Latest news with #HeidiRuster
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Red Cross of Southern Nevada volunteers serve over 41,000 hours in a year
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Over the past year, volunteers with the American Red Cross have put in 41,000 hours of service in Southern Nevada. Heidi Ruster leads the way for them as regional CEO of the Red Cross for Utah and Nevada. 'I think it's serving others for sure and trying to make a difference in your community, but it feels good,' Ruster said. 'It feels good to make a difference, and I think volunteers want that.' One of those volunteers is Michael Carey, who responded to 11 home fires in his first year with the nonprofit. Saturday, surrounded by other volunteers, he was awarded for being a rising star with the Red Cross. 'You get to help a lot of people outside of the Red Cross as well, especially the citizens across Las Vegas, which is most meaningful for sure,' Carey said. For Ruster, volunteers are the people who keep the Red Cross mission alive. 'I get so emotional,' Ruster said. 'I've been in the organization for 30-plus years and most of the reason is these volunteers. They bring passion to the mission and make it work every day.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Red Cross encourages Memorial Day blood donations to honor fallen military
SALT LAKE CITY () — Three blood donation centers with the American Red Cross of Utah are open for blood donations on Memorial Day, giving Utahns a way to honor fallen military personnel by giving blood. The centers in Salt Lake City (6616 South 900 East), Lehi (310 North 850 East), and Layton (852 West Hill Field Road) are open for appointments, which the Red Cross said several are still available. 'There are many ways to pay tribute on Memorial Day,' said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. 'By donating blood, you not only honor our fallen heroes, but you also become a hero to those in need of lifesaving transfusions.' The Red Cross of Utah said there is a critical demand for type O blood. Type O positive blood is the most frequently transfused blood type and type O negative blood is known as the 'universal' blood type, used in emergency situations when the patient's blood type is unknown. Man, woman arrested after traffic stop reveals missing Nevada juvenile As Utah enters the 100 deadliest days of summer, the Red Cross said a single major car accident can deplete a hospital's blood supply. 'It's crucial for donors of all types to step forward, especially those with O negative blood,' said Ruster. 'Trauma centers rely on this universal blood type for emergencies when every second counts.' Ruster, who is also a U.S. Navy veteran, added that when children see their parents giving blood, they understand the importance of donations and are more likely to feel empowered to contribute themselves when they are older. For those interested in donating blood on Memorial Day, the Salt Lake and Lehi donation centers are open until 2:30 p.m. The Layton donation center is open until 3 p.m. Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by , or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767). Use sponsor codes SaltLakeCityUT, LaytonUT, or LehiUT to make an appointment at one of the available donation centers. Ross Chastain goes from worst to 1st to win NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 review: The three-row Electric SUV that's quietly redefining family hauling Red Cross encourages Memorial Day blood donations to honor fallen military West Jordan man charged with kidnapping in physical dispute over missing dog Man, woman arrested after traffic stop reveals missing Nevada juvenile Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Blood, time and monetary donations encouraged throughout March, Red Cross Month
The American Red Cross helped respond to 197 emergencies in Utah last year, including bringing aid to families and individuals following over 150 fires. The organization also installed around 1,300 free smoke alarms to help people be safe. "When disasters strike, our volunteers respond, providing critical support to families and neighbors when it's needed most," Heidi Ruster, CEO of the Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region, said in a statement on Tuesday. March is American Red Cross Month, which has been celebrated since a proclamation from United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox issued a declaration this year — as he has in other years — commemorating the charitable organization's efforts. "The Red Cross aims to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies through emergency preparedness preparation, blood donation and by offering life-saving skills and services," the declaration says. There are at least 1,154 volunteers for the Red Cross in the state of Utah, it says. "In Utah, we deeply appreciate the Red Cross volunteers who consistently step up during emergencies to help their neighbors," Cox said. Ruster said home fires and natural disasters are becoming more frequent so "local heroes are more important than ever." She said the partnership between Utah and the Red Cross shows a commitment to being a prepared, resilient community. A unique blood drive in Clinton on Thursday will honor 13-year-old KcKay Hansen, who fought stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma for a decade before his death last year. Between the ages of 3 and 13, he had 244 blood and platelet transfusions, each extending his life. McKay's mother, Shae Hansen, said donations allowed their family to create memories with him that would not have been possible without the transfusions. "Our family is forever grateful to the selfless blood donors who gave McKay the gift of more time," she said. Blood donations in honor of McKay Hansen can be scheduled on the Red Cross Blood Donor app or on the Red Cross website using sponsor code "clintonwest." Part of American Red Cross Month each year is Red Cross Giving Day, which falls on March 26. The Red Cross is encouraging Utahns to donate time, financial support or blood on that day. Organizers hope to have 30,000 supporters. Over the winter, storms led to over 1,000 canceled blood drives across the United States, so the blood supply is facing challenges that donations this month can help solve, the Red Cross said. Throughout March, the organization is offering a free screening test for diabetes and prediabetes, along with a $10 Amazon gift card to anyone who donates.
