Red Cross Teams Up To Install Free Smoke Alarms In Recognition Of Wildfire Awareness Month - 05/13/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. 

Red Cross teams up to install free smoke alarms in recognition of Wildfire Awareness Month

Join us this Saturday in Medford for our life-saving Home Fire Campaign.

[Medford, OR May 12, 2026] On May 16, the American Red Cross, Medford Fire and Rescue, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, along with student athletes from Rogue Community College, in partnership with the Rogue Valley YMCA will be installing FREE smoke alarms as part of the Home Fire Campaign, which has helped save more 2,600 lives since launching in October 2014.   

“Most people don’t realize they only have two minutes to escape a home fire — and that smoke alarms need to be replaced every 10 years,” says Red Cross Executive Director of Southwest Oregon, Carisa Hettich. “A working smoke alarm can cut your risk of death by half.”

WHAT: Home Fire Campaign

WHERE: Roberts Road YMCA—2200 Roberts Road, Medford, OR, 97504

WHEN: Saturday, May 16, 2026.

• Welcome rally begins at 10:00 am.
• Installations in the community start at 11:00 am. 

WHO:  American Red Cross

            Medford Fire and Rescue

            Rogue Community College

            Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 

            Rogue Valley YMCA

There’s still time to sign up for your free smoke alarm. Click on https://www.redcross.org/local/oregon/about-us/our-work/home-fire-campaign.html

VISUALS: Volunteers installing smoke alarms and educating local families.  

Sample smoke alarm installations (B-Roll) can be found here and here.  

THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS:

 Medford Fire and Rescue

Having a working smoke alarm in the home is critical for the early detection of a fire.  Everyone knows the bigger a fire grows, the harder it is to put out.  Smoke alarms save lives, property and reduces the amount of money needed to restore a home after a fire.  They’re a life saving tool, that no one should sleep without.

Rogue Community College

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has partnered with the American Red Cross for many years in many different ways. We treasure this relationship and feel fortunate to be able to serve in the communities of Southern Oregon this week. 

Rogue Valley YMCA

“Partnering with the Red Cross on the Sound the Alarm campaign reflects the YMCA’s commitment to strengthening community health and safety. Together, we can help families become better prepared, protect vulnerable neighbors, and ensure more homes have the lifesaving resources and education needed to prevent tragedy.” ~ Brad Russell, Rogue Valley Family YMCA Executive Director

About the American Red Cross: 

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media. 

“Candlelighters For Children With Cancer” And The American Red Cross Team Up To Collect Life Saving Blood. - 04/29/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Candlelighters for Children With Cancer” and the American Red Cross team up to Collect Life Saving Blood.

Come meet the people who know firsthand how important blood is for children suffering from cancer.

[BEAVERTON, APRIL 30, 2026] The American Red Cross and Candlelighters for Children With Cancer are hosting a blood drive on Thursday, April 30^th from 9am to 3pm. Every two seconds, someone in this country needs blood and every 15 seconds, someone needs platelets. Many of these people are children, and these blood products are especially important for children fighting cancer. 

“It’s just important to support these families, whatever way we can. It is literally the hardest thing to see your child suffer,” said Nicole Ek, Candlelighters for Children Program Director.  She understands this journey because she has a daughter who is a cancer survivor.

Come meet parents of children who are battling cancer and their supporters and learn about the importance of blood donation. 

• What: Candlelighters for Children With Cancer Blood Drive
• When: April 30^th, from 9am-3pm. (Media availability 9:30am to 11am)
• Where: Candlelighters headquarters, 10700 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy Ste 360

Read more about the impact HERE.  

Sign up to donate blood at RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

About Candlelighters for Children:

Candlelighters For Children With Cancer was founded in 1977 by five families who had one thing in common: a child impacted by cancer. At the time, there were no organizations that connected and supported families going through this journey. Now, nearly 50 years later, local families have come to depend on Candlelighters for support, connection and assistance. With the help of emergency financial assistance, family activities, in-hospital programs, youth programs, support groups, scholarships and more, we supply families with the resources and community they need while navigating a childhood cancer diagnosis. Today, the organization has supported over 100,000 family members through the crisis of childhood cancer.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

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