NEGAARC Newsletter October 2013 Volume 3, Issue 10

American Red Cross Host Measles & Rubella Initiative Meeting.

This week, experts and advocates from all over the world are gathering in Washington, D.C. at the American Red Cross headquarters for the annual Measles & Rubella Initiative Meeting. Their purpose? Creating a road map to a world free of measles and rubella. The American Red Cross, a founding member of the Measles & Rubella Initiative, has played an integral role since the partnerships beginning in 2001. Since that time, more than 1.1 billion children have been vaccinated against the diseases, resulting in 10 million deaths averted and reducing child deaths by 71%. With a network of volunteers spanning the globe, one of the ways Red Cross supports vaccination campaigns through social mobilizationdoor to door visits that inform mothers of the importance of vaccinating their children. Recently in Ethiopia, 135 Red Cross health workers held vaccinations in 25 communities throughout the country, mobilizing neighbors in the weeks leading up to campaign. These are the faces of a healthier Ethiopia.

In This Issue:
Measles and Rubella Initiative. Flu Season Red Cross Training Board Member Updates Red Cross Mobile Apps DAT Meeting Schedule Friends We Will Miss October Blood Drives Book-A-Million Fundraiser

The Measles & Rubella Imitative.

The American Red Cross is working to prevent measles around the world as a founding partner of the Measles & Rubella Initiative. The Initiative is a global partnership committed to ensuring that no child dies from measles or is born with congenital rubella syndrome. Measles is a leading cause of death and disability among young children worldwide, even though a safe and cost-effective vaccine is available. In 2011, measles claimed an estimated 158,000 lives 430 each day. It is a highly contagious disease and even healthy, well nourished children, if unvaccinated, are at risk of measles and its severe health complications, such as pneumonia, diarrhea and encephalitis. In vulnerable populations such as undernourished children, the disease becomes deadly which is why 95% of measles deaths occur in low -income countries with weak health infrastructures. It costs less than US $1 to vaccinate a child against measles, making it one of the most cost-effective health interventions available. Progress from 2000 to 2011 - Measles deaths fell by 71% globally from an estimated 542,000 in 2000 to 158,000 in 2011. Sub -Saharan African countries made the most progress and reduced measles deaths by about 84%.

To learn how to create a world free of measles and rubella, visit www.measlesrubellainitiative.org.

Donate Today

Northeast Georgia Chapter

Serving : Dawson, Fannin, Forsyth, Gilmer, Habersham, Hall, Lumpkin, Pickens, Rabun, Towns, Union and White Counties. 675 White Sulphur Rd., Ste. 230 Gainesville, GA 30501 - Phone # 770-532-8453, FAX # 770-287-1236 www.redcross.org/nega - Facebook.com/NEGARedcross - Twitter.com/NEGAARC

NEGAARC Newsletter October 2013 Volume 3, Issue 10 Page 2/6

Are You Prepared for the Flu Season...

Summer is winding down, fall is around the corner, along with the start of the flu season. Are you ready? Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by different strains of viruses. In the United States, there is a flu season that begins every fall and ends every spring. The type of flu people get during this season is called the seasonal flu. Flu viruses spread from person to person when people who are infected cough or sneeze. What should you do to avoid getting sick: Always practice good health habits to maintain your bodys resistance to infection. Eat a balanced diet. Drink plenty of fluids. Exercise daily. Manage stress. Get enough rest and sleep. Take these common sense steps to stop the spread of germs. Wash hands frequently with soap and water or an alcoholbased hand sanitizer. Avoid or minimize contact with people who are sick (a minimum three feet distancing is recommended). Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Cover your mouth and nose with tissues when you cough and sneeze. If you dont have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow. Stay away from others as much a possible when you are sick. Anyone with a fever or other symptoms of the flu should stay home from work or school until at least 24 hours after the fever has gone (without medications). Get a flu shot very year. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to minimize illness and death.

For More Flu Season Information

Search the Red Cross Disaster & Safety Library at www.redcross.org

For kids big and small.

The Scrub Club

Check out this fun, interactive website with educational materials, music, games and cartoon "webisodes." www.scrubclub.org

Everyone Needs a Flu Vaccine Every Year

Flu viruses are constantly changing, and different flu viruses circulate and cause illness each season. The annual flu vaccine is updated each year to protect against the flu viruses research indicates will be most common. This is why everyone needs a flu vaccine every year!

Potential risks and serious complications of the flu: Bacterial pneumonia Dehydration Worsening of chronic medical conditions Ear infections Sinus problems

Flu Symptoms The flu usually begins with

rapid onset of a high fever and body aches. Be aware of other flu symptoms:
Headache Extreme tiredness Sore throat Cough Runny or stuffy nose Vomiting and/or diarrhea (more common in children than in adults) NOTE: Having all of these symptoms doesnt always mean that you have the flu. Many different illnesses have similar symptoms.

Are you considered high risk for flu-related complications?

You are at an increased risk if you are: Age 50 or older

Pregnant Living with a chronic medical condition A child, age 6 months and older Living with or caring for anyone at high risk

If you are at high risk, have your vaccinations updated every year, as directed by your physician.

It is important to stay informed about changes to guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC Web site posts regular updates to public health recommendations regarding a number of public health threats

NEGAARC Newsletter October 2013 Volume 3, Issue 10 Page 3/6

Be Ready Cross Ready - Take a Class

Learn About Red Cross Programs:

Board Member Updates

The Northeast Georgia Chapter of the American Red Cross is pleased to announced two new members of our Board of Directors.

First Aid/CPR/AED - Learn how to provide immediate

care in cardiac, breathing and first aid emergencies until advanced medical personnel arrive FA/CPR/AED certification that meets OHSA standards. Professional Rescuer training. First Aid, Health and Safety for Coaches Wilderness and Remote First Aid Pet First Aid

Welcome to:
Dion Dreher, Operations Manager with PCL Industrial Construction Company in Alpharetta. Nelish Patel, President & CEO of Sai Hospitality Management Company in Cumming.

Lifeguarding - Begin a career as a professional lifeguard

or learn to manage a team of lifeguards. Become a Red Cross trained lifeguard. Learn lifeguard management. Junior Lifeguarding

FY 2013/2014 Board of Directors:

Penny Aaron Renasant Bank, Jasper Haydee Anderson Mexico Lindo, Gainesville Norm Cooper Appalachian Book & Photography, Blairsville David C. Crouch Three C Enterprises, LLC, Cumming Dion Dreher PCL Industrial Construction Co., Alpharetta Marilyn McFadden Attorney, Big Canoe Chris McNeal BB&T, Thompson Bridge Rd., Gainesville Nelish Patel Sai Hospitality Management Co., Cumming Clay L. Pilgrim Rushton & Company, LLC, Gainesville Jonathan Schooler Global Builders, Jasper Taylor Wallace Premier LandCare, Dawsonville Jim Wallace Summit Industrial Construction, Alpharetta *****************

Swim and Water Safety - With courses designed for

students of all ages, learn how to swim or how to keep your pool or spa safe and clean. Learn to swim Lean home pool essentials Pre-School Aquatics Safety Training for swim coaches & instructors Caregiving and Babysitting - Gain the skills to turn your interest in caring for others into a satisfying job, as a babysitter or adult caregiver. Become a trustworthy and confident babysitter. Train to become a certified Nurse Assistant.

Preparedness Training - Help make your communities

stronger by learning what you can do to prepare for emergencies. Ready Cross Ready (Families & Individuals) Join the Ready Rating program (Businesses & Schools)

Instructor Training - American Red Cross Health and

Safety instructors teach valuable lifesaving skills to more than 9 million people per year Become a Red Cross Instructor Learn how to become a licensed training provider.

Congratulations to Norm Cooper

Norm attended the 24th Annual GAMMA Award in Atlanta on September 19th, where he received the Bronze Award in the Magazine Association of the Southeasts Magazine Contest, Best Single Issue category. Norm won this award for his publication, Union County 2000-2012, The Golden Years. Way to go Norm!!! The magazine can be found on the website www.abpgeorgia.com

For more Red Cross information on Red Cross training programs visit

www.redcross.org/take-a-class

NEGAARC Newsletter October 2013 Volume 3, Issue 10 Page 4/6

Red Cross Mobile Apps:

Tornado App: Get your family and home ready for a tornado with the official Tornado App from the American Red Cross. The Tornado app puts everything you need to know to prepare for a tornado and all that comes with it in the palm of your hand.
Hurricane App: Monitor weather conditions in your area or throughout the storm track, prepare your family and home, find help and let others know you are safe even if the power is out a must have for anyone who lives in an area where a hurricane may strike or has loved ones who do. First Aid App: The official American Red Cross First Aid app puts expert advice for everyday emergencies in your hand. Available for iPhone and Android devices, the official American Red Cross First Aid app offers videos, interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice; its never been easier to know first aid. Team Red Cross Volunteer App: Team Red Cross wants you! Join Team Red Cross to help provide care and comfort to your local community when the unthinkable occurs. Everyone has something special to offer...including you. Team Red Cross is looking for people with various backgrounds, talents, and skill levels. Make a difference, support your community and join Team Red Cross! Download it directly from the iTunes or Google Play app stores. For more information on available Red Cross Mobile Apps, check out www.redcross.com.

October Disaster Action Team Meeting

DAT Meetings are open to all interested volunteers. Feel free to join us! We are looking for new members! Fannin County Lumpkin County Hall County Towns County Monday, October 7th, 10am Wednesday, October 9th , 7pm Monday, October 14th, 7pm Monday, October 7th, 5:30pm Red Cross Meeting Room, Fire Station on Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA St Lukes Catholic Church, 91 N. Park Street, Dahlonega, GA. Lanier Park Hospital 675 White Sulphur Road, (rear of building), Gainesville, GA Old 911 Center on Jack Dayton Circle, Hiawassee, GA.

Friends We Will Miss

Ron Twarog Friend and fellow Red Cross Volunteer Ron Twarog passed away on September 16th, 2013 at Union General Hospital from lung cancer. Ron fought a tough battle with an aggressive disease. Ron was known for his strong character, good heart, his faith and service to his community. Gail McCarte Buesnel Long time Red Cross volunteer and employee, Gail McCarte Buesnel lost her battle with cancer on September 1st, 2013. Gail volunteered for the Northeast Georgia Chapter where she was a friend to all. Gail was hired by the Red Cross as a Disaster Specialist, and worked in the Regional/Metro Atlanta offices in Atlanta.

Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with both Ron and Gails families. We wish them strength, and sweet memories to carry them through their great losses.

NEGAARC Newsletter October 2013 Volume 3, Issue 10 Page 5/6

October 2013 - Blood Drives

COUNTY
Forsyth Forsyth Rabun Pickens Forsyth Pickens Lumpkin White Hall Forsyth

DATE
Friday, October 4th Wednesday, October 9th Wednesday October 9th Thursday October 10th Tuesday October 15th Friday, October 18th

TIME
10am3pm 2:30pm7:30pm 12:00pm5pm 10am-3pm 2pm 7pm 11:30am-5:30pm

LOCATION
Cumming Service Center, 133 Samaritan Drive, Cumming 30040 Castle Christian Church, Gathering Are 417 Pilgrim Mill Road, Cumming 30040 Rabun Gap Nacoochee School, Rearden Auditorium 339 Nacoochee Drive, Rabun Gap 30568 Piedmont Mountain Side Hospital, Bloodmobile 1266 Hwy 515 S, Jasper 30143 Midway United Methodist Church, Bloodmobile 5025 Hwy 9 N, Alpharetta 30004 Camp Road, Jasper 30143 Ace Hardware, 1976 Hwy 19N Dahlonega, 30533 Cleveland Baptist Church, Fellowship Hall 25 Church Street, Cleveland 30528 Sterling on the Lake Community, Clubhouse 7005 Lake Sterling Blvd., Flowery Branch, 30542 Grace Chapel Church, Fellowship Hall 6755 Majors Road, Cumming 30040 Bent Tree, Club TamarackCommunity Room Little Pine Mountain Road, Jasper 30143 Kroger, Blood Mobile 1595 Peachtree Pkwy, Cumming 30040 St. Brendan Catholic Church, 4633 Shiloh Rd., Cumming 30040 Northeast Georgia Health Systems - Blood Mobile North Patient Tower/South Patient Tower Merge 743 Spring Street, Gainesville 30501 Northeast Georgia Health SystemBlood Mobile 1405 Jesse Jewell Parkway, Gainesville 30501 Piedmont College Student Center Gym 165 Central Avenue, Demorest 30535 Northeast Georgia Health Systems - Blood Mobile North Patient Tower/South Patient Tower Merge 743 Spring Street, Gainesville 30501

Monday, October 21st 12:00pm-5pm Tuesday, October 22nd Tuesday, October 22nd Wednesday, October 23rd Thursday October 24th Friday, October 25th Sunday, October 27th 12:30pm-6pm 11am-4pm 2:30pm7:30pm

Pickens Forsyth Forsyth Hall

12:00pm-6pm 10am-3pm 8am1pm

Tuesday, October 29th 8am-6pm

Hall Habersham Hall

Wednesday, October 30th Wednesday, October 30th Thursday, October 31st

9am2pm 12:30pm-5:30pm 10am3pm

It feels good to give. To schedule an appointment or for more information on donating blood, or platelets, visit www.redcross.org or you can call 800-Red Cross, or 770-297-0797. Schedule an appointment today!

NEGAARC Newsletter October 2013 Volume 3, Issue 10 Page 6/6

Books-A-Million located at Lake Shore Mall in Gainesville is supporting the American Red Cross, with a monthly Book Fair. The Book Fairs will be held the last Saturday in October, December and January. Novembers Bookfair will be held on Saturday, November 23rd. Present one of the vouchers below to the cashier before completing your purchase. A portion of all voucher sales will be donated to the American Red Cross. Share the attached vouchers with your family and friends. If you need more vouchers, please contact the chapter office at 770-532-8453.

Saturday 10/26/13 12-5pm

Books - A - Million

Saturday 10/26/13 12-5pm

Saturday 10/26/13 12-5pm

Books - A - Million

Books - A - Million

LakeShore Mall, Gainesville