One of Northwest Georgia’s longest-running college traditions returns this fall as Berry College prepares to welcome generations of Vikings back to campus for Mountain Day Weekend, October 2-4, 2026.
With high school fall sports, marching band and other outdoor activities getting underway, the American Red Cross of Georgia is reminding coaches, parents and students to take extra precautions as late-summer heat continues across the state.
The Red Cross recommends scheduling practices during the cooler morning or evening hours, gradually increasing workout intensity as students adjust to the heat, and making sure participants drink water every 20 minutes—even if they don’t feel thirsty. Frequent rest breaks in the shade, lightweight clothing and reducing heavy protective equipment when possible can also help lower the risk of heat-related illness.
Coaches and parents are also encouraged to learn CPR, know how to use an AED, and recognize the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Students should stop exercising immediately and seek help if they experience dizziness, confusion, nausea, weakness or muscle cramps. Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
The American Red Cross says taking simple precautions can help keep athletes, band members and other students safe while enjoying outdoor activities during Georgia’s hottest weeks of the year.
The American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis for only the second time in its history as blood donations continue to fall well below hospital demand.
The American Red Cross is asking donors to roll up their sleeves after declaring an emergency blood shortage caused by a sharp decline in donations during June. The organization says its blood supply dropped nearly 25 percent, creating a growing gap between available blood and hospital demand. The shortage is especially critical for platelets, O-positive blood, and B-negative blood.
The American Red Cross is urging blood and platelet donors to make appointments now as hospitals work to maintain a reliable blood supply during the busy summer season.
The American Red Cross is encouraging donors to give blood now to help hospitals and transfusion centers remain prepared to care for patients in need.
Officials say the combination of warmer weather, outdoor activities, and spring travel can disrupt regular donation routines, leading to a drop in available blood products. Even small changes in schedules can have a significant impact on the blood supply.
Donors of all blood types, including those giving for the first time, are urged to make an appointment in the coming days or weeks.
To help encourage donations, the Red Cross is offering incentives for those who give. Individuals who donate between April 13 and April 30, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Those who donate from May 1 through May 17, 2026, will receive a $20 Amazon gift card by email.
Appointments can be scheduled by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month, and the American Red Cross is encouraging pet owners to take advantage of free tools that can help them respond quickly when a dog or cat faces an emergency.
The American Red Cross is urging donors to help the national blood supply recover from a severe shortage by making an appointment to give blood during March.
As an added thank-you during Red Cross Month, the Red Cross says successful blood, platelet, or plasma donations made March 1 through March 31, 2026 will come with two incentives: free A1C testing (one result per calendar year) and a $15 Amazon gift card delivered by email.
Across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, millions of Americans are balancing the role of caregiver — often caring for young children and aging loved ones at the same time. Yet many caregivers say they are not prepared to respond to a medical emergency like cardiac arrest, even though it can happen suddenly and without warning.
Throughout the past year, the American Red Cross of Northwest Georgia stood beside families during some of their most difficult moments, delivering critical help after disasters and emergencies across the region. From responding to home fires to providing emergency relief and recovery assistance, Red Cross volunteers worked tirelessly to bring stability, comfort, and hope to those in need.