Immigrant teens to be housed at Dallas convention center
FILE - In this March 31, 2020 file photo, a leaning sign sits in front of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in downtown Dallas. “There’s no other way to claim it than a Biden border crisis.”Texas Gov. The memo sent to Dallas City Council members says the Federal Emergency Management Agency and HHS will “be responsible for providing shelter management and contracts” for food, security, cleaning, and medical care at the convention center. Dallas previously offered space to HHS during the 2014 surge of crossings of immigrant children. HHS also has said it will house immigrant youths in Midland.
American Red Cross responds to winter storm and seeks blood donations in coming days, weeks
Due to the extreme winter weather in Texas, the American Red Cross is watching the situation and standing by to support local responses to the storms as needed. The record-breaking cold and severe winter weather across most of the U.S. has forced the cancellation of Red Cross blood drives in approximately 30 states, impacting approximately 16,000 blood, platelet and convalescent plasma donations this month. The Red Cross is urging healthy individuals in unaffected areas, especially those with type O blood, to give now. If you are interested in donating blood, the American Red Cross Serving Central and South Texas encourages people to donate to the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center. If you are interested in donating blood in the KSAT Community blood drive with University Health March 1-2, click here to make an appointment.
Blood supply ‘critically low’ in what South Texas Blood and Tissue Center calls ‘disturbing trend’
The American Red Cross is asking for blood donations to help fulfill an increase in need caused by the pandemic. SAN ANTONIO – The South Texas Blood & Tissue Center is urging people to donate blood as it is seeing a “severe” shortage amid an “extremely urgent” demand. Adrienne Mendoza, the vice president of Blood Operations at South Texas Blood & Tissue Center, said the need for blood during the coronavirus pandemic has strained the supply, “putting our community at risk.”About 500 donations are needed a day to keep up with the demand. “The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed a secondary national health emergency – a dramatic blood shortage for patients from coast to coast.”Mendoza said the demand increased by 35% in January. A voucher for a smoothie at Smoothie King will be given to donors on Sundays.
Do you suspect you’ve had COVID-19? Here’s an easy way to get an antibody test and confirm
I’d heard rumblings that you could give blood through the American Red Cross, and they’d test your blood for antibodies. Worth mentioning: The Red Cross says it’s a perfectly safe time to donate, despite COVID-19. How to interpret your resultsMine said, “COVID-19 Test Result: NEGATIVE.” And I blanked for a second, as in, “Negative? Learn more about COVID-19 antibody testing.” (It’s like the Red Cross knows that we’re not all health experts). The Red Cross could use your donation one way or the other.
Coronavirus complicates wildfire evacuations on West Coast
Volunteers wearing disposable masks walked from group to group, taking down their information and asking what they need for the days ahead. Normally, they'd be gathering in school gymnasiums and meeting halls, sleeping on cots and eating at buffet lines, all provided by organizations like the Red Cross, Salvation Army and other faith and community groups. When possible, displaced residents are sent to hotels instead of group shelters. In group shelters, staffers are using plastic pipes strung with clear shower curtains to separate evacuees but allow them to see out from their own socially distanced areas. In Oregon, group shelters are set up at churches, colleges and community buildings, while malls, golf courses and other businesses opened parking for evacuees who can stay in recreational vehicles.
KSAT Community Hurricane Laura Relief Phone Bank with the American Red Cross to be held Friday
SAN ANTONIO As Hurricane Laura continues to gain strength, the American Red Cross needs all the help they can get in aiding their relief efforts on the Gulf Coast with volunteers and funds. This Friday, Aug. 28 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., KSAT Community is partnering with the American Red Cross to host a Hurricane Laura Relief Phone Bank. Please call 855-678-4483(GIVE) during the phone bank if you would like to make a monetary donation. {Related: American Red Cross seeks volunteers for disaster relief]To make a donation online for the Red Cross, click here. KSAT Community operates in partnership with University Health System, Energy Transfer and Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union.
American Red Cross seeks 160 volunteers for disaster relief
SAN ANTONIO The American Red Cross is stepping in to help with recovery efforts for tropical storm Marco and Hurrican Laura along the coast. Currently, the Red Cross is looking for at least 160 volunteers to assist in disaster relief efforts. Depending on your volunteer position with the Red Cross, and the proper training administered by the Red Cross, volunteers will help provide a safe, welcoming place for people fleeing disaster and provide care and attention to the health needs of sheltered clients, said Michael Vela, executive director of the American Red Cross Greater San Antonio chapter. To volunteer with the American Red Cross, click here. KSAT Community operates in partnership with University Health System, Energy Transfer and Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union.
‘We just heard, like, a loud bomb,' resident says after massive apartment complex fire
The fire broke out at the Altitude Apartments in the 5000 block of Fredericksburg Road. “We just heard, like, a loud bomb — like, it sounded like a crazy firework went off,” she said. Fire officials say 12 units were in the building that was completely engulfed in flames, which is a total loss. Officials say it’s still too early to provide a cause for the fire. Officials say the American Red Cross is helping the families who have been displaced.