July 2008
I would like to introduce to you our first Unsung Hero. Today many of us are busy hustling from one activity to another. In our professional and personal lives free time is in short supply and yet people do find time to go above and beyond to help others. Dr. Joan Broderick is that person. Dr. Broderick provides the compassion and support needed to help those who in many instances have lost everything.

Dr. Broderick became a volunteer for the American Red Cross in 1996 and immediately went to work on the disaster relief operation for Flight 800. In the years since then not only has she responded to numerous national disasters such as the World Trade Center Tragedy, the crash of Egypt Air, Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Ernesto she has also responded to numerous local emergencies.

Today, Joan is in Kansas. She was deployed to the disaster relief operation in the Mid-West.

Joan is always willing to offer her assistance and we are proud to count her as a member of the Suffolk County Team.

Gearing Up For Hurricane Season
On Saturday May 31st sixty Red Cross disaster volunteers gathered at Seneca Junior High School to participate in a mock shelter exercise. Volunteers worked together in groups to solve problems at various stations representing the activities that take place in a shelter: Registration, Feeding, Health Services, Public Affairs, Communication, and Dormitory. The drill corresponded to the week-long Hurricane Exercise being held by New York State for the official start of Hurricane Season, June 1st.

Local Fire Updates – May
On May 3rd, South Brookhaven DAT members Marion Trapani and Theresa Ann Scavo helped two Lake Ronkonkoma families who were displaced by a fire with shelter, food, clothing, and supplies for their toddlers.

On May 4th, Babylon/Islip DAT members Gina Woerner and Mike Moreno responded to a fire in Islip in which two families lost everything. Our volunteers were able to give shelter for the weekend, food, clothing, and shoes for all eight people.

On May 9th Mike Moreno and Joseph Donato met with a family in Bay Shore who needed assistance after a kitchen fire. The family already had shelter through their church so our volunteers gave assistance for food and clothing.

Also on May 9th there was a large fire in a boarding house on North Clinton in Bay Shore. DJ Rosenthal was at the scene to assess the situation and work with county officials for the best response to the emergency. It was determined due to the population of the boarding house that the residents would be bussed to county shelters. While this was being arranged, Bob Monaco brought snacks and juice while DMH volunteers Joan Broderick and Roy Burnham were at the scene to help those affected by the fire.

Suffolk Chapter is Humming!
Emergency Services Director, Rebecca Arthurs accepts keys to a brand new HUMMER H3 donated by the GM Foundation and presented by the North Bay Cadillac dealership in Great Neck. The Hummer will be used for emergency services to transport supplies to disaster victims and to conduct disaster assessment. In addition to the H3 donated to Suffolk in December, the GM Foundation has donated 72 Hummers to Red Cross chapters all over the county for use in emergency services.

New Asst. Emergency Services Director Appointed
We are pleased to announce that DJ Rosenthal has taken the position of Assistant Director of Emergency Services. In her new position, DJ will play a significant role in planning for and responding to disasters that affect Suffolk County.

As a member of the operations management team DJ will increase her liaison work by building partnerships to increase the chapters capacity to respond and the communityís efforts to prepare for disasters. DJ will continue to coordinate the Community Disaster Education presentations and the Disaster Training schedule. She will also continue to work as the DSHR Administrator deploying volunteers to National Disaster Relief Operations.

DJ brings to the table an extensive knowledge of the Red Cross organization and its policies. Her work has always extended past the Volunteer Coordinator role and we are happy to officially recognize her hard work and dedication.

We Desperately Need Shelter Volunteers
The American Red Cross has gone to great lengths this year to better prepare Long Island for a catastrophic event like a hurricane; however, officials say that responding to a disaster will be extremely difficult if Long Islanders do not pitch in and help.

Granted, Red Cross volunteers from throughout the nation will come to the Island if needed, but not until it is deemed safe for them to enter. For at least three days, it will be the responsibility of local Red Crossers to provide relief. Many Long Islanders will roll up their sleeves to help during a disaster but having volunteers trained in advance is crucial.

To properly staff the designated 25 shelters we need at least 1,200 volunteers. Presently Suffolk has 350 volunteers trained in shelter operations. There will be an even greater need as we identify more shelters in coming years. It is our goal to double capacity and be able to shelter 120,000 Long Islanders, requiring over 5,000 volunteers.

Duties in a shelter vary from registration and other administrative duties to food preparation and security. There is also a great need for nurses and mental health professionals.

The shelter operations course can be completed in one day. If you wish to volunteer call 631 924-6700.

"Dog First Aid" & "Cat First Aid"
The Suffolk County American Red Cross is well known for helping to keep our residents and their families safe. The Health & Safety department is very excited to announce the release of our latest programs, "Dog First Aid" and "Cat First Aid".

Pet ownership is currently at its highest level nationwide with 63% of all householdís owning a pet.

Dogs and cats are more than just pets, they are family. And just like any other member of the family pets deserve to be cared for and protected. Dog First Aid and Cat first Aid features an easy to use reference guide and DVD that covers nearly 70 health topics. Students will learn everything from responsible pet ownership (spraying and neutering) to administering medication to breathing and cardiac emergencies ("mouth to snout"). These guides offer advice and information that all pet owners can trust.

For the health and safety of your family pet and peace of mind for the whole family call us at (631) 698-3688 for more information or to purchase the books.