Break the silence for suicide attempt survivors - a TED conversation

TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less). TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, and today covers almost all topics — from science to business to global issues — in more than 100 languages. Meanwhile, independently run TEDx events help share ideas in communities around the world.

Suicide is a topic not discussed often enough. In the US someone dies by suicide every 12.8 minutes. Worldwide, someone dies by suicide every 40 seconds. 19 out of 20 people who attempt suicide fail. But those that fail are 37x's more likely to succeed in their next attempt.

At TEDYou, JD Schramm asks us to break the silence surrounding suicide and suicide attempts, and to create much-needed resources to help people who reclaim their life after escaping death. You can watch his video by following this link:  http://www.ted.com/talks/jd_schramm?language=en.

If you are someone who has contemplated or attempted suicide. or you know somebody who has, talk about it. Get help! It's a conversation worth having and an idea worth spreading.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/A free, 24-hour hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Your call will be routed to the nearest crisis center to you.

Other resources can be found by following this link: http://blog.ted.com/resources-for-suicide-prevention-post-attempt-survivors-and-their-families/.

Fire Canvassing Event - Independence, MO

On February 21, 2015 an Independence, MO family lost their home, possessions and only child to a house fire. 5 year old Kai-Lynn was among three people injured after the fire broke out at the 10000 block of Winner Road at around noon on Saturday. Kai-Lynn was rushed to Children's Mercy Hospital with serious burns and heavy respiratory injuries. Kai-Lynn succumbed to her injuries on Monday February 23, 2015. 

Kai-Lynn

The family had just moved in to the house the day before. The fire has since been ruled accidental. The home did have smoke detectors but the Fire Department was unable to determine if they were working at the time of the fire. 

In response to this fire and 2 others in the Independence area recently in which no working smoke detectors were present in the house, Independence Fire and the Red Cross have partnered up to give out free smoke detectors and educate the residents in the immediate area about fire safety. 

On March 7, 2015 Independence Fire Station #3 (located closest to the fire on Winner Road) teamed up with the Red Cross, CERT and the local Emergency Management team to canvass the area near Winner Road and Ash Avenue. Teams of 2 or more walked the neighborhood talking to people about having working smoke detectors in the home, testing them monthly, changing the batteries when changing clocks for Daylight Savings Time as well as developing a fire escape plan with the family. Those residents who did not have working smoke detectors in their home were signed up to have one or more installed on March 21, 2015 when the Red Cross and Fire Department would partner up again to install smoke alarms for residents in need. Residents who were not home at the time of the canvassing were left a door hanger with information about how to call and schedule an appointment to have a smoke detector installed in their home.

While this canvassing event was in response to a fatality fire, residents don't have to wait for a disaster to happen to get a free smoke detector. Smoke alarms are given to Independence homeowners based on need. Homeowners can apply for one at the Independence Fire Station 1 at 950 N. Spring St. at the west entrance. For information about the smoke alarm program, call 816-325-7121.

“Every home should have at least one smoke alarm on every level of the home, preferred in every sleeping area and outside of every sleeping area,” Independence Fire Department said in a release. “Never take the battery out of your smoke alarm, except for replacement. Make sure everyone in the home knows the sound of the smoke detector.”


Here are some pics from the canvassing event on March 7:

City of Independence Fire Station #3

Along with the Fire Department, Red Cross partnered with local CERT and Emergency Management Teams.

JoAnn Woody, Program Specialist with Red Cross helped organize the event and at the conclusion of the event took the opportunity to work on her photography skills. 

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more than 4,000 Americans die and an estimated 20,000 are injured in fires annually; many of which could be prevented with working smoke detectors. I have been through a devastating fire myself and if that weren't a reminder enough to check my smoke detector regularly and to change the battery every 6 months, stories like the sad one above surely are a somber reminder. Be safe!

March Proclaimed Red Cross Month

President Barack Obama has proclaimed March as Red Cross Month across the country, a tradition upheld by each of our nation’s leaders since President Franklin D. Roosevelt first recognized Red Cross Month in 1943.

“For more than 130 years, the devoted women and men of the American Red Cross have responded to challenges at home and abroad with compassion and generosity. In times of conflict and great tragedy, they deliver humanitarian relief, save lives, and offer hope for a brighter tomorrow,” the proclamation reads. “Their service has meant so much to so many, and it reflects a fundamental American truth: we look out for one another and we do not leave anyone behind. This month, we renew our sense of common purpose and honor all those whose sacrifices have made our society more prepared, resilient, and united.” Read the entire proclamation here.

The Red Cross has a long-standing relationship with the White House dating back to 1913 and President Woodrow Wilson. In 1906 a largely ceremonial office of president was added to the Red Cross leadership. In 1913, President Wilson agreed to serve in this role. This began a tradition that continues today whereby the president of the United States serves as honorary chairman of the American Red Cross. The Red Cross is not a government agency and does not receive a regular appropriation from Congress.

The American Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters every year. It provides 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families at home and around the world; collects and distributes about 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply and trains millions of people in first aid, water safety and other life-saving skills.

During Red Cross Month, the American Red Cross is recognizing the country’s everyday heroes – heroes who reach out to help people in need. These are the people who -

Help disaster victims get on the road to recovery.

Give blood to help a hospital patient

Brighten the day of an injured service member who is in a hospital far from home.

Take one of our lifesaving classes and step forward to assist someone having a heart attack or to save a drowning child.

Red Cross Month is a great time to become part of the Red Cross. You can work on a preparedness plan with members of your household so you are ready for emergencies. You can become a Red Cross volunteer. Or you can give blood or a financial donation.

During Red Cross Month, become a part of the Red Cross. More information is available on how you can help through your local Red Cross chapter or by visiting the “Ways to Help” information on this web site.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

If you are looking for a rewarding yet challenging volunteer opportunity, consider becoming a Red Cross volunteer! It has been one of the best decisions I have made. You haven't done something until you have done something for someone who can never repay you. The Red Cross is full of everyday heroes who help others in time of need. Volunteering is a blessing! I am proud to be a Red Cross Volunteer!