Jean Romine and Kimberly Pratt

Lifeline. We’ve all heard the word before, but to each of us it may mean something different. Maybe you’ve been a contestant on “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” and needed to use your lifeline to answer the question, “Who was the 28^th President of the United States?” (FYI - It was Thomas Woodrow Wilson). Or maybe, just maybe, you’ve heard of how the American Red Cross and Lifeline partner to provide seniors peace of mind with the push of a button.

How’d I get on that topic? Yesterday, I had the opportunity to spend the day with Jean Romine, Red Cross Lifeline Specialist. While traveling across town in the Lifeline van, I learned what “lifeline” means for the subscribers and their families – and me.

Technically speaking, Lifeline is a subscription service that seniors -who chose to live at home on their own- use to maintain independence. The help notification device provides a sense of security both for the subscriber and their family. If something happens to the subscriber, they can call for help at the push of a button and know someone will be there to respond.

Seeing Jean in action was amazing. She genuinely cares about, well, everyone she meets, but especially the subscribers and their families. During an in-service (she explained Lifeline to a group of healthcare workers), she shared a personal story. When Jean encouraged her mom to use Lifeline, her mom said, “Jean, you live alone and you could fall, so if you get Lifeline I will too.” So, Jean knows exactly how subscribers who may not want the service actually feel.

After the in-service, we went to a new subscriber’s house to install the Lifeline system. This particular subscriber mentioned she had wanted the service for a while and decided now was as good a time as any. While there are a variety of pendants to wear, she chose the wrist band. We went around to each room and the front porch to make sure the system worked. Then the subscriber pushed the button herself and the American Red Cross Lifeline Operator came on to ask if she was okay. The joy on the woman’s face helped me realize how Jean could love her job so much. By us taking 15 minutes of our time to install the Lifeline system, this woman would be able to live independently in her home a few more months, if not years. It was like a wave of calmness and pure joy swept across the subscriber’s face. Her emotions made me reflect that just like Lifeline is there for her, my lifelines – my family, friends and coworkers - are just a phone call away and there when I need them most.

Since returning to the Red Cross 2 ½ years ago, (yep, I was an intern back in the day) I’ve had the opportunity to meet more than 75 people like Jean – people who believe in what they are doing, people who genuinely care for those they help, and people that inspire me to keep on trucking. It is an honor to be a part of the Red Cross while having the opportunity to help the community.

Kimberly

Kimberly Pratt is the Marketing and Communication Specialist for the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter.