On Tuesday, January 12, less than one hour before sunset, a 7.3 earthquake struck Haiti near the capital of Port au Prince, causing catastrophic damage and loss of life. 

The American Red Cross also is releasing supplies from our warehouse in Panama that will be able to meet the immediate needs of 5,000 families. Included are tarps, mosquito nets and cooking sets.  Along with the material goods donated, the American Red Cross has donated $1 million to aid in relief efforts. 

In Haiti, the local Red Cross worked throughout the night to rescue people from their trapped homes and provide first aid.  Priority needs now are food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support.

The American Red Cross already has seen an outpouring of support and concern from the public. Individuals can help the effort by:

• Making a donation to the American Red Cross International Response Fund at Redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
• Donating through a third party mobile fundraising effort sponsored by Mobile Accord. Mobile donors can text "Haiti" to 90999 to send a ten dollar donation to the Red Cross.  The funds will go to support the Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.

At this time, the American Red Cross is only deploying volunteers specially trained to manage international emergency operations. If you are interested in volunteering, please consider supporting your community’s local needs by volunteering with the Northland American Red Cross.

We know that people in the United States may be very concerned about loved ones living or traveling in Haiti. If northlanders are trying to reach a U.S. citizen living or traveling in Haiti, they should contact the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 1-888-407-4747.

Please follow the link below for up to date information on Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.

http://newsroom.redcross.org

Give a truly unique holiday gift this year, when you give the gift that SAVES THE DAY!  Go to RedCross.org/gifts for a full list of gift choices.  To ensure delivery of gift cards to let loved ones know that a gift has been given in their name, please place your order by December 15. 
Receive a FREE Red Cross T-Shirt with a minimum order of $75.  With your order of $150 or more, you will receive a FREE official deluxe Red Cross Family First Aid Kit!
The purchase of each item is a tax-deductible contribution to the mission of the American Red Cross.
Order online at RedCross.org/gifts or call the Northland American Red Cross at (218) 722-0071 to request a catalog.

Hot Meal for 4 Disaster Victims                               $40
Nine Red Cross Blankets                                           $54
Three Red Cross Blankets                                         $18
Personal Comfort Kits for 15 People                       $45
Emergency Help for 2 Disaster Victims                $150
Help 1 Military Family Connect                                 $75
Sponsor a Training Class                                         $1,000
Three Comfort Kits for Wounded Warriors          $150
Comfort Kit for a Wounded Warrior                       $50
Phone Card for a Patriot on Duty                           $20
Emergency Supplies for 2 Families                       $200
Bicycle for a Volunteer                                             $75
Vaccinate 100 Children                                             $100
Vaccinate 25 Children                                               $25
Shelter for 1 Family                                                   $60
Disaster Relief Fund                                                   $100
Disaster Relief Fund                                                   $50
Gift of the Month (1 time payment)                          $300

Our latest newsletter here

H1N1 Information

Red Cross poll shows parents lack H1N1 information from schools

WASHINGTON, August 7, 2009 — A poll conducted by the American Red Cross shows that while a majority of Americans are planning to take precautions against the H1N1 virus, more than a third of parents (39%) have received no flu information from their children’s school or daycare.

“With children going back to school and another flu season on the horizon, parents should talk with their children’s school or daycare about what measures the school is taking to plan for a potential flu outbreak,” said Suzy DeFrancis, Chief Public Affairs Officer for the American Red Cross. “The spring H1N1 outbreak was a clear signal that everyone needs to prepare—and that parents and schools should have plans in case the virus returns in the fall.”

As part of a family’s overall emergency planning, the Red Cross urges parents to seek out information proactively from schools regarding plans for the H1N1 virus and teach children how to lessen the spread of the virus. Teaching children simple things such as good hand washing practices or how to cover their cough or sneeze can go a long way in reducing the spread of seasonal flu and H1N1.

The Red Cross offers information about H1N1 and the seasonal flu at www.redcross.org/pandemicflu. This site contains video resources, preparedness tips and information about how to lessen the spread of the flu virus.

Eton NOAA weather radios are available at both offices

This all-in-one unit offers functionality and versatility that makes it ideal for emergencies. The FR250 provides you with AM/FM radio, flashlight, and cell phone battery charger when you need it most. The Hand-Crank Power Generator charges the internal rechargeable Ni-MH battery pack. With the NOAA weather channels and TV VHF channels, you can find weather forecasts or listen to TV shows when you're away from the set.   $49.95

Rascal Flatts mentions theAmerican Red Cross in 'Every Day' video.