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We’re Here
Because of You
of Central Massachusetts
®®
Sponsored by
An advertising supplement to the Worcester Business Journal
9OU¬RESPOND
9OU¬COMFORT
9OU¬REBUILD
¬
9OURE¬THERE¬WHEN¬THE¬NEED¬
IS¬GREAT¬9OU¬TIRELESSLY¬PROMOTE¬HEALTH¬
AND¬SAFETY¬!ROUND¬THE¬CLOCK¬
!ROUND¬THE¬COMMUNITY¬¬
¬
7E¬THANK¬YOU
¬
Dear Worcester
A
s a leading provider of employee benefits, Unum un-
derstands life’s challenges. We work hard to provide
an important safety net for working Americans facing
illness or injury; much like the American Red Cross which is com-
mitted to preventing and relieving suffering of those who face
disasters.
It’s that commitment that makes our involvement with the Red Cross so
important to us. The collaboration between Unum and the American Red Cross
has helped to provide community services for our neighbors in Massachusetts,
and we are grateful for the opportunity to work with an organization that is
so invested in humanitarian services and programs. In recent years, Unum has
been involved in some amazing programs to help those in need:
• In 2005, we contributed $9,000 for Capital Campaign which provided re-
J. Christopher Collins lief to families and individuals affected by natural and man-made disasters,
Senior Vice President & and scholarships to students attending their Nurse Assistance and Home
General Counsel Health Aid Training programs.
Unum US • In 2006, Unum contributed $10,000 for Centennial Celebration, which
funds the ARC Certified Nurse Assistance/Home Health Aide Training
program. This training program offers individuals the education and skills
necessary to insure certification by the State of Massachusetts.
• Most recently, we contributed $2,000 for the Red Cross’ Adopt-a-Day of
Disaster Program which provides assistance to families throughout central
Massachusetts who have suffered loss in disasters.
At Unum, we strive to make a difference by volunteering and supporting the
civic, charitable and educational interests in our communities. In fact, helping
our communities become better is a natural extension of our service to our cus-
tomers. We recognize the importance of building strong, caring relationships
locally, and we realize that it’s these connections that contribute to our success
as a socially responsible company.
Our company has a history in Worcester that dates back to 1895. Through
our planned move into the CitySquare development, we are proud to invest in
Steve Joseph the future of this community. Worcester has a diverse population, incredible
Senior Vice President, neighborhoods, great museums and cultural institutions. We have fine colleges
IDI Business Operations and universities, an exceptional research and medical community, and a busi-
Unum ness community that we have come to know and respect as filled with excellent
people, who in the great tradition of Worcester, know their trades well and are
active participants in the life of the community.
Unum is privileged to work alongside the American Red Cross, and its net-
work of supporters, to provide services and aid for our neighbors in the Worces-
ter area. We look forward to a continued partnership and we thank them for
their dedicated presence in our community.
Sincerely,
J. Christopher Collins and Steve Joseph
®®
www.redcrossworcester.org ✚ 508-595-3700 ✚ 978-537-3339 3
Table of Contents
3 Letter From Unum
5 From the CEO and Board Chairman
6 From refugee to Red Cross board member
8 Longtime volunteers inspired to help
10 Donor inspired to give blood
11 The leader in transfusion medicine
12 A new career, thanks to Red Cross healthcare
training
14 History: We’ll Be There When Help Can’t Wait
18 Social Services: You’re Never Out of Touch
20 Preventing blood shortages in times of disaster
21 From Our Funders
G E T I N V O LV E D
of Central Massachusetts
Donate your time,
The Remillard Building Mary C. DeFeudis Training Center money or blood
2000 Century Drive 29 Main Street, 2nd floor
Worcester, MA 01606-1256 Leominster, MA 01453 www.redcrossworcester.org
www.redcrossworcester.org 508-595-3700 • 978-537-3339
24 Hour Phone – 508-595-3700
4 American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts
From the CEO
and Board Chairman
C
hanging lives… in our community, across the country
and around the globe… under one trusted symbol. A
pretty powerful statement, but a true reflection of the hu-
manitarian work being done by your local American Red Cross
every day in central and north central Massachusetts.
The next time you are in a room full of people, take a moment to consider
how many of these friends, coworkers or strangers have been touched by the
American Red Cross. Maybe they gave blood, needed blood, or took a CPR
and first aid class. Perhaps the Red Cross sent an emergency communication
to a loved one serving in the armed forces overseas. Or, Red Cross trained
home health aides and nurse assistants are taking care of their elderly parents.
People are often quite surprised by the number of their neighbors who have
experienced the horror of a fire in their home and remember that the Red Cross
was the first to arrive on the scene with blankets, coffee and compassion. If
you look closely, you truly can find a little piece of the Red Cross most any-
where you look, ready to carry out our mission of helping each community and
its residents to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.
As part of a national restructuring to improve the organization’s efficiency,
increase programs and services and cut expenses, the American Red Cross
of Central Massachusetts recently became a regional chapter within Mas-
sachusetts. As a highly performing Chapter based on criteria from Red Cross
national headquarters, we are now providing administrative functions for 15
New England chapters that allow these Chapters to focus on direct services to
their local communities in the most efficient and effective manner.
Many do not realize that although the American Red Cross is mandated by
the federal government to provide disaster relief, the organization receives no
federal funding to do so – we rely on the generosity of fellow citizens. We also
rely on the dedication of volunteers who lead our organization at all levels from
the members of the board to the responders to disasters. We are here not only
for you, but because of you. The Red Cross has seen the human spirit put to
the test time and time again – and has experienced the resiliency of that spirit.
We are truly grateful to all of you who support our Chapter through your gifts of
time, money and blood and are proud to maintain our commitment of helping
our neighbors in need when help can’t wait. ✚
Lisa A. Piehler Charles S. Weiss, Ph.D
Chief Executive Officer, Chairman, Board of Directors,
American Red Cross of American Red Cross of Central
Central Massachusetts Massachusetts
Changing lives…
in our community, across the
country and around the globe…
under one trusted symbol
of Central Massachusetts
www.redcrossworcester.org ✚ 508-595-3700 ✚ 978-537-3339 5
From refugee to
Red Cross board member
D
r. Frank Fechner being shot. He seized an opportunity to
escape in the summer of 1989. He had
brings a unique a visa admitting him to Bulgaria for a va-
perspective to his cation, but got off the train in Hungary
role as a member of instead and sought refuge in the West
German consulate. He and about 100
board of the American others, also fleeing East Germany, were
Red Cross of Central taken to a refugee camp run by the Hun-
garian and Austrian Red Cross.
Massachusetts. Twenty
Dr. Fechner’s parents remained be-
years ago, he was a hind in East Berlin. “I had nothing but my
refugee who fled East backpack and $25,” he recalls. “I told
my parents about my escape the day be-
Germany before the fall fore I left. They understood and gave me
of the Berlin Wall. The Red their blessing, but it was so hard for them
Cross provided him with not knowing if they would ever see me
again.”
food, clothing and shelter. Within a month after Dr. Fechner ar-
Volunteers from the Red rived at the refugee camp, a flood of
Cross helped him every East Germans took advantage of relaxed
border restrictions and made their way to
VOLUNTEER step along the way to a Hungary; the camp’s population swelled
Dr. Frank Fechner new life in the west. to 3,000. During those first weeks, Dr.
Fechner and other refugees gathered to
“Without the help of the Red listen to political developments on radios.
Cross I would not be where I A solution eventually allowed East Ger-
am today,” says Dr. Fechner, a mans to leave Hungary and pass through
facial plastic surgeon whose Austria on their way to West Germany.
practice is in Worcester. “The Red Cross supported the bus trans-
Dr. Fechner grew up in port,” he recalls. “I was in bus number
East Berlin just blocks away four.”
from the site of the Berlin Wall. The refugees arrived at a tent city con-
Many of his parents’ friends and structed by the Red Cross near the Ger-
even his father’s job, were on the man town of Passau. With the help from
other side. But in 1961, the wall Red Cross volunteers, the refugees were
was built and guarded by the settled in West German towns. Dr. Fech-
East German police force with ner was taken to Freiburg. “It had been
support from the Soviet Union. raining, but as we pulled into Freiburg,
For the next 28 years all of East the sun came out. I took that to be a good
Germany was totally cut off from omen,” he says.
the west. His goal was to continue medical stud-
By the time Dr. Fechner be- ies and, accompanied by a Red Cross
gan his medical studies at the volunteer, he secured an interview with the
age of 23, it was clear to him dean of the medical school in Freiburg.
that there was no future in East “There was a lot of bureaucracy to
Germany. He want- go through, but the Red Cross volunteers
ed to leave but gave me support and hope,” Dr. Fechner
didn’t want to risk says. They also helped him find an apart-
scaling the wall and ment and a job.
6 American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts
In 1994, Dr. Fechner received a schol- There is a better way to protect your
arship to attend UMass Medical School employees from illness-causing germs.
in Worcester. After a five-year Harvard
Medical School residency training at Mas-
sachusetts General Hospital and the Mas-
sachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary in Boston,
he received a fellowship sponsored by
the American Academy of Facial Plastic &
Reconstructive Surgery at New York Uni-
versity Medical Center and Columbia/
Cornell in New York City. In addition to
cosmetic surgery, Dr. Fechner performed
major reconstructive surgery for trauma
victims at Manhattan’s Bellevue Hospital
Center, one of the busiest trauma centers
in the Northeast.
He and his wife Elena returned to Cen-
tral Massachusetts in 2004 to raise their Only the Coverall Health-Based Cleaning System program is proven to reduce the germs
SM
young family; he established his practice in your workplace, all for the same price or less than traditional cleaning services. Over
in Worcester. 50,000 companies trust our innovative methods to provide a cleaner work environment.
Dr. Fechner is board certified in both For the most effective and efficient clean, we’ve got you covered.
facial plastic surgery and head and neck Call us today at 508-831-4700
surgery; he focuses primarily on cosmetic for a commercial cleaning quote.
surgery in his practice. He teaches at
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University Medical School and also is on
staff at UMass Medical Center as well as
the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.
He is committed to providing state-of-the-art
plastic and reconstructive surgery and relat-
ed services to disadvantaged children and
CONGRATULATIONS
adults, both abroad and in Massachusetts.
He participated in medical missions to
Hanoi, Vietnam; St. Petersburg, Russia;
and Ecuador and provides plastic surgery American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts
services of the face to victims of domestic As you continue to serve our community
physical abuse throughout Massachusetts
through his affiliation with the National
Domestic Violence Project sponsored by
Face to Face, the humanitarian wing of
Christopher House Campus
the American Academy of Facial Plastic &
Reconstructive Surgery. Christopher Heights Assisted Living
When he met Lisa Piehler, CEO of the 8PSDFTUFSr8FCTUFSr.BSMCPSPr"UUMFCPSP
American Red Cross of Central Massachu- ~
setts, Dr. Fechner told her of his refugee
Christopher House of Worcester
4LJMMFE/VSTJOH3FIBCJMJUBUJPO$FOUFS
experience. Shortly afterwards, Piehler
recruited him to serve as a corporator; a
year later he joined the agency’s board
of directors.
“The Red Cross is there to help when
people are at their most vulnerable,” Dr.
Fechner says. “When you have experi- .BSZ4DBOP%Sr8PSDFTUFS ."
enced this help, you realize how impor- r
tant it is.” ✚
www.redcrossworcester.org ✚ 508-595-3700 ✚ 978-537-3339 7
Longtime volunteers
inspired to help
O
ne of Chuck caused the deaths of 604 people in Puer-
to Rico and Hispaniola.
Grosvernor’s Grosvernor also helped establish and
earliest memories operate a distribution site where he found
is the first time he helped himself writing vouchers for food and
medicine for people he just met in the
someone in need. mountains.
Grosvernor was only “They had lost everything,” Grosver-
nor says, “But they were happy to see a
three years old, out
friendly face.” He remembers how much
for a walk with his little things matter when loss is overwhelm-
mother, brother ing.
“We had candy to give out to the
and sister, when children and there was this tiny girl who
he saw a little crawled across the floor to me. After her
girl fall down. mother said it was OK, I gave the little girl
a piece. She didn’t say anything, but sat
Without there on the floor, hugging my legs.”
hesitation, he Since that first assignment, Grosvernor
dropped his has served at disaster sites including wild-
fires in Los Alamos, New Mexico, and
VOLUNTEER mother’s hand a tornado in Wichita, Kansas. In the af-
Chuck and Jeannie Grosvernor and ran across termath of September 11, 2001 he was
the team leader who kept things running
the street to help.
smoothly in Worcester, so that Red Cross
“I guess I set myself along a staff could help in New York.
path at an early age,” he says. “I was here for 13 days straight doing
For the past 11 years as a one or two shifts every day,” he recalls.
volunteer for the American Red In the aftermath of the Worcester Cold
Cross of Central Massachusetts, Storage warehouse fire in 1999, Gros-
Grosvernor has helped thousands vernor became known as the go-to guy.
of people, from his first disaster He helped another volunteer secure much-
relief assignment during Hurricane needed supplies like lip balm and wool
George in Puerto Rico, to helping socks for crews that braved freezing tem-
victims of an apartment building fire peratures to search for the remains of fire-
on Pleasant Street in Worcester ear- fighters who perished in the blaze.
lier this year. As a team leader, Grosvernor is at the
Grosvernor had recently retired center of disaster response. “I put together
as a master automotive technician a team. I have to know the strengths and
when he became a Red Cross vol- weaknesses of each member and how to
unteer. Within days after completing effectively communicate with them and
his initial training in 1998, he was with the other emergency responders like
in the highlands of western Puerto police, firefighters, and Red Cross staff,”
Rico doing outreach work, helping he explains.
people who lost their homes to Hur- That even extends to directing potential
ricane George. The hurricane left a donors to the Red Cross. Grosvernor also
$1.9 billion trail of destruction in is an expert at logistics, making sure all
the Caribbean region and across the appropriate supplies are available.
the southern U.S. Gulf coast. It “It’s very fast paced,” he says. “It’s like
8 American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts
starting a new business and after a week
or two closing it down.”
In recognition of his achievements,
Grosvernor was named Disaster Action
Team Responder of the Year.
Working alongside her husband, Jean-
nie Grosvernor plays a key role in behind-
the-scenes activity. As a team coordina-
tor, she’s usually the first person notified
when disaster strikes and within minutes
she’s on the phone, rounding up a team
to respond.
“It’s rewarding to see the impact the
volunteers make,” she says. “I remember
being at a fire in Fitchburg and noticed
Proud to support the American Red Cross
an elderly lady who escaped wearing
her slippers. It was really cold out and I
of Central Massachusetts
helped her put on a pair of socks. Just a
little thing like that made her smile.”
Nicole Valentine, director of emergen-
cy services/public affairs for the Ameri- Construction Managers & General Contractors
can Red Cross of Central Massachusetts
notes that, “Volunteers are the pulse of the
www.consigli.com
Red Cross. Without people like Chuck
and Jeannie, our organization would not
Academic . Healthcare . Institutional . Corporate
exist.”
“Their selfless donations of time and
talent over the years has changed, if not
saved the lives of so many of our neigh-
bors in need as they faced some of the
most traumatic times of their lives,” Valen- Rollstone Bank & Trust
tine continues. “Time and time again they
respond without hesitation.”
Here for the community since 1846
Chuck Grosvernor notes that the desire
to help unifies the diverse group of Red
Cross volunteers.
“We’re from all walks of life and bring
very different perspectives to our volunteer
service, he says. “But we’re all here be-
cause we want to help.” ✚
G E T I N V O LV E D
Donate your time,
money or blood
www.redcrossworcester.org
508-595-3700 • 978-537-3339
www.redcrossworcester.org ✚ 508-595-3700 ✚ 978-537-3339 9
Donor inspired to
give blood
D
avid Burwick was in contour chairs; there are movies and
television for viewing. Burwick has praise
18 years old when for the “professional and caring” staff at
a public service the donation center. “They are all such
announcement for the Red compassionate people. They make you
want to continue to donate,” he says.
Cross—“Give blood, Burwick’s dedication to platelet dona-
save a life”—inspired tion also grew out of his professional as-
sociation with the American Red Cross of
him to become a blood
Central Massachusetts. As commercial
donor. real estate brokers, he and his brother,
Carl, handled the sale of the former chap-
“It was something I could do ter headquarters on Harvard Street. Bur-
that made a difference; that helped wick recently became a corporator with
save lives,” Burwick says. “My par- the Red Cross.
ents instilled in my brothers and me Because the need for platelet and blood
the importance of giving back to the donors is critical—there are only 450 ac-
community.” tive platelet donors in all of Worcester
For many years Burwick was a reg- County, while patients in New England
ular blood donor. Five years ago, he require more than 60,000 platelet units
took on a new role, not only donat- every year—Burwick encourages donors.
ing blood, but also donating plate- “You could save someone’s life,” he says.
lets. Since then, he’s become a fa- “It can make such a huge impact in the
miliar face at the Red Cross Donor lives of others. Every donation can save a
Center on Plantation Street, where life, so please donate.” ✚
he spends a few hours every two
✚
weeks or so, making life-saving dona-
tions of platelets and plasma. His current Universal donors
goal is to make 100 platelet donations. are valuable
According to the Biomedical Services
DONOR Division of the Red Cross, platelets are
O negative blood donors have the rare
distinction of being universal donors,
David Burwick a critical part of the clotting process and
meaning their blood can be transfused to
life-saving therapy for people who under- anyone, regardless of blood type. This is
go chemotherapy for treatment of cancer especially important in emergencies when
or leukemia, bone marrow transplants, there is not time to determine patient blood
organ transplants and open-heart surgery. type.
Plasma is needed for burn and motorcycle
accident patients. Only about 7% of the population has type
O negative blood, making these donations
“We all know someone who’s been
incredibly important. To maintain an
affected by cancer,” Burwick says. “The adequate supply of this life-giving blood type
need for platelet and blood donors con- at all times, the American Red Cross needs
tinues to grow. Every donation helps save help from O negative blood donors.
lives.”
It’s simple and practically painless, he O negative blood donors can donate at local
adds. Through a process called aphere- community blood drives or blood donor
centers. They can donate whole blood or
sis, platelets and plasma are separated
be double red cell donors, an apheresis
and collected from the donor’s blood. The procedure that only collects red cells and
blood is then returned to the donor. During returns platelets and plasma products back
the collection of platelets, donors recline to donors.
10 American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts✚
The leader in
transfusion
medicine
A merican Red Cross Biomedical Services
is recognized as a leader in transfusion
medicine. As one of the largest blood suppliers
in the United States, the Red Cross provides a
safe and sufficient blood supply to hospitals and
patients across the country.
Because patients in area hospitals need blood
every day, the Red Cross strives to ensure that
everyone in need of blood or blood products
has his or her needs met and that the right
blood is provided to the right patient at the right
time. This is an extension of the overall Red
Cross mission of being a constant presence in
communities to help those in need. Proud to support the
Each year the American Red Cross collects
more than 6.5 million units of blood from AMERICAN RED CROSS
approximately 4.5 million volunteer blood of Central Massachusetts
donors. From these donations, the Red Cross
distributes around 9.5 million blood products
each year, including 6 million red cells, to patients
in approximately 3,000 hospitals and transfusion J E W I S H H E A LT H C A R E C E N T E R
centers across the country. ✦
There is a growing demand for blood products EISENBERG ASSISTED LIVING
because there is an aging population that ✦
requires more treatment and there have been JEWISH HOME HOSPICE
many advances in medical technology. Yet it is ✦
estimated that only 38% of the United States JHC HOMECARE
population age 18 to 65 is eligible to give blood,
and only 8% of those who can give blood actually
do. Eligible donors can donate blood every 56
days, but most blood donors give less than twice
a year.
Despite medical advances, there is no
substitute for blood and the only source of blood 4BMJTCVSZ4USFFUr8PSDFTUFS ."
is a healthy, generous blood donor. It is essential 1IPOF r'BY
that more people give blood more often to avoid www.jewishhealthcarecenter.com
blood shortages in this country.
www.redcrossworcester.org ✚ 508-595-3700 ✚ 978-537-3339 11A new career, thanks to Red
Cross healthcare training
H
ealthcare training training program in 1991. Since then,
demand for the training has increased
from the American significantly due to a well-documented
Red Cross of Central shortage of entry-level health care work-
Massachusetts was the ers in central Massachusetts. The current
economic downturn has boosted the
solution program’s appeal to people who have
to Carmel been laid off. This year, the Chapter’s
Red Cross healthcare training will provide
Donoghue’s
marketable skills to almost 900 people.
mid-life As the mother of a college student,
career crisis. Donoghue admits she was “panic-stricken
at the thought of going back to school.
After 30 years It’s been 30 years since I graduated from
as a marketing college and I was afraid this old dog
communications specialist wouldn’t be able to learn new tricks.”
The camaraderie that developed
and graphic designer, among her fellow students quickly alleviat-
Donoghue saw her work ed her fears. They were from all walks of
disappear with the current life and included men and women, young
and middle aged. “In this field there’s no
CERTIFIED NURSING economic downturn. She age discrimination,” she says. “Everyone
ASSISTANT applied for countless jobs is valued and appreciated.”
“We got to know each other,” Dono-
Carmel Donoghue and received no response.
ghue explains. “I now a have a group
When she heard about the of friends I would not otherwise have
Certified Nursing Assistant known.”
The coursework was intense: six to
(CNA) training program
seven hours, five days a week for eight
offered at the Chapter’s weeks; daily quizzes on assigned read-
Worcester and Leominster ing. Her instructors were excellent and ex-
perienced, Donoghue adds, “and every-
offices, Donoghue decided one at the Red Cross was so welcoming.
to translate what had been I couldn’t have done it without their help.”
an interest to a new career. She’s grateful too for the support she re-
ceived from her husband and family.
“I’ve been interested in helping the el- “It’s given me a whole new perspec-
derly population and this seemed like an tive on the nursing profession,” she says,”
opportunity that was meant for me,” she and an appreciation for my son’s studies.”
says. Donoghue’s son is in the nursing studies
Donoghue registered for the full array of program at the University of Massachu-
Red Cross healthcare training. In addition setts.
to the CNA classes, she received training Donoghue enthusiastically rates her
to become a home health aide, EKG and Red Cross healthcare training as “a very
phlebotomy technician and instruction in positive experience; I now have a career
acute care and medication administration that is so much more meaningful.”
procedures. Immediately after graduating and re-
The American Red Cross of Central ceiving certification, she received a po-
Massachusetts introduced a healthcare sition as a per diem CNA at RiverCourt
12 American Red Cross of Central MassachusettsResidences in Groton, Mass. Donoghue
also began additional Red Cross clinical
Proud to Serve the American Red Cross
training as a phlebotomist and EKG tech-
nician at a local hospital.
Even though her earnings are far be- Facelift Specialist
low the salary she received in marketing,
Donoghue says the new direction her life
has taken makes it worthwhile. “I’m not
shopping at Chico’s anymore,” she jokes,
“but nurse’s scrubs aren’t as expensive as
professional clothes.” Facelift Procedures:
At RiverCourt, Donoghue helps resi-
dents with a range of tasks from assisting
• Finesse Lift™
them in taking their medication, to bath- • Neck Lift
ing, getting dressed, or doing laundry.
“Many of the elderly I work with are • Sculptural Facelift
in need of companionship and that’s
what makes the work so rewarding,” she
says. ✚ Dr. Frank P.
Fechner
428 Shrewsbury Street
✚
Worcester, MA
Tel. (508) 754-4000
www.DrFechner.com
Here’s how American Red
Cross of Central Massachusetts
health and safety programs
and services are serving the
community:
• 33,000 adults and young people Currie Management Consultants, Inc.
were trained in CPR, first aid, babysitting,
Automated External Defibrillators and other is a proud supporter of the
lifesaving classes.
• 8,900 students were enrolled in water
American Red Cross
safety classes. of Central Massachusetts
• More than 1,700 students were
trained to become Certified Nurse Assistants
(CNAs), home health aides, phlebotomists &
EKG technicians.
Performance Excellence Through Experienced Consulting
-JODPMO4USFFUt8PSDFTUFS."
5FM
XXX$VSSJF.BOBHFNFOUDPN
www.redcrossworcester.org ✚ 508-595-3700 ✚ 978-537-3339 13HISTORY
The American Red Cross has saved lives and
We’ll Be There alleviated suffering for residents of central
When Help Massachusetts for 104 years. When help is
needed, the American Red Cross is the first on the
Can’t Wait scene and the last to leave. When the unthinkable
happens, this organized and efficient Chapter of
the Red Cross serves those who need it most.
14 American Red Cross of Central MassachusettsThe Red Cross and its trained volunteers the United States military during the Span-
provided help to central Massachusetts ish-American War, and campaigned suc-
residents who lost their homes in the hurri- cessfully for the inclusion of peacetime
cane of 1938 and the tornado of 1958. relief work as part of the International Red
When the blizzard of 1978 stranded Cross Movement-the so-called “American
thousands, the Red Cross provided relief. Amendment.”
After the Cold Storage Warehouse fire of In recognition of its local ties to the
1999, the Red Cross found warm clothes founder of the organization, the Ameri-
and provided meals for those who joined can Red Cross of Central Massachusetts
in the search for the remains of Worces- proudly displays in the reception area of
ter’s fallen firefighters. In the aftermath its headquarters, one of the first Red Cross
of the ice storm last December, the Red flags, hand-stitched and signed by Clara
Cross fed and sheltered 4,800 people in Barton.
29 shelters over 12 days. Formed in Worcester in 1905, the
The volunteer spirit of service during American Red Cross of Central Massa-
tragedy is a proud tradition in central chusetts has been helping people when
Massachusetts. The founder of the Red they need help most – from fires, floods,
Cross in America, Clara Barton, was blizzards and other similar disasters to vi-
born in the town of Oxford in 1821. tal health and safety training to keep com-
Barton served as a frontline volunteer munities safe.
during the American Civil War and saw “We thank the many generous volun-
first-hand the value of the Red Cross dur- teers, donors and staff members who
Clara Barton
ing the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. have helped us accomplish our goals and
1821-1912 Returning home, she campaigned for an mission for the past century,” says Lisa Pie-
Civil War Nurse
American Red Cross society and for ratifi- hler, CEO of the American Red Cross of
Founder American Red Cross
cation of the Geneva Convention protect- Central Massachusetts.
ing the war-injured. Tragedies and disasters have been
Under her able leadership, the Ameri- re-defined in this generation, calling on
can Red Cross became the premier disas- Americans to prepare without panic.
ter relief organization in the world. The More than ever, the expertise and com-
organization conducted its first domestic passion of the American Red Cross are
and overseas disaster relief efforts, aided continued on page 16
www.redcrossworcester.org ✚ 508-595-3700 ✚ 978-537-3339 15continued from page 15 volunteers arrives on the scene of a fire or
essential in assuring that we have a other disaster within an hour to assess the
healthy and safe place in which to live damage, meet the families affected, and
and work. provide emergency necessities. They pro-
vide consistent, compassionate response
Saving Lives and Preventing Tragedy to victims of local, national, and inter-
The American Red Cross is a volunteer- national disasters. They are prepared
led humanitarian organization. Its mis- to help with a comfort kit, warm sweat
sion is to help people prevent, prepare suit, a blanket and the human contact of
for, and respond to emergencies. Char- a sympathetic hand.
tered by Congress but not funded by the Financial assistance to families is given
government, the Red Cross is ready to on verified need; emergency services in-
provide help whenever and wherever it clude: food, shelter, new clothing, rental
is needed. assistance, medication replacement, men-
Established in response to the tragedy tal health counseling, basic furnishings,
of war, the Red Cross has provided relief home repair and occupational supplies.
in disasters at home and throughout the The American Red Cross also helps
world, training in emergency prepared- victims taken to area hospitals. When
ness, health and safety for individuals a family member perishes in a disaster,
and organizations, and worldwide com- assistance with burial arrangements and
passionate assistance for military families counseling referrals for survivors are pro-
and victims of the Holocaust. vided. These and other services, such as
Over the past year, the American Red rental assistance, are provided to rebuild
Cross of Central Massachusetts worked individual lives to the standard they were
with and served more than 50,000 before the disaster occurred.
health and safety students, 5,000 disas- During national and international di-
ter victims, and 600 volunteers. The orga- sasters including war, the American Red
nization is efficient because of the dedi- Cross is the primary communications link
cation of a network of trained volunteers keeping local families in touch with loved
who serve the community on a moment’s ones affected or displaced due to disas-
notice. ter or conflict. Since the United States has
been at war in Iraq and Afghanistan,
Restoring Dignity in a Crisis many more families need the international
Typically, a team of trained Red Cross communication and tracing services of
16 American Red Cross of Central Massachusettsthe Red Cross. mental health provider for victims and their along Interstates 290 and 495. From this
loved ones. location, the Red Cross is able to better
Facing New Challenges Events on and since September 11, serve the people of central Massachu-
Leaders of the American Red Cross of 2001 have confirmed the need to assure setts.
Central Massachusetts recognize the need that our area is ready to meet any chal- The building’s design accommodates
to respond to the types of disasters that lenge and respond quickly. Today’s world volunteer and staff needs while assuring
were unforeseen in earlier years. Today, is one in which the type, nature, and scope victims of service with dignity. It features
there must be a coordinated, prepared of disasters in our nation have changed. the resources and technology necessary to
response to hazardous material spills, The unthinkable can happen. respond effectively and efficiently to com-
nuclear accidents, workplace and school munity needs, however small or large.
violence, bio-terrorism threats, health pan- Headquarters for Compassion As our programs and services grow, the
demics and air disasters. The American Red Cross of Central need for training space expanded as well.
For example, the Chapter works with Massachusetts built a new headquarters Thanks to the generous financial support of
area organizations to train volunteers with in 2003, The Remillard Building, to serve individuals, foundations and corporate part-
specialized skills. Nurses, physicians, Worcester and 50 towns in central Massa- ners, in June of 2008 the Chapter was able
licensed social workers, mental health chusetts. The new headquarters, located to extend its programs into the 19 northern
workers, and other specialists are trained on 2000 Century Drive in the Worcester towns of its jurisdiction with the opening of
and ready to respond as “professional vol- Corporate Center, is fully equipped to meet the Mary C. DeFeudis Training Center at
unteers.” the region’s increasing needs for emergen- 29 Main Street in Leominster, MA.
Recognizing that the mental trauma asso- cy, health, and safety services. It enables This training institute has ample space
ciated with disasters can be as long lasting the Red Cross the ability to be there, when- to continue Red Cross programs in lifesav-
and devastating as the events themselves, ever and wherever it is needed. ing skills, including training areas for the
the Chapter provides a trained mental The 25,000 square foot building is situ- Nurse Assistant Training (NAT) and home
health volunteer as part of the response to ated on five acres of land. Its location is health aide training programs, phlebotomy
every disaster. The federal government has close to downtown Worcester and proxi- training, EKG, CPR/first aid classes, and
designated the American Red Cross as the mate to the growing corridor of service workplace safety. ✚
AdCare Hospital
of Worcester
Salutes
American Red Cross
of Central Massachusetts
Helping People Cope with Addiction®
Inpatient Admission: 1-800-ALCOHOL, 1-800-6465
Outpatient Services: 508-453-3053
www.adcare.com
The New England Center for Alcohol & Drug Care
www.redcrossworcester.org ✚ 508-595-3700 ✚ 978-537-3339 17SOCIAL SERVICES
You’re Around the Clock.
Around the World.
Never Out
When a military family experiences a crisis, the
of Touch American Red Cross is there to help. Twenty-four
hours a day, 365 days a year, the Red Cross relays
urgent messages containing accurate, factual, com-
plete and verified descriptions of the emergency to
service members stationed anywhere in the world,
including on ships at sea and at embassies and
remote locations.
18 American Red Cross of Central MassachusettsRed Cross emergency communications ing, pet therapy programs or coordina- fering is greater. But, through the strength
services keep military personnel in touch tion of events to raise morale or welcome of the Red Cross Movement and the work
with their families following the death troops home. of tracing volunteers at national societies
or serious illness of an immediate family During fiscal year 2008 the Red Cross around the world, including the American
member, the birth of a service member’s handled over 630,000 emergency com- Red Cross, families reconnect.
child or grandchild or when a family munications services for military families Caseworkers at the American Red
faces other emergencies. worldwide. Financial assistance exceed- Cross of Central Massachusetts work side
“The long separations and stressful situ- by side with the International Family Trac-
ations that occur when a service member During fiscal year 2008 the ing Services Program to accept tracing
deploys often place a serious emotional inquiries from individuals trying to locate
strain on families,” says Nicole Valentine, Red Cross handled over 630,000 loved ones. This is conducted when:
director of emergency services/public af- emergency communications services • Families have been separated as a
fairs. “Where ever their military service result of either armed conflict or disaster.
takes them, they know that the Red Cross for military families worldwide. • As much as possible, families should
will deliver notification in times of an have tried normal channels of communi-
emergency at home. Red Cross-verified ing $5.8 million was provided to more cation before requesting Red Cross trac-
information assists commanding officers than 5,000 uniformed service members, ing services.
with making a decision regarding emer- their families and veterans in partnership • The family member making the inquiry
gency leave. Without this verification, the with the Military Aid Societies. provides essential information on the
service member may not be able to come sought person.
home during a family crisis.” Restoring Family Links • The family member making the inquiry
In addition to linking military mem- Armed conflict and natural disasters is a close family relative, who has been
bers with their families at home in times leave millions of people around the globe in direct contact with the sought person
of crisis and verifying emergency leave in urgent need of humanitarian assistance before the conflict or disaster occurred.
information, the Red Cross also secures every year. Adding to the physical loss- “The family messages transmitted by
emergency financial assistance during es, the confusion and chaos surrounding the Red Cross can be very brief,” says
crisis situations and helps families cope war and natural disasters often separates Valentine. “The three short words, ‘I am
with separation when their loved ones are families when they need each other most. alive’ may be all that is needed to ease
far from home through a newly created Tragically, when families and loved ones the minds of distraught loved ones half a
Coping With Deployment program estab- are separated by war or disaster, their suf- world away.” ✚
lished in conjunction with the Department
of Defense.
“We have Red Cross Armed Forces
Emergency Services staff on U.S. military
installations near Iraq in Afghanistan, Ko-
sovo, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia,” Valen-
tine says. “Every day, the Red Cross is
working with our servicemen and women
worldwide, arranging emergency travel,
enabling military families to be together.”
The Red Cross has expanded its work
in military hospitals throughout the country
to support the newly established Warrior
Transition Units. These units help wound-
ed service members as they return from
battle with injuries that often require many
surgeries, lengthy recovery periods and
rehabilitation.
In addition to volunteer time, the Red
Cross provided more than $100,000 in
materials such as sweat suits, toiletry items
and shoes to help wounded veterans as
they transition back home and cope with
dramatically changed lives. Red Cross
services also include transportation from
medical facilities to home or base lodg-
www.redcrossworcester.org ✚ 508-595-3700 ✚ 978-537-3339 19✚ Preventing
blood shortages in times
of disaster
T
he American Red Cross has the ability to move blood around the country to where it
is needed most during blood shortages, or in times of natural or man-made disasters.
The Red Cross’ National Inventory Management System keeps Red Cross headquar-
ters aware of immediate and long-term blood shortages and supports the daily shipment
of necessary blood supplies to different areas of the country.
The Red Cross has strategic plans in place to accommodate generous volunteer blood
donors who want to give blood in times of disaster and to disseminate that blood to the
hospital patients who need it. With state-of-the-art Red Cross National Testing Laboratories
G E T I N V O LV E D (NTLs) strategically placed across the country, donations can be moved swiftly to where
Donate your time, they are needed most.
money or blood The American Red Cross depends on generous volunteer blood donors to provide lifesav-
ing blood for those in need every day – not only during times of national disaster. Every
www.redcrossworcester.org two seconds, someone in America needs blood. Eligible blood donors are asked to make
508-595-3700 • 978-537-3339 a commitment to donate regularly and to schedule an appointment to give by calling
1-800-GIVE-LIFE or logging on to www.givelife.org.
20 American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts✚
“
From Our Funders
THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NORTH CENTRAL
MASSACHUSETTS
UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL “Since the June 2008 opening of its Leominster training center, the
MASSACHUSETTS Red Cross has trained more than 250 entry level healthcare workers in
northern Worcester County. The Community Foundation of North
“United Way of Central Massachusetts is proud to
Central Massachusetts is proud to have supported their effort to meet
join in this recognition and honor for the American
the demonstrated needs of local healthcare employers with funding
Red Cross of Central Massachusetts. For 90 years,
provided by the Nashoba Valley Community Healthcare Fund.”
we have been a supporter and partner with the Red
Cross; offering operational and management support, Philip M. Grzewinski, president
disaster relief funding and resources for job training
programs. We have found the American Red Cross
CITY OF WORCESTER DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH
to be a most wonderful partner in this community.
United Way of Central Massachusetts applauds the “The City of Worcester Division of Public Health and the Red Cross
Red Cross of Central Massachusetts for their past have shared a great relationship during the past decade leveraging
work and looks forward to continuing our partnership agency resources in an effort to plan for and respond to the needs of
in the future.” our community.”
Tim Garvin, president and chief executive officer Derek Brindisi, director of public health
www.redcrossworcester.org ✚ 508-595-3700 ✚ 978-537-3339 21✚
GREAT WORCESTER COMMUNITY
FOUNDATION
MARY C. DEFEUDIS
GROUP PUBLISHER
Mark Murray
PROJECT MANAGER
Chris Juetten
MARKETING/SALES ASSOCIATE
Andrea Shamgochian
PRINCIPAL WRITER
Margaret LeRoux
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
“In a relatively short period of time, the
Patricia Gauthier, Jane Grant,
“Greater Worcester Community Foundation Mary C. DeFeudis Training Center has Nicole Valentine
is pleased to be able to support our local opened doors for thousands of people to ART DIRECTOR
Kira Beaudoin
Chapter of the American Red Cross. We help them improve their lives. I am so GRAPHIC DESIGNER
have funded the expansion of their training proud to have my name on the American Julie Jepsen
programs in Worcester and Leominster Red Cross of Central Massachusetts
Photography courtesy
that give area residents technical skills and Training Center and to contribute to career American Red Cross and
certification necessary to secure good jobs training which fulfills a community need Ron Bouley Photography
within the region’s health care sector. This by providing the future workforce to the
Published by
is an exciting aspect of the chapter’s work. region’s heath care providers. The Training Worcester Business Journal’s
It builds upon their respected position as a Center is successfully making a positive Custom Publishing Division, 2009
leading provider of emergency services for www.custompublishingne.com
impact on many lives and I am excited
which they’ve been well known throughout to be part of such a great program and For information regarding
Custom Publications call
their history.” organization.” Chris Juetten, WBJ Custom Publishing
Project Manager at
Ann T. Lisi, executive director 508-755-8004 ext. 270 or
cjuetten@wbjournal.com
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Woodmeister congratulates the Red Cross of
Central MA for continuing a legacy of building communities
22 American Red Cross of Central MassachusettsYour work is of critical importance.
Your dedication is of the highest value.
Thank you.
Your friends at
Benefit Development
Group stand with
you, and honor your
tradition of service –
here in Massachusetts,
and around the world.
Michael P. Tsotsis, CEO
446 Main Street, 19th Floor Worcester, Massachusetts 01608
/i\Êxän®ÊÇnänÎÊUÊ>Ý\Êxän®ÊÇ£äÇxÇÊUÊbenefitdevelopmentgroup.com
%HQHÀW'HYHORSPHQW*URXSMaking a positive impact
throughout the community
Unum is pleased to support the
American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts
in their mission to help prevent, prepare for
and respond to emergencies.
®
Photo Credit: Talia Frenkel/American Red Cross
© 2009 Unum Group. All rights reserved. Unum is a registered trademark and marketing brand of Unum Group and its insuring subsidiaries.
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