The power of the American Red Cross relies on your generous donations and the tireless efforts of our volunteers, employees, board members and community partners — dedicated people who will continue to make a difference for thousands of lives in 2025 and beyond. As we close out 2024, we wish you a safe and healthy holiday season, and invite you to review some of our region's proudest and most memorable moments.
The power of the American Red Cross relies on your generous donations and the tireless efforts of our volunteers, employees, board members and community partners — dedicated people who will continue to make a difference for thousands of lives in 2025 and beyond. As we close out 2024, we wish you a safe and healthy holiday season, and invite you to review some of our region's proudest and most memorable moments.
News Story: More donors are eligible to give blood
In the past two years, two conditions that have prevented some people from donating blood since the 1980s have been modified or lifted, increasing the ever-needed pool of eligible blood donors.
News Story: A rewarding Red Cross career ends after nearly five decades
John Gareis contributed mightily to the American Red Cross, managing an initiative to make homes and families in Cleveland safer with free smoke alarms. It served as a model for the national Home Fire Campaign, which was introduced nationwide in 2014.
Video: Volunteer helps people prepare for and recover from home fires
Steve Gast was installing smoke alarms, making homes safer in Orrville, Ohio when he came across the remains of a burned-out home he had visited immediately after the fire, to provide comfort and assistance to the tenants.
News Story: Four generations dedicated to serving our community and country
Dr. Alaina Foster is an Air Force veteran and part of a four-generation family of U.S. service members. Her grandfather, father and husband all served in the Army, and two of her sons followed in her footsteps to serve in the Air Force.
News Story: 2024 Acts of Courage Awards honor community heroes
First responders, students and community members were honored for performing extraordinary acts of heroism to help save lives at the annual Acts of Courage Awards presented by the American Red Cross of Greater Akron and the Mahoning Valley in March.
News Story: First-time blood donor helps those suffering from sickle cell disease
Dr. LaTrice Snodgrass hosted a blood drive for the Black community to raise awareness about sickle cell disease and the need for more diverse blood donors. And she gave blood for the first time at the event! “Our blood is truly lifesaving,” she said.
News Story: Son wins Lifesaving Award for saving his father after a knife accident
As blood began to flow from the wound in his father's leg, Chris Colarik took action. He called 9-1-1 and used a belt to fashion a tourniquet and slow the bleeding. Fortunately for his father, Chris received First Aid training from the American Red Cross.
News Story: Helping all family members, human and pet, after a disaster
Over the past year, the Red Cross of Northern Ohio has improved its ability to ensure pets are included when assisting families after a disaster. Megan Sylvester, Regional Recovery Manager for the Red Cross, has led this initiative.
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News Story: Regional SAF specialist is assisting the US military in Baghdad
A new position was created in 2024 to help deliver Red Cross programs and services to meet the needs of military members on U.S. bases overseas. Nasir Ahmad of the Northern Ohio Region is helping members of the U. S. military stationed in Iraq.
News Story: Military veteran moms-to-be get support from Red Cross Tiffany Circle women
The Northern Ohio Tiffany Circle Women’s leadership society partnered with Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces to host two baby showers for women veterans. Items purchased by the community were assembled into baby bundles for 35 expectant moms.
Video: Lymphoma survivor shares importance of blood donations for patients
At 14, Dylan Fink was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He received multiple blood transfusions during his treatment and recovered. He and his father share how those transfusions helped and why blood donation is vital to patients like Dylan.
More than 1,500 people in Northern Ohio can sleep more peacefully, knowing that if a fire occurs in their home, they’ll be warned by working smoke alarms installed in 2024 by the American Red Cross, its volunteers, and its partners.