The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. These are our stories.
The American Red Cross is closely monitoring the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and following the latest guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
We are close to two months into the COVID-19 pandemic, and while we cannot control much in this crisis, we can take action to help manage the challenges of day-to-day life. That’s why the American Red Cross has developed a FREE Mental Health First Aid for COVID-19 course that can be taken online in less than one hour.
The course is designed to help anyone impacted by COVID-19 to build resilience and lend support to others during and after this time. Topics, developed with the expertise of the Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council and the Canadian Red Cross, include recognizing stress as well as caring for yourself while supporting your family and coworkers. We encourage you to take advantage of this free course – and share it with others.
There’s no “masking” community efforts in Central Mass
Story by Colin Gibney, American Red Cross
COVID-19, unlike any other disasters known to our region, has presented itself new challenges for service delivery and for the activation and use of our skilled volunteers and staff. What can we do when we our outreach is constricted because of the risk of wide-scale disease?
American Red Cross volunteers, JoAnn Griffin (Disaster Services and Service to the Armed Forces), left, and Marsha O’Doherty (SAF Interim Regional Manager) deliver comfort kits, snacks, crafted face masks and other necessities to the Shrewsbury, MA location of Veteran’s Inc., the largest homeless and transitional veterans program in New England. Veteran’s Inc. will be distributing more of the masks among its other branches in the coming days.
JoAnn Griffin is a Licensed independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), a member of the Central Mass DAT team, Disaster Mental Health, current COVID-19 DMH, and is also a volunteer for Service to Armed Forces (SAF). JoAnn joined the American Red Cross in Miami, Florida during Hurricane Andrew in 1992. She became a member of our Central Mass Chapter shortly thereafter. As a Clinical Social Worker, she is not used to twiddling her thumbs when people are in need and has led many community efforts.
“I love the opportunity to hook up people with resources when there is a need,” JoAnn said. “This COVID situation has made so many of us feel powerless. My pastor recently said that ‘rather than sitting in your panic, find some purpose’. JoAnn said this statement ties in well with The Red Cross motto that we should always strive for the ‘yes’… (as in yes, we can help you).
Catherine Shirley, The Designer’s Workroom, inspects and counts masks prior to distribution.
Finding Purpose in Mask Making and Community Outreach
The well-publicized scarcity of surgical masks for frontline healthcare workers has been a primary and true need. Along with many people across the country; it’s been a cause that is real and a task many could respond to.
Along with JoAnn’s commitment to the American Red Cross, she also developed the Central Massachusetts Disaster Animal Response Team, Inc. (CMDART) in 2003. The team serves communities and pet owners affected by disasters. CMDART is a partner organization to the ARC as well as other disaster agencies. (www.cmdart.org for more information). CMDART had a small supply of N95 surgical masks to be used for future decontaminate disaster needs. JoAnn and a few of CMDART volunteers decided to distribute most of their supply of masks to local, Central Mass COVID-19 healthcare workers. The list of mask recipients included the Milford Hospital, Tri-Valley Elders, the Beaumont Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Leominster UMass Hospital, and to some local animal control officers along with a few Tyvex suits.
Connecting with Community to Reach Farther
When the CMDART N95 supply was distributed, there was more need. JoAnn reached out to a longtime friend and business associate at the historic Manchaug Mills in Sutton. Catherine Shirley is the owner of The Designer’s Workroom, a custom workroom to the Interior Design trade. Cathy had already started her own effort to meet the need to help those on the front lines.
Catherine had joined the effort of 1,600 professional custom workrooms across America. They are part of Mask America, a nationwide Facebook Group (#maskamerica). That group has made 47,000 masks and counting to date. With her skills, and the supplies from her workroom, she felt the need to fill the mask void. Cathy said,” I couldn’t sit on my hands any longer (about this Covid crisis).
Cathy, along with volunteer friends and family, pre-washed and helped cut necessary supplies. Cathy’s masks can be sanitized, and machine washed for reuse. The masks meet the specifications of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the guidelines of the medical centers that are requesting them. To Cathy, each mask is potentially a life saved.
In addition to custom-designed masks, she uses patterns to make masks such as the Olson and the Deaconess. As of this writing, Cathy has produced more than 600 masks in her workroom which have been distributed to the local communities of Central Mass, but also to those in need in Maine, Rhode Island and New York.
COVID-19: A Different Kind of Response to a Different Kind of Disaster
The Corona virus crisis continues to challenge even the most experienced volunteers to adapt to new ways of serving their communities. Through Marsha O’Doherty, her husband, David, and JoAnn, from SAF, distributed 45 of the masks from Designer’s Workroom as well as food and comfort kits to Central Mass Veterans.
“Taking care of our veterans during this time is an honor and a privilege,” Marsha said. “Doing this is a great way to support the community mission of Service to Armed Forces. We are happy to be able to help in any way we can.”
David O’Doherty, Volunteer in Service to Armed Forces (SAF) with 28 years of military service. David put together 75 comfort kits to go with the hand-crafted masks and other food items donated to Veterans in the Worcester area.
With many school aged children learning from home during the public health emergency, here are some safety and preparedness activities kids and parents can do together to better prepare the whole family in case of an emergency.
The American Red Cross offers several at-school programs for children in grades K-5. Below are three different activities children can do at home while in this new learning environment.
Pedro the Penguin
Read along as Pedro teaches children 5-7 years old how to be safe and prepared for emergencies at home. With his friend Mia, Pedro teaches children about smoke alarms and how to exit your home in case of a fire. There is also an activity for the entire family to prepare for emergencies in the home. Find more at —
The Pillowcase Project teaches children 8-10 years old how to prepare for an emergency at home and in your community. Children learn how to make and practice a home escape plan, Children are asked to find and fill a pillowcase with items they would take in case of an emergency.
Children also can talk with their family to identify emergency contacts. They also will learn and practice coping skills to help them deal with the stress that accompanies an emergency. Find out more at —
Monster Guard is the first mobile app created by the American Red Cross that’s designed specifically for kids. Follow Maya, Chad, Olivia and all the monsters as they teach kids (aged 7-11) about how to prepare for real-life emergencies — at home plus other environments — in a fun and engaging game. This free app is available to download on iOS and Android mobile and tablet devices. Visit —
This year we honor XX local heroes and organizations who demonstrated their willingness to be more than just neighbors. Our local heroes continue to help build stronger communities by giving back, using life-saving skills, and risking their lives to help others.
Community Impact Hero – Brenda Swain – Falmouth, MA
Members of the Falmouth community are coming together in support of Falmouth Service Center Director Brenda Swain, who was diagnosed with metastatic stage 4 neuro endocrine stomach cancer earlier this year. Swain is the director of the Falmouth Service Center for last 18 years. As director, she has overseen the work of hundreds of volunteers operating the center’s services, such as the thrift shop and food pantry. After receiving the news of her diagnosis, she took medical leave in the summer. Brenda was honored as a member of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women’s 2016 class of Unsung Heroines in June 2016 in recognition of her tireless and selfless dedication to reducing hunger and helping individuals in her community.
Armed Forces Hero – Brian J. Hawkesworth – Dennis, MA
Brian is a disabled vet and Commander of the Disabled American Veterans Brian is a disabled vet and Commander of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 96 and member of the AMVETS. He has given hundreds of hours of his time to assist veterans and families in processing their VA claims. He is also an event chairman for many Field of Honor programs.
Armed Forces Hero – Senior Ariman Daniel Ajoue – Dighton, MA
Daniel is a military police officer, 102nd Security Force Squadron at Otis Air Daniel is a military police officer, a member of the 102 Security Force Squadron at Otis Air Base. He has over 450 hours of volunteer work in 2019. On his way home one evening, he and his buddy noticed that a car had slid off the road and was on fire. Daniel and his friend were able to pull the woman to safety before EMS arrived. Both men stayed with the woman until help arrived; the woman’s car was totaled from spinning out of control, hitting a sign, then a tree, and catching on fire.
Community Service Hero – Peter Kelleher – Bridgewater, MA
Peter Kelleher is known as the “Soup Man”. Peter lost his son who died as a victim of the opioid crisis and was homeless. Upon losing his son, Peter needed to do something productive, and he decided to help others by providing soup. Through his non-profit organization known as “Support the Soupman”, he also distributes coats, boots, and survival backpacks that are filled with hats, sock, gloves and toiletries. These backpacks are distributed to those the Support the Soupman team encounter on the streets who may be homeless for a variety of reasons. Peter also has begun a shower initiative. The goal is to have a portable shower for the homeless in every major city in New England.
Community Service Hero – Luis Contreras – East Wareham, MA (Posthoumous)
Luis had quietly been an active volunteer and fundraiser for many years. He dLuis had quietly been an active volunteer and fundraiser for many years. He donated his time and money to many different fundraisers and town events. He helped to raise funds for child trafficking survivors, he anonymously sent condolence meals to families, he served homeless communities, and the list goes on. He was selfless and humble. Luis loved to help, serve and lift others up in their worst of times, never expecting any recognition at all. He was a good Samaritan who helped a family of 4 that was disabled, in the middle travel lane, when their car was struck by a deer. While assisting, Luis was struck and killed. Luis left behind a legacy that inspires kindness and love that is continuing to bring strangers together for the good of others. There were families looking to donate turkeys in his honor, talk of possible scholarships and other ways to continue giving and honoring his legacy.
Community Service Hero – Sarah Swain – Harwich, MA
Inspired to make a difference in her community after losing her mother to ovarian cancer, local musician Sarah Swain created annual Cape Cod Women’s Music Festival in her mother’s honor in 2012. In 2014, Sarah founded and is now CEO of the non-profit Cape Wellness Collaborative, which works with a team of over 100 outstanding local wellness professionals to provide free-of-charge integrative therapies to anyone facing cancer the Cape & Islands. For the past four years Sarah has spearheaded CWC’s biggest fundraiser, Dancing with the Docs, which has to date raised over $400k. After doing genetic testing herself and finding out she carried a high-risk cancer gene, in 2017, Sarah underwent a prophylactic double mastectomy and oophorectomy. When Hurricane Dorian devastated the Bahamas this past Sept, Sarah spearheaded the event “Bands for the Bahamas” which raised over $20k for hurricane relief.
Community Service Hero – Bob, Colleen, Jake Kohl – Marstons Mills, MA
The Kohl family founded the Glenna Kohl Fund for Hope in honor of their daughter Glenna, a Barnstable Recreation Division employee whose life was cut short after a courageous three-year battle with melanoma. This fund provides education about the dangers of melanoma and to provide sun safety for our community in the form of sunscreen and shade canopies.
Life Saving Hero – Melanie Denbow – Sandwich, MA
Melanie was working as a lifeguard in Sandwich and has a great fear of dogs. Several hundred feet away, on another beach, Melanie heard dogs barking. She ran to where she heard the commotion and found the victim who had been bitten. Melanie administered lifesaving first aid skills to save a bleeding victim despite her fear.
Life Saving Hero – Maryanne Hanson – Holbrook, MA
Maryanne suffered from a traumatic brain injury several years ago after which Maryanne suffered from a traumatic brain injury several years ago after which she needed to learn to speak, walk, and take care of herself. She has residuals from the TBI and suffers from severe memory loss. Due to her quick and selfless act she saved a woman from choking by administering CPR and taking appropriate action while summoning help to arrive.
Life Saving Hero – Ross Dugan – New Bedford, MA
On his way home from work, Ross witnessed a car on fire following an accident. Ross rescued all four of the men from the burning car, while sustaining injuries to himself.
Life Saving Heroes – Firefighter Timothy Looney – Milton, MA & Firefighter Robert McGrann – Hanson, MA
Timothy and Robert rescued two parties from Cape Cod Canal and assisted with the transfer of two additional parties who were still aboard a sinking boat. Both FF Looney and FF McGrann performed admirably and with great distinction under perilous conditions in a situation that certainly would have resulted in the death of at least 2, if not all six occupants.
Life Saving Hero – Steven Mourao – Acushnet, MA
Steven assisted his friends while vacationing in Aruba. The couple was celebrating their 19th wedding anniversary when the husband was seriously injured after hitting his head on a rock while riding an ATV that had flipped over several times and ultimately landing on him. An ambulance couldn’t arrive for over an hour, and Steven continued to provide the necessary medical assistance.”
Professional Hero – Al Fantasia – East Freetown, MA
Al is Director of Respiratory and Pulmonary services at Cape Cod and Falmouth Hospitals. Al goes above and beyond the call of duty. He volunteered, in adverse weather conditions, to fly out to Nantucket to get the life-saving respiratory equipment to a premature newborn baby. He is also a rescue parent for pit bull dogs and has volunteered to care for an elderly patient’s dog so she could go to the hospital.
Professional Heroes – Andrew Weddell & Jonathan O’Loughlin – Bourne, MA
Trooper Jonathan O’Loughlin of the Massachusetts State Police and Police Officer Andrew Weddell of the Bourne Police Department worked together to rescue a man off the Sagamore Bridge in Bourne on October 11, 2019. The man was exhibiting erratic behavior and was attempting to jump over the concrete railing of the bridge in a suicide attempt. Trooper O’Loughlin and Officer Weddell were able to gain control of the man and bring him back to safety. The man was transported to a local hospital and is receiving help because of their efforts.
Red Cross Hero – Jane Robinson – South Dennis, MA
An active volunteer who over the last 12 years has assisted in disasters, both
Since 2008, Jane has been a volunteer with the American Red Cross in the area of disaster services assisting in emergencies and disasters locally, regionally, and nationally. Working in Disaster Services, Jane remains engaged in Client Casework, Sheltering, Group Feeding, Distribution of Emergency Supplies, Canteening in the community, Disaster Spiritual Care, The Home Fire Campaign, Service to the Armed Forces, and Community and Youth Education.
Beginning in 2013, Jane has been involved in The Pillowcase Project. The Pillowcase Project is the Red Cross signature program for youth emergency preparedness and safety. She holds the position of the Pillowcase Project Lead, and main presenter for the Cape, Islands, and Southeast MA. She has educated over 5,000 third, fourth, and fifth grade students in a significant number of elementary school classrooms across the state.
Youth Heroes – Ayden & Chayce Mello – Plymouth, MA
Ayden, 15 years old, and his brother Chayce, 11 years old, woke up in the middle of the night smelling smoke from a neighbor’s house. They woke the neighbors by pounding on the doors and windows, rescuing the family of four from a house fire. The super-heated gases that filled the home reached nearly 1,000 degrees.
Youth Hero – Caoimhe Assad – Mashpee, MA
Last year when Caoimhe was a second grader, she was deeply impacted by Officer Sean Gannon’s death. Caoimhe’s dad is a police officer in Mashpee. She wanted to find a way to honor our men and women in blue. This young girl raised money by bottle redemptions, bake sales and other fundraising efforts to purchase 1,000 medals of St. Michael the patron saint of police officers. She has delivered the medals to every police officer on the Cape. She has also delivered over 1,000 meals to police stations across the Cape. Last year when Caoimhe was a second grader, she was deeply impacted by Officer Sean Gannon’s death. Caoimhe’s dad is a police officer in Mashpee and her grandfather is a K9 handler at the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office. She wanted to find a way to honor our men and women in blue. This young girl raised money by bottle redemptions, bake sales and other fundraising efforts to purchase 1,200 St. Michael’s medals. St. Michael is the patron saint of police officers. She has delivered the medals to every police department on the Cape (including several departments in the state of MA). In many cases, she hand-delivered these medals to police officers across the Cape. This kind-hearted young lady shows grace, gratitude, generosity and optimism beyond her years.Last year when Caoimhe was a second grader, she was deeply impacted by Officer Sean Gannon’s death. Caoimhe’s dad is a police officer in Mashpee. She wanted to find a way to honor our men and women in blue. This young girl raised money by bottle redemptions, bake sales and other fundraising efforts to purchase 1,000 medals of St. Michael the patron saint of police officers. She has delivered the medals to every police officer on the Cape. She has also delivered over 1,000 meals to police stations across the Cape.
Special thanks to our Statewide Sponsors
We would like to thank our Central Chapter Board of Directors, whose dedication and guidance help shape the Red Cross in Cape, Islands and Southeast Massachusetts.
The Cape, Islands and Southeast Massachusetts Chapter serves a population of more than 1,273,000 people in the 15 towns of Barnstable County, the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket and Plymouth and Bristol counties. We are part of the Massachusetts Region of the Red Cross.
The American Red Cross of Massachusetts is proud to recognize Takeda Pharmaceutical for their donation of $4 million which will help ensure that our staff and volunteers are ready to assist the public during the public health emergency associated with Covid-19.
“Takeda Pharmaceutical’s contribution ensures the Red Cross can continue to carry out the aspects of our lifesaving mission, including providing critical relief services. We are deeply grateful for their generous support during this challenging time,” said Gail McGovern, President and CEO of the American Red Cross.
“As a company dedicated to the health and well-being of people around the globe, we recognize our responsibility to do as much as possible to help people in need due to the coronavirus outbreak,” said Ramona Sequeira, President of Takeda’s US Business Unit. “The negative impact of this outbreak on our economy, healthcare system, families, and communities can’t be overstated. We are proud to partner with the American Red Cross to help enable this great organization to continue its important work during this critical time.”
The coronavirus presents a new type of disaster relief challenge for the Red Cross. In the weeks prior to the World Health Organization declaring Coronavirus a pandemic, the federal government issued a national state of emergency. States across the nation, including Massachusetts, declared local public health emergencies setting in motion increasingly more stringent public safety rules. With the American Red Cross experiencing blood shortage nationwide, financial support from donors like Takeda Pharmaceutical enables the Red Cross to call greater attention to the need for lifesaving blood at such a critical time.
About Takeda Pharmaceutical
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited is a global, values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical leader headquartered in Japan, committed to bringing Better Health and a Brighter Future to patients by translating science into highly-innovative medicines. Takeda focuses its R&D efforts on four therapeutic areas: Oncology, Rare Diseases, Neuroscience, and Gastroenterology (GI). We also make targeted R&D investments in Plasma-Derived Therapies and Vaccines. We are focusing on developing highly innovative medicines that contribute to making a difference in people’s lives by advancing the frontier of new treatment options and leveraging our enhanced collaborative R&D engine and capabilities to create a robust, modality-diverse pipeline. Our employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients and to working with our partners in health care in approximately 80 countries.
About the American Red Cross The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
Each year, the Red Cross honors community members who go above and beyond in service to others, exemplifying the spirit of our mission.
Special Thanks to our Heroes Celebration Sponsors
This year we honor eight local heroes and organizations who demonstrated their willingness to be more than just neighbors. Our local heroes continue to help build stronger communities by giving back, using life-saving skills, and risking their lives to help others.
Youth Hero – Zoe Milmoe
When Zoe’s school DARE Officer passed away unexpectedly, she came up with a way to raise funds to honor and memorialize Officer Nowak as well as a way to raise funds for the DARE Program, ensuring it will continue on in the Boxford elementary schools. On her own, Zoe brainstormed ideas for fundraising and ordered “DARE to Remember” bracelets in Officer Nowak’s honor. She raised enough money to install a memorial stone in Officer Michele Nowak’s memory at the First Annual Michele Nowak DARE to Remember Road Race, organized by Zoe and her father. The race, having completed its second year, has enable the Boxford Police Department’s next DARE officer to complete their training as well as cover the cost of supplies for the DARE program in their schools.
Youth Hero – Molly Wogan
Molly is the creator of the P.A.W.S. (Precious Animals Wonderful Shelters) Project. Molly set out on a mission to spend one year raising funds, awareness, and spending volunteer time at shelters in New England. The project grew beyond her dreams, helping 14 groups and traveling to Georgia twice to help two of the groups that rescued Gracie. At the end of one year, Molly had raised $28,000, solicited more than $40,000 of items from corporations, and facilitated the rescue of 79 dogs form high-kill shelters, who have all come to New England and found their forever homes. As of Sept. 9, 2019, Molly has helped rescue more than 425 dogs and raised some $160,000 through her PAWS Project. The all-volunteer, non-profit is supported by the Essex County Community Foundation, which is based in Danvers.
Humanitarian Hero – Ted Bucci & Family
Hero Abbey Roundy
Abbey heard the squeal of brakes in front of her house just as her 12-year-old neighbor was struck by a moving vehicle and became trapped under a camper trailer and dragged several feet. Abbey crawled under the vehicle and calmed down the victim who sustained serious injuries. She held the girl’s hand, who Abbey did not recognize due to the severity of the injuries, and then realized it was a neighbor she had babysat for many years. Abbey stayed under the trailer and kept the girl calm until help arrived. A witness said that Abbey did not hesitate to become involved in the rescue effort. Abbey is a nursing student at Salem State University.
Heroes Officer Ted Lane & Dr. Vinod Narra
Workplace Hero – National Grid
National Grid is being honored for their outstanding commitment in upholding a company culture that values community service and the role of company leaders to positively influence the actions of employees during and outside of work such as holding continuous blood drives, and responding to local disasters.
Philanthropic Hero – Schneider Electric
Our Community Philanthropic Award is given to a titan in our community that acts as a devoted ambassador of the humanitarian mission of the American Red Cross. Schneider Electric’s demonstrated generosity and altruism has been instrumental in helping to fulfill the mission of the Red Cross in communities across Massachusetts.
Hero Bill LaPierre
We would also like to thank our Champion Sponsors
Mission Hero – Deb Duxbury
Deb Duxbury is an everyday hero at the American Red Cross and across the Merrimack Valley. She is known as the “Red Cross Lady” to many in the community. Even though she may be staff at the Red Cross, Deb goes above and beyond the call. She is constantly making sure her community is safe. Deb has time and time again done things for her community such as going around the city to clear storm drains during rain storms to clearing fire hydrants during snow storms. Deb has a selfless heart and has been known to put others before herself. During the gas explosions of 2018, Deb worked days on end to make sure the people of Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover were taken care of in every way possible.
Special thanks to our Statewide Sponsors
We would like to thank our Central Chapter Board of Directors, whose dedication and guidance help shape the Red Cross in Central Massachusetts.
The Northeast Massachusetts Chapter serves a population of over 1.2 million people in Essex and Middlesex counties. We are part of the Massachusetts Region of the American Red Cross.
Each year, the Red Cross honors community members who go above and beyond in service to others, exemplifying the spirit of our mission.
Special Thanks to our Heroes Celebration Sponsors
This year we honor eight individuals who demonstrated their willingness to be more than just neighbors. Our local heroes continue to help build stronger communities by giving back, using life-saving skills, and risking their lives to help others.
Heroes Brett Johnson & Tyler Daigneault
Heroes Kerryn & Matt Perkins
Hero BJ Hill
Heroes Jeanine & Ralph Swick
Jeanine and Ralph Swick have been dedicated volunteers with the Red Cross for more than 20 years. As members of the Central Massachusetts Disaster Action Team, Jeanine and Ralph have given comfort to people going through their worst day as victims of home fires. The hundreds of Central Massachusetts residents who they have helped bear witness to the kindness and compassion Jeanine and Ralph bring to the Red Cross every day.
Posthumous Recognition – Lt. Jason Menard
Worcester Fire Fighter Lieutenant Jason Menard made the ultimate sacrifice on November 13th, saving the lives of fellow fire fighters.
We would also like to thank our Community Sponsors
Special thanks to our Statewide Sponsors
We would like to thank our Central Chapter Board of Directors, whose dedication and guidance help shape the Red Cross in Central Massachusetts.
The American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts has been providing lifesaving services to Worcester County and select towns in Middlesex County since 1909. The chapter has strong roots in the community and deep relationships with the people that live there.
The American Red Cross is closely monitoring the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and following the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
We know this is a stressful time and people want to know what they can do right now to protect themselves and their families. That’s why the Red Cross is highlighting some everyday health and preparedness steps that people in the U.S. can take now.
The Red Cross recommends following common sense steps to help prevent the spread of any respiratory virus.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and throw the tissue away after use. If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve, not your hands.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.
Clean and disinfect doorknobs, switches, handles, computers, telephones, bedside tables, bathroom sinks, toilets, counters, toys and other surfaces that are commonly touched around the home or workplace.
To the extent possible, avoid touching commonly used surfaces in public places like elevator buttons, door handles and handrails and avoid handshaking with people. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something.
Follow the CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
There are things you can do right now to be ready for any emergency, and many of these same tips will help you prepare as the coronavirus situation continues to evolve in the U.S.
Have a supply of food staples and household supplies like laundry detergent and bathroom items, and diapers if you have small children.
Check to make sure you have at least a 30-day supply of your prescription medications, and have other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes and vitamins.
Know how your local public health agency will share information in your community and stay informed. Find more information here.
Learn how your children’s school or daycare, and your workplace will handle a possible outbreak. Create a plan in the event of any closings, event cancellations or postponements.
If you care for older adults or children, plan and prepare for caring for them, should they or you become sick.
Help family members and neighbors get prepared and share the safety messaging with those who may not have access to it.
According to the CDC, patients with COVID-19 have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure and include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Call your healthcare professional if you develop symptoms and have been in close contact with a person known to have the disease or if you have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of the disease.
WHO IS AT A HIGHER RISK?
COVID-19 is a new disease, which means scientists and public health experts are still learning how it spreads, the severity of illness it causes and to what extent it may spread in the U.S.
Early information shows that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this virus. This includes older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease.
If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or a serious medical condition, it is extra important for you to take actions to avoid getting sick.
Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others.
When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
Avoid crowds as much as possible.
Stock up on supplies.
Contact your healthcare provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications to have on hand in case there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community and you need to stay home for a prolonged period of time.
If you cannot get extra medications, consider using a mail-order option.
Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms. Most people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home.
Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for a period of time.
For the latest information, please visit the CDC website at cdc.gov/covid19.
If you live outside the United States, health and safety tips can be found through the World Health Organization and by following your local Red Cross or Red Crescent society’s social media channels.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
The American Red Cross is honoring everyday heroes by celebrating everyday people and the heroic things they do in our community.
The Everyday Heroes Awards are celebrations all over the country at which the Red Cross honors people who personify our mission of service and help in local communities. Along with our sponsors, the American Red Cross will honor local heroes at the Central Massachusetts2020 Everyday Heroes Breakfast on March 24, 2020 in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Everyday heroes are all around us – the good Samaritan who intervenes when someone is in an accident, or the watchful neighbor seeing a need in a community. These awards shine light on selflessness of heart and heroism of character.
Our 2020 Heroes are:
Community Impact Hero – BJ Hill of Rutland
Community Impact Hero – Jeanine and Ralph Swick of Lunenburg
Life Saving Hero – Brett Johnson of Worcester
Life Saving Hero – Lt. Jason Menard of Worcester (posthumously)
Life Saving Hero – Tyler Daigneault of West Boylston
Life Saving Hero – Kerryn and Matt Perkins of Wilbraham
Tickets for this inspiring event are available here. The Central Massachusetts2020 Everyday Heroes Breakfast will be presented on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at the Beechwood Hotel, 363 Plantation St. Worcester, MA, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Please join us in honoring these remarkable members of our community.
The American Red Cross and Honda North will honor local community members who have done extraordinary things at its annual Northeast Massachusetts Everyday Heroes Breakfast, March 26, 2020 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Boston North Shore.
The American Red Cross of Northeast Massachusetts, along with members of the community, will come together to honor local heroes who have exemplified the mission of the Red Cross over the past year. These heroes gave of themselves to better our communities and have given their time to benefit others. This breakfast is one of the largest events on the North Shore where over 500 attendees from the business and non-profit communities will gather.
The heroes and awards are:
Humanitarian Hero – Ted Bucci & Family of Hamilton
Community Hero – Abbey Roundy of Essex
First Responder Hero – Officer Ted Lane of Beverly
First Responder Hero – Dr. Vinod Narra of Danvers
Mission Hero – Deb Duxbury of Methuen
Enduring Hero – Bill LaPierre of Haverhill
Youth Here – Zoe Milmoe of Boxford
Youth Hero – Molly Wogan of Middleton
Workplace Hero – National Grid
Philanthropic Hero – Schneider Electric
Lifetime Hero Award – Mike Liquata
Each year, the American Red Cross honors people who go above and beyond in service to others, exemplifying the spirit of our own mission. These heroes are honored in recognition of their good works. Become a sponsor, make a donation or buy a table and meet these very special people. This annual fundraiser makes it possible for the American Red Cross of Northeast Massachusetts to help our neighbors across 59 cities and towns when they need it most.
Tickets for this inspiring event are available here. The Northeast Massachusetts2020 Everyday Heroes Breakfast will be presented on Thursday, March 26, 2020 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Boston North Shore, 50 Ferncroft Rd. Danvers, MA 01923 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Please join us in honoring these remarkable members of our community.
Sleeves Up, Hearts Open, All In 