fires that could have easily been avoided.

You can help to keep your family safe by testing your smoke alarms, as well as practicing your two-minute escape drill. Teach children what a smoke alarm sounds like and talk about fire safety and what to do in an emergency.

·         Place smoke alarms on each level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once a year, if your model requires it.

·         Also check the manufacturer’s date of your smoke alarms. If they’re 10 years or older, they likely need to be replaced because components such as batteries can become less reliable. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions.

·      In your escape plan, include at least two ways to exit every room in your home.

·       Select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone knows to meet.

·        Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including an escape plan to practice with your family.

Some additional fire safety takeaways that could help keep you and your loved ones stay safe also include keeping a fire extinguisher in your home and changing the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when you change your clocks with daylight savings time, every six months. For those who may be deaf or hard of hearing, install strobe light and bed-shaker alarms to help alert you or a loved one to a fire. And when practicing your escape plan, include any devices or people that help you to get out safely.

And in cases where you cannot afford to purchase a smoke alarm or are physically unable to install one, the American Red Cross of Western New York is there to help.

Home fires are our nation’s most common disaster. This Fire Prevention Week, help keep your family safe and join Kayla and the Red Cross in its mission to #EndHomeFires.

Story by Holly Gassler, American Red Cross of Western New York communications volunteer

Emergency blood and platelet shortage: Red Cross supplies drop to lowest post-summer levels since 2015

This is serious. 

Currently, the American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency shortage of its national blood inventory, especially type O, and platelets. In fact, the supply is at the lowest level for this time of year since 2015.

 

In order to keep up with hospital demand and ensure that patient care isn’t disrupted, we need your help. Donors of all blood types, especially type O, and platelet donors are needed to make an appointment to donate in the days and weeks to come to help make a lifesaving difference to those patients in need.

 

Here are 3 easy ways YOU can help make a lifesaving difference today:

 

1.    Make an appointment to give blood or platelets. Download the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

2.    Bring a friend! Ask a friend to join you and make a regular appointment to donate together.

3.    Spread the word! Let your family and friends know there is an emergency shortage and encourage them to donate, too.

 

As our way of saying ‘thanks’ to all those who come in to donate, you’ll receive a link by email to claim a free Zaxby’s Signature Sandwich reward or get a $5 e-gift card to a merchant of your choice. Terms and conditions apply; see rcblood.org/zax for more details.

 

There are lots of scary things to think about this upcoming Halloween, don’t let a blood shortage be one of them. Help the Red Cross meet the emergency need by rolling up a sleeve and donating blood & platelets today!

 

 

As nephew battles pediatric cancer, blood donations take on special meaning for Gates woman

It was a normal day at the office when I virtually “connected” with Lisa Bubel in March. 

The Spencerport native and mother of four tagged the Red Cross in a photo on our Twitter account. It was a picture of Bubel donating blood, part of a series of regular appointments the One Gallon donor proudly keeps.

What struck me, though, was that she also posted a photo of a young boy receiving blood – her two-year-old nephew Landon, currently battling cancer.

“I’m donating and I find out that my nephew is receiving blood at the exact same time,” Bubel explained. “It hit the heartstrings even more.”

Bubel is acutely aware of the lifesaving impact donating blood can have. Donating for the first time nearly 15 years ago, the lieutenant with the Rochester Fire Department and part-time Emergency Medical Technician, says she sees the critical need on an almost daily basis.

“So many people need it, people you don’t even realize. We need the blood supplies in stock and ready to go. God forbid there is a major disaster or injuries, you need it for that. But also cancer patients and people with various illnesses. It’s so important to have it in stock.”

Diagnosed at four months old after his parents discovered a lump on his nose, Bubel says Landon is in his second round of treatment and has received blood and platelets several times throughout his fight. Since then, donating blood has become something of a family tradition with future plans to hold a drive in Landon’s honor.

“It makes it much more meaningful when you know someone who has needed a transfusion. I know he’s not getting my blood, but I know that when I’m donating that it’s going to be used. He’s had times where they’ve needed to send him in now to get it. So I have that personal understanding of what it means to have everything stocked up and ready to go when its needed.”

That need, as Bubel well knows will become even more critical as we head into the summer months. As people resume normal summer activities, the likelihood that blood donor turnout and the blood supply is impacted becomes even greater. Every two seconds someone in the United States is in need of lifesaving blood and donating blood or platelets is not only an easy way to give back, but also to make a difference for those in need – people like Landon.

That’s why Bubel is encouraging family and friends to donate as often as they can. For her part, she’s even turned it into a friendly competition racking up badges on the Red Cross Blood Donor app and comparing milestones with loved ones.

“I can’t talk enough about the app! You can pre-register, fill in questions and schedule your appointment with the click of a button. I schedule my appointment before I walk from donating, it’s so easy,” Bubel laughed. “It’s just that first step of going into the unknown. Take that first step and donate. It’s helping so many people and it’s just so worth it.”

Worth it, indeed.

You can make an appointment to donate blood and provide help and hope to patients like Landon by visiting RedCrossBlood.org

 

Western NY couple gives back together through blood donation

Why do people decide to donate blood, even in the depths of winter? Everyone has their own reasons, but for Barb and Guy Perry, giving blood just seems like the right thing to do. What’s more, doing it means so much to them as a couple that they keep doing it as often as they can, in rain, sunshine, or snow. They’ve been donating together now for more than two decades. And even a Western New York winter isn’t going to put them off.

Barb and Guy Perry, of Ransomville, NY

Barb and Guy live in Ransomville, New York, about 30 miles north of Buffalo and close to the shores of Lake Ontario, where in winter the North winds whip in from Canada. It’s a beautiful part of the state in all seasons.
 
“We like to get outside when the weather permits,” Barb said, and she means it. They both love the outdoors, enjoying biking, hiking, and camping. Inevitably, though, that gets a bit harder in January and February. The current COVID-19 emergency certainly doesn’t help things either. But COVID-19 aside, the cold and snow have never put them off making it to one of their local Red Cross blood drives. In fact, these drives have been an important part of their lives since they first met.
 

Barb was an early convert to donating blood. She remembers as a child accompanying her Mom on her trips to give blood in Tonawanda. Even before she was old enough to donate herself, it was already part of her family life. “I always watched my mom and dad doing it, and I was just brought up that way,” she said. “And knowing that it always made a difference to someone” was something that stuck with her from a young age. Nowadays, she said, “We try and give back what we can.”

 
Donating blood even played a big part in Barb and Guy’s early relationship. By the time they were dating, Barb had already been a blood donor for seven years. She soon got her future husband into it as well. They went to their first blood drive together the year before they tied the knot.

Married 22 years now, the couple have been donating together ever since. They try not to miss the blood drives at the Ransomville Fire Department or nearby Wilson High School, where Barb works. “As often as they’re here, we try to donate,” Barb said happily. And they always try to schedule their visits together. “It’s just what we do,” Guy added.
 
One thing that hasn’t changed over the years, both insist, is the constant need for blood donors, summer and winter. That continuing need was made plain to Barb once again around the start of the COVID-19 pandemic last year. She was approached by friend and Red Cross account manager MaryBeth Hall, who asked her for help informing the local community about upcoming blood drives through social media.
 
“MaryBeth would send me information about upcoming events,” Barb said. “I would post it on Facebook and make it shareable, and other people would then share it, just to get the word out to the local community.” It was a huge help, especially at a time when so many people were finding it harder to stay connected due to the pandemic."
 
Barb and Guy have continued to attend blood drives during the pandemic. Both insisted they feel completely safe doing so. Everything they see and do during their visits to the donation center reassures them that their safety is of paramount importance. Temperatures are checked at the door. “Everyone’s masked, they have the chairs spaced far apart, the donating tables are not right next to each other. They space you out,” Barb said. Guy agreed. “They do take every precaution possible,” he said.
 
Even in the age of COVID, Barb and Guy want to let people know that the experience of going to a blood drive is still a joy. The sites remain as warm and inviting as they can be. It’s even kind of fun to be there, thanks to the Red Cross volunteers themselves. Everyone’s very friendly, yet also professional. The staff even like to pipe in music for the donors. “I like the music; that relaxes me,” Guy said, laughing. “And some of the Red Cross volunteers, they’re singing and humming along too,” Barb added.
 
It all makes for an enjoyable experience. “And once you’re done, they always send you to the canteen to give you drinks, juices, and snacks,” Barb said. There are even free gifts available to donors—items such as T-shirts, coupons, and gift cards for coffee shops, Amazon, and the like.
 
Apart from the social media work she’s been doing in aid of the Red Cross, Barb has found herself warming to another technological innovation. She’s become a big fan of the Red Cross Blood Donor App—though there was some hesitation at first. “I can’t lie, I was nervous about getting the app because it’s one more thing on the phone,” Barb said. “But boy, everything’s right there.” She’s sold.
 
“The app makes the whole process when you get there go faster,” Guy added, pointing to the RapidPass process that allows donors to check in online. “All you’ve got to do is pull your phone out and they get you right in.”
 
Barb adds one more fascinating detail she loves about the app: She can now actually track the blood she’s donated, much as online shoppers track their orders. Whether it’s for local use or sent further afield, donors can see where their blood goes and how it gets used. “It’s the story of your donation,” Barb said.
 
Eligible donors who are feeling healthy and well can get involved by making an appointment at a local blood drive via RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED CROSS. Those unable to donate blood are encouraged to engage with the organization in other ways, like volunteering their time or through a financial donation in support of its lifesaving mission.

Summing up their experiences about donating blood to the Red Cross, both Barb and Guy talk of the sense of immense satisfaction they get from doing something so important for their community.

“It sounds cheesy, but it’s a good feeling being able to help people you don’t even know in some way,” Barb said. She wants people to know that giving blood is an easy, free way to help people in need, “and it doesn’t cost you anything except a little bit of time.” For Guy, it was also important to think about the potential benefits closer to home. “You could be saving one of your relatives or friends one day,” he said.
 
Barb hesitated a moment before concluding: “And you know, you always hope that if, God forbid, we needed a donation or a transfusion ourselves one day, that it’d be there.”

Story by Dougie Bicket, American Red Cross

Red Cross offering support to families and frontline healthcare workers during COVID-19

American Red Cross compassionate care is needed now more than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specially trained volunteers are available with support, information, workshops and referrals for families who have lost loved ones to COVID-19 as well as for frontline workers.
 
“Our thoughts are with all who have suffered the loss of a loved one to COVID-19, as well as all those grappling with the emotional impact of this pandemic,” said Alan H. Turner II, Regional Chief Executive Officer for the American Red Cross, Western New York Region. “We also extend our gratitude to frontline workers who have sacrificed so much. The Red Cross is here to provide compassionate support.”
 
Support for Grieving Families
Individuals and families can visit redcross.org/VFAC or call 833-492-0094 to access a support hub with information, referrals, special virtual programs and services to support families in need.  A team of specially trained Red Cross Disaster Mental Health, Disaster Spiritual Care, and Health Services volunteers are ready to support families during this difficult time. These Red Cross team members help by:

• Connecting with families over the phone to offer condolences, support and access to resources
  
• Providing support for virtual memorial services for families, including connecting with local faith-based community partners
  
• Hosting online classes to foster resilience and facilitate coping skills
  
• Sharing information and referrals to state and local agencies as well as other community organizations including legal resources for estate, custody, immigration, or other issues

Support for Frontline Healthcare Workers and First Responders
“These first responder heroes are courageous and resilient but are often overworked and have to deal with enormous uncertainty and grief,” said Dr. James Halpern, American Red Cross Board of Directors and Founding Director, Institute for Disaster Mental Health, SUNY New Paltz​.

Because of the rapidly changing environment and new, difficult roles taken on by frontline workers, all while worrying about their own families, Dr. Halpern and the Red Cross have developed this online webinar for hospital staff throughout the New York region to help frontline heroes cope during these unprecedented times.
 
The Red Cross also offers individual and group emotional support for frontline workers. This free service helps frontline workers cope with the stress of working with families affected by COVID-19. Individuals may call our toll free number 833-492-0094 or groups may schedule a support session using the Training Request Form. Red Cross volunteers who are professional healthcare providers, mental health providers and spiritual care providers will work with the individual directly or can schedule a group support session. All services are free and confidential.

Red Cross Western NY region staff member shares the special meaning behind his dedication on the job

 

Jason Fogg's infant son, Jackson, required a blood transfusion related to an emergency heart surgery in 2018. Today, he is a happy, healthy 2-year old.

January is National Blood Donor Month. Without volunteer donors, blood products for hospital patients like Jackson – young son of Rochester collections specialist Jason Fogg – would not be readily available.  
 
Fogg has served the Red Cross Western New York region for two and a half years, but he was only a few months on the job before he experienced an even deeper appreciation for the organization’s lifesaving mission. 
 
In early 2018, 2-month-old Jackson was diagnosed with an extremely rare, life-threatening congenital heart defect, which caused the passage of blood to be slowed due to an extra chamber in his heart’s left atrium. With very mild symptoms, the Foggs were lucky to have caught it as early as they did. Within 24 hours, Jackson was undergoing emergency surgery, and required a blood transfusion. 
 
At that time, Fogg had only recently started working for the Red Cross. “It was an eye-opener to me for a lot of different reasons, but it made me appreciate the work that I do even more,” said Fogg. “I reached out to our team and said, ‘make sure you tell everybody in collections and everyone around you right now, thank you for everything that you do.’” 
 
Thankfully Jackson, now 2, has made a full recovery.  
 
“I have this motto on a bracelet I wear and it says ‘do it for Jackson’ with a little blood drop on it,” said Fogg. Whenever days are getting tough or things are not going well, I look at it as a reminder that this is important work and I take a lot of pride in what I do.”
 

Esteemed recognition

Fogg’s responsibilities include setting up blood drives, training and coaching staff, and managing the drives entirely. In his terms, this means “taking the moving pieces and making them all work to collect blood products as efficiently as possible.”  
 
With his dedication in mind, Fogg was recently nominated for and awarded the Red Cross Presidential Award for Excellence. Fogg received a pin and certificate (pictured above) in recognition of this national-level achievement.
 
The Presidential Award for Excellence is presented to employees or volunteers who demonstrate exceptional performance or service in support of the organization, delivering on its multi-faceted mission. Nominees actions must go beyond meeting organizational goals and expectations and be exemplary of the highest level of commitment to Red Cross values and the execution of superior service and performance.
 
“Jason cares deeply for the mission of the Red Cross and works hard to fulfill it and serve as an example for other employees. He is an innovative problem solver. He finds new ways to enhance the donation experience, realizing that even the smallest, everyday efforts make a difference,” said Hanna Malak, Western New York Regional Donor Services Executive.
 
Humbled, Fogg is quick to share the credit.
 
“I am only as strong as the team around me and the management that puts me in the position to succeed,” said Fogg. “Those are the people that I feel are just as responsible for this award and nomination as I am.”
 

Overcoming a challenging year
 
2020 posed many challenges, however the response from the Rochester community and supporters across the region has been nothing short of inspiring. 
 
“It has been a difficult past year,” said Fogg. “It is a testament to what we have in our area, Western NY in general. We have amazing people that really understand the importance of humanity.”
 
Even with strong turnouts, the need is constant. Especially for blood donations from those who test positive for COVID-19 antibodies. 
 
For COVID-19 survivors, there are two ways to help – through a convalescent plasma donation or by simply giving whole blood. Plasma from whole blood donations that test positive for COVID-19 antibodies may be used to help COVID-19 patients. Those who have recovered from COVID-19 can sign up to donate convalescent plasma now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/Plasma4COVID.
 
“It is nice to get the chance to speak with them [donors] and watch them go through the experience of a first-time donation,” said Fogg. “We get to make their experience extra special, answer any questions, and remind them that they are doing great things with their blood, literally helping save lives.”
 
Health emergencies don’t pause for holidays, game days or a pandemic – blood is needed every two seconds in the U.S. to help patients battling injury and illness. The Red Cross has teamed up with the NFL to offer those who come to give blood, platelets or  plasma, Jan. 1-31, 2021, a chance to win a getaway to the 2022 Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. Terms apply; visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for more information.  
 
Appointments can be scheduled through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting www.RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Story by Nicole Mauro, American Red Cross

Red Cross, NFL partnering during National Blood Donor Month

Cathy Plewinski donates convalescent plasma at the Red Cross Cheektowaga blood donation center

The American Red Cross and the NFL are partnering this January, during National Blood Donor Month, to urge individuals – especially those who have recovered from COVID-19 – to give blood and to help tackle the national convalescent plasma shortage.

The Red Cross has teamed up with the NFL to offer those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma, Jan. 1-31, 2021, a chance to win a getaway to the 2022 Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. As an extra thank-you from the Red Cross, those who come to give Jan. 1-20, 2021, will also be automatically entered to win a Big Game at Home package, which includes a 65-inch television and $500 gift card toward food and fun so their household can enjoy an awesome viewing experience safely at home. Terms apply; visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for more information.  

Cathy Plewinski of Buffalo is one of the tens of thousands who rolled up a sleeve in 2020 to donate their antibody-rich plasma to help those most critically ill with COVID-19.  “I’ve seen it first hand as a nurse – people getting better from receiving this plasma," she said. "I believe strongly if you’ve had COVID-19 and survived it, you should help anyone else who is in that same predicament.”

  

Two ways COVID-19 survivors can help   

Health emergencies don’t pause for holidays, game days or a pandemic – blood is needed every two seconds in the U.S. to help patients battling injury and illness. As COVID-19 cases have risen across the U.S., so has the need for convalescent plasma – leading to a shortage of this potentially lifesaving blood product.   

  

There are two ways those who have recovered from COVID-19 can make a big difference:  

 

• A convalescent plasma donation: The Red Cross is collecting convalescent plasma at over 170 locations throughout the country. If you’ve recovered from COVID-19, you may be eligible to donate your plasma to help others going through COVID-19 treatment. Fill out the eligibility form to start the process.  

 

• A whole blood donation: Plasma from whole blood donations that test positive for COVID-19 antibodies may be used to help COVID-19 patients. Make an appointment to give blood by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).    

  

Kick off the year by making a lifesaving donation this National Blood Donor Month.