Latest news with #JorgeMartinez
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Red Cross calls on Pennsylvania donors ahead of ‘Giving Day'
(WTAJ) — As the Red Cross Giving Day grows closer, the nonprofit is asking residents across Pennsylvania to consider donating blood. The Giving Day is scheduled for March 26 and comes after weather-related disasters and emergencies in places such as California and Kentucky took over the first two months of 2025. On top of that, the Red Cross highlighted how local emergencies such as house fires and car crashes also call for a demand for blood donation. 'This year's disasters have set a whirlwind pace, displacing thousands of people from their homes across the country and disrupting the nation's blood supply for patients,' Jorge Martinez, CEO of the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania, said. 'As we enter spring disaster season, families are relying on us to come together as a community and support them when help can't wait during future crises. Join us today by making a financial donation or giving blood or platelets.' People of all blood types are needed, and those looking to donate at a center near them can sign up to do so on the Red Cross website. The nonprofit noted that it is also taking donations so it can continue building 'comfort kits' that include things such as a toothbrush, comb and shampoo. Additionally, anyone who donates blood, platelets or plasma during March will receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card by email. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Yahoo
07-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Red Cross urging you to test your smoke alarms as clocks change
The American Red Cross is encouraging you to test your their smoke alarms to make sure the devices are working as you turn the clocks forward of daylight saving time on Sunday. 'Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half as you only have about two minutes to safely get out,' Jorge Martinez, CEO of the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania, said in a release. 'Every second counts when there's a home fire and the sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get to a safer place. When daylight saving time starts this weekend, test your smoke alarms to help prevent a tragedy in your home.' Over the past year, local Red Cross volunteers responded to help more than 6,100 people across Pennsylvania affected by more than 1,500 home fires, which account for most of the about 65,000 disasters that organization responds to annually across the country. The organization suggests: • Installing smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. • Replacing smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Follow your alarm's manufacturer instructions. • Practicing your two-minute home fire escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to escape a burning home before it's too late. • Including at least two ways to get out of every room and selecting a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor's home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet. If you can't afford to buy smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Go to for more information. Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, along with community partners, has saved at least 2,284 lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country. To learn more about the campaign and how to get involved, go to
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dominican flag raising hosted at Springfield City Hall
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Dominican Cultural and Sports Center held a flag raising at Springfield City Hall Saturday morning. The Dominican community came together to honor the vibrant heritage and spirit in the city of Springfield. 'Super Refund Saturday' helps Springfield residents file tax returns The flag, serving as a symbol of freedom and unity, was raised as the ceremony celebrated the rich cultural history and accomplishments of Dominicans in the United States. The event began with a welcome address by the center's president Donar Saillant, followed by a series of speeches highlighting the Dominican flag's historical importance and cultural relevance. 'Having the chance to be at Springfield City hall and be with our community and raising our flag, it is something that i cannot describe in words,' said Jorge Martinez of the Dominican Cultural and Sports Center. 'It is something that you feel deep inside.' Saturday's celebration also included a theatrical skit inspired by the night of the Declaration of Dominican Independence by the 7 Arts Latino Foundation community theater group. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.