The impact of the flooding is simply mind-boggling. The United Nations estimates that the number of people affected is approximately 15 million; and much of the affected area in the south is still underwater. Read more about the flooding here.

If possible, try and make a donation to aid in Pakistan Flood Relief.  Do what you can to help the entire global Red Cross and Red Crescent network provide resources for the individuals in need.

Every bit of aid helps.

Although summer is coming to a close for some of us, it’s important that we all remain on top of our game as Red Cross youth volunteers. Even though we may not have gone to Haiti or volunteered in Texas when Hurricane Alex hit, there are a lot of things we can do with our local chapters that would prepare us for various disasters and emergencies.

One thing you can do is become first aid, CPR, and AED certified. These programs are designed to give you the confidence to respond in an emergency with skills that could save a life.

Another thing you can do is donate blood. With school out and people on vacation, it’s critical that individuals who can give blood choose to donate. Only 38 % of Americans are eligible to donate blood and only 8% of those people do.

In the meantime, stay prepared & Be Red Cross Ready!

As some of us celebrated our nation’s independence with fireworks and wearing red, white, and blue, others raised the flags of hope and progress as they remember another day that will be forever embedded in our world’s history.

Today marks the 6 Month Anniversary of the 7.0M earthquake striking Haiti, displacing approximately 1.5 million people  and affecting over 2 million.

To date, the American Red Cross has received $468 million dollars in donations and has spent $148.4 million.

Although the estimated $12 billion dollars needed to rebuild Haiti may seem like an unreachable goal, Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the American Red Cross, sent words of encouragement and hope to those who have generously donated in the Six Month Progress Report for the Red Cross Response.

McGovern also said, “Six months after the earthquake, Haiti is filled with signs of hope and progress as well as reminders of the immense needs that still remain.”

In an effort to meet those needs, the American Red Cross announced last Thursday that it would expand Health, Shelter, and Financial Assistance initiatives in Haiti.

Click here to find out more on how you can help the Red Cross Response.

Although Alex only left Texas with only thunderstorms and minor flooding, with no injuries or major damage reported, Governor Rick Perry urged Texans to think of Alex as a warning. He said,”Before they go back to business as usual, Texans need to take inventory and make sure they’re prepared to handle the next storm — whether that’s setting aside the necessary supplies like food and water, preparing their property to withstand a storm or thinking about an evacuation plan, now is the time to get ready not when the winds are starting to kick up.”

Essentially, he’s saying that Texans need to be “Red Cross Ready”. In case you don’t remember what “Red Cross Ready” is–here’s a reminder.

The American Red Cross has been working closely with The Mexican Red Cross (Cruz Roja Mexicana), who have prepared relief supplies for at least 20,000 people.

Make sure you keep track of Hurricane Alex, and check back here regularly for updates on The American Red Cross’s response to this natural disaster.

Be Red Cross Ready!

Stephenie Meyer, author of the national bestselling Twilight series, is publishing a new novella, The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner. What sweetens the deal of a great author publishing a new story so soon after Twilight ended is that one dollar from each book sold will be donated to the American Red Cross! For more information on this awesome event, visit www.breetanner.com and reserve your copy today!

This article also shows how important CPR training is in your every day life.

Now go sign up for a CPR or first aid class at your local chapter, getting trained could potentially save a life!