Not Enough O Negative Blood Available to Sustain Local Hospitals, Program to Help Victims of Uvalde Shooting Also Announced

The Blood Connection’s O negative blood supply has now reached a critical level. Because The Blood Connection (TBC) is the primary blood provider for hospitals in this region, the need for O negative blood donations is dire. The combination of already low supply, the approaching summer season, and sustained low donor turnout could result in an O negative blood shortage soon, which could disrupt patient care.

Last week, TBC was activated through the Blood Emergency Readiness Corps (BERC), to send O negative blood to South Texas after the devastating school shooting. The need for O negative blood has since been highlighted by that tragedy but has unfortunately not resulted in an increase in O negative donations. Adding to the issue, the summer months are usually the hardest season to collect enough, exacerbated by an increase in travel and traumas. It is estimated that summer travel will increase by 16% and 75% of Americans are expected to take a summer vacation, indicating this travel season is set to be the busiest since the pandemic – a sign that people are returning to normal. As that happens, the fear is that patients like Kristen Odom will continue to be overlooked.

“During my labor, unbeknownst to anyone…I was bleeding internally but no one knew it and it was not discovered until immediately after our daughter was born,” says Odom. “I will never forget one anesthesiologist yelling over the team, referring to blood, ‘I don’t care where you get it, but I need it, and I need it now.’ After I came out of ICU, my husband and I realized how much blood I needed, and the fact that donated blood was the key factor that turned everything around.”

O negative blood is the most transfused blood type for traumas and emergencies, so the demand never wavers. O negative blood donors are often referred to as the “universal donor” since everyone, no matter their blood type, can receive O negative blood. TBC aims to have a 5-7 day supply of O negative blood but has recently had a one day supply. In some instances, one trauma case alone can use up that supply.

TBC has also announced a program that uses blood donations to help victims of the Uvalde shooting. TBC blood donors now have the option to convert their reward points into a monetary donation to the Robb School Memorial Fund (One Star Foundation) through the TBC online store. These funds will be used locally to support the families and community affected in Uvalde, Texas.

We recently wrapped up our 21-Day Stand Against Racism Challenge in April. The conversation moves forward with continuing the challenge because the work is far from over! As we became aware of the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade, it is again evident that the systems in place that already harm young women of color the most can be regressed even more by those with power today. In these crucial moments and always, knowledge is a way to take back power.
WE CHALLENGE YOU TO…

2 mins
Watch Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice shares The History of Reproductive Justice (RJ), a powerful video clearly communicating the definition of RJ, watch here.

10 mins
Check out Planned Parenthood’s article, Roe v. Wade at Risk: Nationwide Legal Abortion May Be a Thing of the Past. Access the article here.

13 mins
Consider this from NPR, which featured an article titled, Roe’s Legal Fate is Unclear. But Studies already Show Who’d Likely Be Hit the Hardest, read here.

42 mins
Listen. Parenting and Politics host Monica Simpson, a North Carolina Native and Executive Director of Sister Song. Sister Song is a Southern-based, national membership organization; our purpose is to build an effective network of individuals and organizations to improve institutional policies and systems that impact the reproductive lives of marginalized communities. Listen to the podcast here.

For more Continuing the Challenge resources click below:

What is the Stand Against Racism Challenge?

Many people are becoming newly aware of how systemic racism and violence are impacting people of color. Even if you are new to the conversation, that is OK. Our STand against racism challenge, formerly the  21 Day Challenge is designed to create dedicated time and space to build more effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of race, power, privilege, and leadership. Participants who sign up for the Challenge will receive daily tasks via email to help foster their understanding and awareness, with activities such as reading an article, listening to a podcast, or reflecting on personal experience. If you’ve already completed this challenge with us in the past please know that our challenge is designed to be taken multiple times by selecting different daily challenges in order to expand what you have previously learned. Follow this link for the resources.

Cook teams of 4-6 individuals are invited to bring ingredients and prepare meals onsite or bring meals that have been prepared elsewhere.  To meet our dietary standards, we ask that each meal provides a meat, vegetable and starch.

Requirements:

• Background Check
• Brief orientation prior to service
• Ability to Multi-Task
• Friendly Demeanor

Health & Safety:

• We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face mask if you have not been fully vaccinated
• Temperatures will be checked and a COVID-19 disclosure will be signed at the volunteer entrance

• Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

  Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.

  ---

  ABCCM Transformation Village provides up to 100 beds of transitional housing and will provide emergency shelter beds, post Covid-19.  Transforming lives is through four developmental phases called Steps to Success including stabilization, life skills, education and reintegration.  We are honored to report that 8 out of 10 leave us with a living wage job and permanent housing.

  Transformation Village gives hope, healing, health and a home to single women, mothers with children, and female Veterans experiencing homelessness.  We provide residents a fresh start and a place to heal surrounded and supported by Christian love, trust, education and companionship.

  We are seeking energetic volunteers to prepare and serve meals for our residents for lunch and dinner. This opportunity provides you with the chance to prepare meals in our commercial kitchen alongside our trained staff while serving the women and children of Transformation Village. 

Start mentally preparing for the ceremonial start to the summer and your first dip in the pool! Buncombe County Recreation Services opens its five outdoor swimming pools on Saturday, May 28.

Pools are open Monday-Friday from 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday from 1-6 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, pools may close for a short period of time or the entire day. Follow individual pools on Facebook for the latest information on closings.

Cost to swim is $3.00 per day. Visitors are welcome to bring their own chairs and lounging towels.

For many local families, our pool openings signal the beginning of summer and more relaxing days. They’re an affordable, fun, and healthy way to beat the heat. Thanks to their locations, they’re also surrounded by stunning views of our mountains.

Pools are located across the county, ensuring easy access for all kids and families. The facilities are managed through an agreement with Swim Club Management Group of Asheville which oversees maintenance, hires staff, and handles daily operations. Community members can sign up for swim lessons and book private parties on the management group’s website, buncombepool.com.

Sun safety information is available at each location, but pool visitors are reminded to apply water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before putting on a bathing suit and reapply every two hours or after swimming. Other tips to avoid the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays include wearing high-UPF swim shirts, wide brim hats, and wraparound UV-blocking sunglasses. More sun safety tips are available from the American Academy of Dermatology.

Pool Locations

Cane Creek Pool
590 Lower Brush Creek Road
Fletcher, NC 28732
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Erwin Pool
58 Lees Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28806
Like on Facebook

Hominy Valley Pool
25 Twin Lakes Road
Candler, NC 28715
Like on Facebook

North Buncombe Pool
892 Clarks Chapel Road
Weaverville, NC 28787
Like on Facebook

Owen Pool
117 Stone Drive
Swannanoa, NC 28778
Like on Facebook

Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.

Literacy Together (formerly the Literacy Council of Buncombe County) is a nonprofit organization working with children, youth, and adults to increase comprehensive literacy and English language skills through access to literacy resources and specialized instruction by trained volunteer tutors. Literacy Together relies on volunteer tutors to offer students personal instruction and high-quality materials through various programs.

The Youth Literacy Program is seeking tutors to meet with students K-5 twice a week for 50 minutes, between 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm. The Youth Literacy Program works with two after-school programs that primarily serve youth of color.  The two locations are in Asheville.

Youth Literacy tutors work with children from low-income families who read, write, and/or spell below their grade level. Tutors in this program complete an initial orientation and a 16-20 hours training, which includes some pre-course work and/or homework (short articles to read, short videos to watch). They then receive follow-up support and the option to attend in-service training throughout their tutoring commitment. Youth Literacy tutors commit to working with their students for at least one school year.

Time Commitment:

• Twice a week for 50-minute sessions between 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm.
• Youth Literacy tutors commit to working with their students for at least one school year.

Requirements: 

• GED or High School diploma
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to work patiently with various levels of literacy skills
• Access to reliable internet
• Ability to navigate virtual meetings with minimal distractions
• Complete a background check

Training:

• Tutors must complete 16-20 hours of training prior to being assigned a student

This May, Buncombe County is shining a spotlight on our over 75,000 residents over age 60 in celebration of Older Americans Month. Known for its natural beauty and slow-paced lifestyle, Buncombe County is a desirable place for many seniors to call home. Buncombe County Health and Human Services and community partners have worked for years to improve the lives of our older adult residents by increasing access to services, prioritizing older adult health, advocating for elder justice, and responding to claims of elder abuse. Older adults make up about 28% of the overall Buncombe population, a concentration that is expected to continue to over 32% by 2040 as noted in the County Aging Profiles of 2020.

Based on data from the 2020 County Aging Profiles, North Carolina ranks 8th nationally in the number of people 65+ and Buncombe County’s older adult population is one of the fastest-growing in the state. Jen Teague, Program Manager for Aging and Adult Services with Buncombe County Health and Humans Services says “It is an exciting time to be working with older adults.  We have the opportunity to build upon existing services and supports that help keep older adults safe, well, and engaged in their community.”  The Buncombe County Commissioners have a long-standing commitment to making life better for all residents, specifically our older adult residents. In fact, the Buncombe County Commissioners are partnering with many organizations and community leaders on several high-impact projects aimed at improving opportunity and well-being for older adults. Current projects include-

Supporting the efforts of the Age-Friendly Buncombe County initiatives: buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/dss/adults/age-friendly.aspx

Providing financial support of $500,000 for aging services programs across the county: buncombecounty.org/governing/community-investment/grants/aging-services-funding.aspx 

Serving as a thought-leader on addressing one of the 2025 Buncombe County Strategic Plan initiatives of protecting older residents’ ability to age in place: buncombecounty.org/governing/commissioners/strategic-plan/focus-areas/educated-capable-community/default.aspx

These initiatives solidify Buncombe’s commitment to the older adult population. However, even before these initiatives were conceived, our mountains hosted some incredible opportunities and resources for seniors. Here are just a few community service providers and programs available to older adults in Buncombe County-

Council on Aging of Buncombe County: Their vision is a community where everyone has the ability to age successfully: coabc.org

MountainCare: Provides supportive and enriching Adult Day Services enabling older adults to age in place: mountaincareservices.org

Land of Sky Area Agency on Aging: Promotes the highest level of well being for older adults and their families by partnering with organizations to provide a comprehensive system of opportunities, services, and protective supports: landofsky.org/aaa.html 

For more information about additional aging service providers check out the Aging Services Directory: coabc.org/aging-services-directory.

During their next meeting on May 19, the Buncombe County Commissioners’ will declare the Month of May Older Americans Month. This meeting will be live-streamed on Facebook @BuncombeGov and will be available after the meeting on the Buncombe County Government youtube channel. The meeting starts at 5 p.m. on May 19th. Tune in to show support for the aging population in Buncombe County.

On the coattails of Older Americans Month, comes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).  Elder Abuse Awareness Day closes out Elder Abuse Awareness Month which runs each year from Mother’s Day to Father’s Day. Health and Human Services and community partners will be hosting an in-person event on Wednesday, June 15th at Carrier Park.  The event will feature tabling opportunities for community partners to share about their services and will allow opportunities for attendees to talk with providers and learn about services.  The event will run from 5-7 p.m.

In addition to the event, Health and Human Services is asking the community to consider submitting a photo of you, your family, your business, your agency, or your pets showing support for Elder Abuse Awareness.  These photos will be shared in a social media campaign to highlight the importance of this month.  Photos should be submitted to [email protected] by May 31st.

Join the community in showing support for Elder Abuse Awareness Day by joining the many organizations, agencies, providers, and community leaders at the upcoming WEAAD event on June 15th from 5-7 p.m.

Cook teams of 4-6 individuals are invited to bring ingredients and prepare meals onsite or bring meals that have been prepared elsewhere.  To meet our dietary standards, we ask that each meal provides a meat, vegetable and starch.

Requirements:

• Background Check
• Brief orientation prior to service
• Ability to Multi-Task
• Friendly Demeanor

Health & Safety:

• We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face mask if you have not been fully vaccinated
• Temperatures will be checked and a COVID-19 disclosure will be signed at the volunteer entrance

• Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

  Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.

  ---

  ABCCM Transformation Village provides up to 100 beds of transitional housing and will provide emergency shelter beds, post Covid-19.  Transforming lives is through four developmental phases called Steps to Success including stabilization, life skills, education and reintegration.  We are honored to report that 8 out of 10 leave us with a living wage job and permanent housing.

  Transformation Village gives hope, healing, health and a home to single women, mothers with children, and female Veterans experiencing homelessness.  We provide residents a fresh start and a place to heal surrounded and supported by Christian love, trust, education and companionship.

  We are seeking energetic volunteers to prepare and serve meals for our residents for lunch and dinner. This opportunity provides you with the chance to prepare meals in our commercial kitchen alongside our trained staff while serving the women and children of Transformation Village. 

On the coattails of Older Americans Month in May, comes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), occurring annually on June 15th. The purpose of this international day of recognition is to provide communities the chance to promote a better understanding of the abuse and neglect of older adults by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect. On June 15th, Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) and local community partners will host a WEAAD event at Carrier Park featuring opportunities for our community to learn about older adult services available in Buncombe County and to connect with local service providers. Events like this are essential to help educate our community as our population of residents over age 60 continues to grow.

Currently, 75,000 residents in Buncombe County are 60 years old or older; making up nearly 30% of our overall population. The older adult population in Buncombe County is one of the fastest-growing in the state and is projected to grow long into the future. As the number of older adults in our community rises, it is essential that we have an infrastructure in place to meet their unique needs. Jennifer Teague, Program Manager of Adult and Aging Services says “we are fortunate to be able to learn from older adults in our community, to hear from them about their needs, and to be able to plan for our current population as well as develop innovative services to support them in the future.” While responding to allegations of elder abuse and neglect is essential to the well-being of our older adult residents, it is not the only service our community has to offer. Below is a list of community partners, each offering essential services to older adults in Buncombe County. Click the links to learn more.

Land of Sky Regional Council

Land of Sky Regional Council is a multi-county, local government, planning, and development organization. We reach county and municipal borders providing technical assistance to local governments and administering projects and programs which benefit our region’s citizens. Our mission is to provide creative regional solutions to relevant and emerging issues in Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, and Transylvania counties while providing a standard of excellence in the delivery of federal, state, and regional services for our member communities.

Council on Aging of Buncombe County

At the Council on Aging of Buncombe County, you will find referrals and help. Whether you are learning the Medicare system, looking for services to help you stay healthy and independent at home, or need support in taking care of others, the Council on Aging of Buncombe County can help you to make the right connections.

OLLI at UNC Asheville

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNC Asheville is an award-winning, internationally-acclaimed learning community dedicated to promoting lifelong learning, leadership, community service, and research. Their goal is to enable members to thrive in life’s second half.

Mountain Mobility

Mountain Mobility, Buncombe County’s Community Transportation System, was established to increase the level of transportation services available to Buncombe County citizens. Mountain Mobility works with about 30 human service agencies and organizations in Asheville and Buncombe County to coordinate transportation efforts for those residents in need of services.

For a comprehensive list of Aging Service Providers please review the Aging Services Directory.

Buncombe County is committed to increasing the scope and range of services and resources available to older adults.  Teague says “as we look toward the future, we are excited about the Active Aging Center project and the vision to create a centralized building for community members to seek services for older adults and their families.”  To learn more about the Active Aging Center concept please visit our website.  Innovative strategies in programs and service delivery will make our community a hub for inclusivity, a place where all residents, regardless of age, have the ability to be safe, well, and engaged.

Join Buncombe County in showing support for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by attending our upcoming event on June 15th at Carrier Park between 5-7 PM. We will be joined by many of our adult service providers who are excited to connect with you and your loved ones, to hear your stories, share about their agencies, and support older adult services in Buncombe County. See you there!

 The Asheville Tourists in conjunction with the Western NC Black Business Expo are proud to announce Black Business Nights Presented by UScellular.

During five designated nights during the 2022 season five local Black-owned Businesses will be able to showcase their products or professional services on the concourse during Asheville Tourists Games. The first featured game is this Saturday, May 28. The remaining four games are scheduled for June 15, June 29, July 26, and August 12.

This Saturday’s game at McCormick Field will feature the following local Black-owned Businesses: HOTWORX, The Plug Chiropractic, Makeba Loving Hands, Rita Lee & Associates, and Upstate Essential Solutions, LLC.

The initiative is part of Minor League Baseballs “The Nine” outreach platform. Prior to the 2022 season Minor League Baseball launched “The Nine,” a new, Black-community focused outreach platform specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport, provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball participation, further diversify the business of baseball, and embrace millions of passionate fans throughout MiLB’s 120 communities nationwide.

It is named for the number Jackie Robinson wore during his only season playing in MiLB with the Triple-A Montreal Royals in 1946

The Western NC Black Business Expo is a creation of the Western NC Minority Business Association. The WNCMBA is a non-profit organization created to advocate and promote the development of minority-owned businesses in Western North Carolina through networking events, workshops, and annual business expos.

Tickets for this Saturday’s game are on sale at TouristsTickets.com and will feature the ZOOperstars entertainment.

Not Enough O Negative Blood Available to Sustain Local Hospitals, Program to Help Victims of Uvalde Shooting Also Announced

The Blood Connection’s O negative blood supply has now reached a critical level. Because The Blood Connection (TBC) is the primary blood provider for hospitals in this region, the need for O negative blood donations is dire. The combination of already low supply, the approaching summer season, and sustained low donor turnout could result in an O negative blood shortage soon, which could disrupt patient care.

Last week, TBC was activated through the Blood Emergency Readiness Corps (BERC), to send O negative blood to South Texas after the devastating school shooting. The need for O negative blood has since been highlighted by that tragedy but has unfortunately not resulted in an increase in O negative donations. Adding to the issue, the summer months are usually the hardest season to collect enough, exacerbated by an increase in travel and traumas. It is estimated that summer travel will increase by 16% and 75% of Americans are expected to take a summer vacation, indicating this travel season is set to be the busiest since the pandemic – a sign that people are returning to normal. As that happens, the fear is that patients like Kristen Odom will continue to be overlooked.

“During my labor, unbeknownst to anyone…I was bleeding internally but no one knew it and it was not discovered until immediately after our daughter was born,” says Odom. “I will never forget one anesthesiologist yelling over the team, referring to blood, ‘I don’t care where you get it, but I need it, and I need it now.’ After I came out of ICU, my husband and I realized how much blood I needed, and the fact that donated blood was the key factor that turned everything around.”

O negative blood is the most transfused blood type for traumas and emergencies, so the demand never wavers. O negative blood donors are often referred to as the “universal donor” since everyone, no matter their blood type, can receive O negative blood. TBC aims to have a 5-7 day supply of O negative blood but has recently had a one day supply. In some instances, one trauma case alone can use up that supply.

TBC has also announced a program that uses blood donations to help victims of the Uvalde shooting. TBC blood donors now have the option to convert their reward points into a monetary donation to the Robb School Memorial Fund (One Star Foundation) through the TBC online store. These funds will be used locally to support the families and community affected in Uvalde, Texas.

We recently wrapped up our 21-Day Stand Against Racism Challenge in April. The conversation moves forward with continuing the challenge because the work is far from over! As we became aware of the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade, it is again evident that the systems in place that already harm young women of color the most can be regressed even more by those with power today. In these crucial moments and always, knowledge is a way to take back power.
WE CHALLENGE YOU TO…

2 mins
Watch Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice shares The History of Reproductive Justice (RJ), a powerful video clearly communicating the definition of RJ, watch here.

10 mins
Check out Planned Parenthood’s article, Roe v. Wade at Risk: Nationwide Legal Abortion May Be a Thing of the Past. Access the article here.

13 mins
Consider this from NPR, which featured an article titled, Roe’s Legal Fate is Unclear. But Studies already Show Who’d Likely Be Hit the Hardest, read here.

42 mins
Listen. Parenting and Politics host Monica Simpson, a North Carolina Native and Executive Director of Sister Song. Sister Song is a Southern-based, national membership organization; our purpose is to build an effective network of individuals and organizations to improve institutional policies and systems that impact the reproductive lives of marginalized communities. Listen to the podcast here.

For more Continuing the Challenge resources click below:

What is the Stand Against Racism Challenge?

Many people are becoming newly aware of how systemic racism and violence are impacting people of color. Even if you are new to the conversation, that is OK. Our STand against racism challenge, formerly the  21 Day Challenge is designed to create dedicated time and space to build more effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of race, power, privilege, and leadership. Participants who sign up for the Challenge will receive daily tasks via email to help foster their understanding and awareness, with activities such as reading an article, listening to a podcast, or reflecting on personal experience. If you’ve already completed this challenge with us in the past please know that our challenge is designed to be taken multiple times by selecting different daily challenges in order to expand what you have previously learned. Follow this link for the resources.