American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes Partner to Deliver Holiday Cards to Wounded Service Members

WASHINGTON, Tuesday, December 18, 2007 — America’s wounded service members are always grateful for supportive cards and notes––especially during the holiday season.This holiday season, communities across America are invited to mail cards along with personal messages of support to wounded service members at military hospitals around the country, through a unique partnership between the American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes Inc.

With the support of the U.S. Department of Defense and Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and with help from Pitney Bowes Government Solutions, the American Red Cross will collect, review and distribute holiday greeting cards to wounded military personnel. For security reasons, the Red Cross will be able to accept only holiday cards but not packages. Red Cross volunteers will receive and bundle the cards, which will be shipped by Pitney Bowes Government Solutions. Then, Red Cross volunteers at the medical facilities will distribute the cards throughout the holiday season.

“So many Americans want to show their support and gratitude by reaching out to wounded service members at Walter Reed and other military medical centers during the holiday season,” said Neal Denton, American Red Cross Senior Vice President for Service to the Armed Forces. “With the support of the Department of Defense, Walter Reed leadership and Pitney Bowes, we can bring a little cheer to these brave men and women,” added Denton.

“It is an honor to provide this small measure of comfort at holiday time to those who have sacrificed so much,” said Pitney Bowes President and CEO Murray Martin. “We want to make it as easy as possible for all Americans to show their appreciation to the men and women who serve this nation so proudly and selflessly.”

Please address your holiday cards to:

We Support You During Your Recovery!
c/o American Red Cross
P.O. Box 419
Savage, MD20763-0419

Be sure to affix adequate postage when mailing to the Red Cross. Multiple cards without envelopes may be placed in one mailing envelope or a box that includes a return address. Please mail your holiday cards so that they are postmarked no later than December 24. Holiday cards must be received no later than December 27. Cards received after this date will be returned to the sender. Again, senders are reminded that “care packages” are not part of the program––send only cards and notes. Also, please refrain from using glitter or any other inserts that would not be appropriate in a hospital environment.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.

About Pitney Bowes

Pitney Bowes (NYSE:PBI) is a mailstream technology company that helps organizations manage the flow of information, mail, documents and packages. Our 35,000 employees deliver technology, service and innovation to more than two million customers worldwide. The company was founded in 1920 and annual revenues now total $6 billion. More information is available at www.pb.com.

Red Cross Blood Donor and Volunteer Featured on mtvU’s “CAUSE EFFECT”

WASHINGTON, Tuesday, December 11, 2007 — Red Cross volunteer Krysta Leigh Meinzer is featured in “Cause Effect,” a new multi-platform series from mtvU, MTV’s 24-hour college network, profiling standout student activists on college campuses nationwide. Krysta details her passion for blood donations in an episode of the show, which is broadcast on mtvU and available on demand at mtvU.com and Think.MTV.com.

Meinzer is a 21-year-old college senior from North Carolina, majoring in communications at Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory, N.C. Krysta learned first hand about blood donation when she was a child. Her mother and father donated their own blood while her grandfather was undergoing chemotherapy as treatment for leukemia, and Krysta saw how beneficial it was in helping him have a greater chance at a longer, healthier life than he would have experienced otherwise. She currently holds the title of Miss Hendersonville, N.C. 2007, and has set the American Red Cross and blood donation as her platform.

“I am honored to be a part of the American Red Cross because it’s an organization filled with friendly, dedicated people who are committed to making a difference in the world,” said Meinzer. “When I became Miss Hendersonville, one of my goals was to recruit more blood donors, but I never imagined I would have the opportunity to reach a national audience through mtvU.”

mtvU teamed up with Microsoft Corporation through the Windows Live Messenger i’m Initiative for “Cause Effect.” Each episode spotlights two remarkable students, examining how they’re using digital tools to effect positive, real world change, and inspiring others to take action and make a difference on pressing social issues.

When she was 17, Krysta began donating blood herself, and started volunteering with the local Red Cross Blood Services region a few years later. Beyond attending blood drives, Meinzer also travels to area schools, teaching students of all ages how blood works throughout the body, and the importance of regular blood donations for patients suffering from traumas and many diseases.

The new mtvU series is an extension of the Windows Live Messenger i’m Initiative, in which Microsoft donates a portion of the program’s advertising revenue to one of several cause-related organizations each time a user has a conversation using the instant messaging software. The Red Cross is one of ten organizations receiving donations through this initiative, and is guaranteed by Microsoft to receive at least $100,000. Individuals can sign-up to support the American Red Cross through the i’m Initiative by visiting http://im.live.com.

Note: The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Fires and Floods Lead the List of Largest Red Cross Disaster Responses

WASHINGTON, Thursday, December 13, 2007 — In a year predicted to be heavy with hurricanes, home fires, wildfires and flooding kept the Red Cross busy helping people whose lives were changed by disasters. Excessive rain in some portions of the country, severe drought in other areas and a lack of major hurricanes changed the traditional disaster response landscape for the American Red Cross in a year that called for more than 230 large scale disaster responses.While the California Wildfires and major flooding captured public attention, the majority of disaster relief operations were coordinated by Red Cross chapters responding locally to more than 70,000 community disasters, most of which were home fires. In fact, home fires account for approximately 93 percent of all Red Cross disaster responses in 2007, and that category leads the compilation of the five largest disasters.

The top five American Red Cross disaster responses for 2007 are:

• Home Fires – single family, multiple-family fires (continually)
• Southern California Wildfires (October 2007)
• North Texas and Midwest Floods (Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, June 2007)
• New England Nor’easter (New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, April 2007)
• Midwest floods (Ohio, Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, August 2007)

This ranking was calculated based on the number of families served by the Red Cross, the aggregate amount of services provided (including food and shelter) and the cost to the Red Cross.

“While the hurricane season proved to be less eventful than normal, this year showed that disasters can strike anywhere around the nation, not just coastal communities,” said Joe Becker, senior vice president, disaster response. “That’s why it’s important for families and individuals to have a disaster plan, no matter where you live and even if you think you are not vulnerable to a disaster.”

Red Cross disaster relief services are delivered through the efforts of more than 700 local Red Cross chapters and often include providing disaster survivors with food, shelter, emotional support, basic first aid, and clean up supplies. While the top five disasters were the largest and most costly for the Red Cross, disaster workers were also on scene at other notable events this year. Mental health workers provided comfort during the tragedy at Virginia Tech. Disaster workers were in place during tornadoes in Lady Lake, Florida, Enterprise, Alabama and Greensburg, Kansas. And, the American Red Cross provided aid during international disasters such as the Mexico floods, Peru earthquake and Hurricane Dean.

You can learn how to prepare yourself and your loved ones for a disaster by visiting www.redcross.org. Here you will find an interactive online presentation that will show how you can Be Red Cross Ready by getting a disaster supplies kit, making a plan should disaster strike, and remaining informed before and during a disaster.

Four U.S. Nurses Receive Red Cross Medal

A moving ceremony at American Red Cross national headquarters paid tribute to an elite group of nurses at the forefront of the profession

By Tom Goehner, Historical Outreach, National Headquarters

Friday, December 07, 2007 — Every two years since 1920, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has honored nurses and volunteer health aids worldwide who have shown exceptional courage and devotion to the sick, wounded and disabled in times of war and peace.

From left to right: Lt. Col. Steven Drennan, Catherine Head, Marilyn Self, Brenna Aileo. (Photo by Bill Crandall)

The ICRC award is named in honor of British-born nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale, who is credited with founding the modern nursing profession. In the mid-19th century, Florence Nightingale was able to elevate nursing from an occupation akin to servant’s work to an internationally recognized healthcare profession with consistent training and standards.

Since Nightingale’s time, nursing has made enormous strides in education, skills and responsibilities. In addition to working in a wide variety of settings and continuing to manage traditional patient care, many nurses have become leaders in the development of complex systems of medical assessment and treatment. This year’s medal winners demonstrate that Nightingale’s pioneering spirit and creativity continue to live on today.

2007 Florence Nightingale Medal Recipients

Brenna Aileo is a retired Army nurse whose close friends encouraged her to volunteer with the American Red Cross in response to the events of September 11. She distinguished herself by deploying to multiple disasters and developing key disaster training programs. In 2004, Aileo stepped in as health consultant for the Red Cross Services to the Armed Forces. In this position Aileo assesses their health status and clears staff for overseas deployment. As she received her award, Aileo described the Red Cross as a series of individual threads that form a “blanket” of care that can cover us all.

Lt. Col. Steven Drennan is a nurse in the U.S. Army who has responded to conflicts and disasters and the ongoing health needs of communities worldwide. Drennan led a nursing team that developed a course for Iraqi ambulance teams and a burn management training program for Iraqi physicians and nurses. In addition, he successfully submitted grant proposals that provide burn treatment equipment and supplies for a Baghdad Hospital and created the Iraqi National Trauma Center, which offers clinical rotations within the Iraqi medical community. In his acknowledgements, Drennan praised the dedication and inspiration of Iraqi doctors and nurses in the face of so much adversity. He also thanked the Iraqi Red Crescent with whom he felt he shared the award.

Catherine Head has dedicated her career to improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations. Prior to serving as an American Red Cross volunteer, Head worked extensively as a nurse midwife in urban and rural settings. She then established one of the first full service birth centers in Pennsylvania. Along with Head’s many Red Cross duties, she established a process for deploying a healthy work force during disaster relief operations. As a result of Head’s new screening process, fewer relief workers need to be sent home in the middle of their assignments.

Marilyn Self has worked in paid and volunteer capacities with the American Red Cross for more than 25 years. Self has played a key role in recruiting, developing and effectively engaging nurses as health professional volunteers at the local, national and international levels. She improved the quality of health services available to victims of disasters through the development of a partnership to train public health nurses for work in shelters throughout Georgia. In addition, she coordinated Red Cross health activities in New York after September 11, in Georgia for Hurricane Katrina evacuees, and for many operations before and since. Self is a member of the Red Cross Critical Response Team and has led the health service response for multiple aviation disasters. As she thanked all those who helped her receive this honor, Self credited the American Red Cross for allowing her to grow professionally and face new challenges.

The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.

Slippery Roads and Icy Bridges? Stay on Track

The Red Cross reminds travelers to be prepared when driving this holiday season

By Shilpika Das, Staff Writer, RedCross.org

Thursday, December 06, 2007 — With millions of people hitting the road for holiday travel in the coming weeks, the American Red Cross urges families and individuals to take precautions against the deceptive dangers of wintry weather.

Driving in winter can be treacherous. Sleet and ice can lead to slower traffic, hazardous road conditions, and unforeseen dangers. Check your local weather station for storm updates before you plan your travel. Be Informed Use this guide to make an informed decision before you travel. Remember to listen to your local weather station for the latest winter storm information. Winter storm watch: A winter storm is possible in your area. Winter storm warning: A winter storm is headed for your area. A blizzard warning: Strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow, and dangerous wind chill are expected. Seek shelter immediately.

Winter storms can be ‘deceptive killers’ since the majority of winter-related deaths are caused by events related to the heavy snowfall, high winds, and freezing rain that often accompanies them. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, almost 70 percent of winter deaths related to snow and ice take place in vehicles.

“The American Red Cross recommends that people prepare for disasters and other emergencies wherever they spend a lot of time, and for many of us that means our vehicles ,” says Darlene Sparks Washington, director for preparedness at the American Red Cross. “As cold winter weather approaches, it’s even more important that we all take simple steps to help keep ourselves and our loved ones safer while on the road,” says Washington.

The American Red Cross offers the following tips to help people prepare for the unexpected when traveling.

Winter-proof your vehicle

• Get your vehicle checked by a mechanic and pay attention to the battery, tire pressure, heater, defroster, wiper blades and washer fluid.
• Carry a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle at all times.
• Make sure you include winter items like shovel, windshield scraper, blankets and warm clothing, flares, jumper cables, and sand or cat litter for traction. (View complete list.)
• Ensure that you have a full tank of gas to avoid ice build-up in the fuel tank and fuel lines.

Before you hit the roads

• Let your family or friends know your destination, your primary and alternate routes, and when you expect to arrive. If your vehicle gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
• Pay attention to the weather forecast. Your local TV and radio stations can provide updated storm information that can help you avoid treacherous weather.
• Motorists should also be cautious about animals on the highway. Stay alert for deer-crossing signs.

If you are stranded

• Stranded drivers should stay with the vehicle and not try to walk to safety. You can quickly become disoriented in wind-driven snow and run the risk of developing hypothermia and frostbite.
• Exercise your arms and legs to maintain body heat.
• Change out of wet clothing, using dry replacements from your supplies kit to prevent hypothermia.
• Use the heater for 10 minutes every hour and leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so you can be seen.
• Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won’t back up in the vehicle
• Make it easier for rescuers to find you by tying a brightly colored cloth to the antenna
• After the snow has subsided, raise the hood to indicate you need help.

For additional winter safety tips and information on building disaster supplies kits, visit www.redcross.org.

The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.