Hosted by Lora Lewis, Philadelphia Focus introduces you to the people and organizations making a difference in our community, from health and safety issues to education, employment, and even entertainment opportunities.  Philadelphia Focus looks for solutions and positive action to make our region a better place to call home.

Alana Mauger, Regional Communications Manager of the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania, discussed the national problems of blood shortages and summer safety. Starting with blood, she notes that there is less than 2 days supply and the time to give is not when there is a accident or crisis. She discussed their needs for trauma patients, but also for scheduled surgeries and for recurring treatments for cancer and sickle cell patients. We talked about finding a dive and registering using the Red Cross App and their Fast Pass to check you in quickly. She described the blood donation process and the types of donations they take, including whole, plasma and platelets. She finished with an appeal for blood drive hosts before moving on to summer safety. Beyond their lifeguard training and certification programs, the Red Cross offers first aid classes, CPR, swimming lessons and a ‘Babysitter’ class that teaches first ad, triage and CPR for children. We discussed water safety and she advised us to buddy up, keep track of children and to learn to tread water and float. All of her tips are available at redcross.org