2016 New Year’s Resolution: Become a Superhero

By Rachel Coleman

Many of us make at least one resolution at the start of a new year.  From living a healthier lifestyle to (finally) finishing that special project, they can take any form.  This year, why not become a superhero instead?

No, you don’t need to don a mask or cape, but you can join a league of fellow like-minded citizens—the American Red Cross.

Just as superheroes have different powers, there are many different ways to make a positive and long-lasting impact on the people around you through the Red Cross:

Volunteer

American Red Cross volunteers make a difference in a multitude of ways every day, 365 days a year. From ensuring the delivery of an emergency message between a military service member and their families, to providing hope and comfort to families after a local disaster, to collecting life-saving blood and reunifying families after an international conflict, trained and dedicated Red Cross volunteers are there to help.

Regardless of your skills, background or physical abilities, there is a way for you to make a difference with the Red Cross. Visit www.redcross.org/gnyvolunteer to sign up and learn more today.

Give Blood

According to statistics maintained by the Red Cross, every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood, but less than ten percent of those eligible to donate actually do so each year.

Every time you donate blood, you can help save up to three lives.  You can safely donate blood every 56 days, so if you mark your calendar now, you could save nearly 20 lives in 2016—without once putting on a pair of tights! 

In Orange County, a blood drive is set for January 6, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Orange Regional Medical Center at 707 E. Main Street in Middletown.

To find more blood drives in your area or to host one of your own, visit: www.redcross.org/blood.

Get Prepared

You can keep it even closer to home by resolving to get prepared this year.  Every family needs a plan for when disaster strikes.  If you weathered the last couple of hurricanes that barreled through the area, you understand how having a few key items like a flashlight, food, water and medications can make an enormous difference.

In partnership with New York State, the Red Cross is providing a FREE 15 minute online Citizen Preparedness Corps training on how to prepare, respond and recover from both natural and man-made disasters.

Visit www.prepare.ny.gov/online-citizen-preparedness-training, and gain the tools necessary to safeguard your own family this year.

With so much happening in the world today, perhaps what we all need are a few everyday heroes.  With the help of the American Red Cross, this year could be the year you save the world – or at least help your fellow neighbors.

Rachel is a new super hero, joining the Red Cross as a volunteer in November.