Association news

GIVE BLOOD SAVE LIVES

Want to give blood? GCAAR is working with the American Red Cross to schedule a blood drive for our members at both our Rockville and Washington, DC offices when we are safely able to do so. Until then, please visit the American Red Cross website at redcrossblood.org for additional ways to donate during this time.

June is CPR and AED Awareness Month Did you know that CPR administered by a bystander, provided immediately after sudden cardiac arrest, can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival? The American Red Cross instructs individuals to take the following steps to perform hands-only CPR:

● Kneel beside the person who needs help. ● Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest. ● Place the heel of the other hand on top of the first hand, then lace your fingers together. ● Position your body so that your shoulders are directly over your hands and keep your arm straight.

● Push hard, push fast. Use your body weight to help you administer compressions that are at least 2 inches deep and delivered at a rate of at least 100 compressions per minute. Be sure to let the person’s chest rise completely between compressions. ● Keep pushing. Continue hands-only CPR until you see obvious signs of life, like breathing, or another trained responder/EMS professional can take over for you.

For more information about CPR techniques and training, visit redcross.org/take-a-class/cpr/performing-cpr/cpr-steps.

An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is used to help individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Many offices have an AED onsite. Check with your office to see if you have one, and learn who has been trained to use it. For AED training in your area, visit redcross.org/take-a-class.

Get ready for GCAAR’s first virtual REALTOR ® Fest!

Set aside the week of July 20 on your calendar, because GCAAR’s REALTOR ® Fest is going virtual! During the week-long event, your opportunities to earn CE credits will be plentiful for the District of Columbia, Virginia – AND now Maryland, thanks to the advocacy efforts of GCAAR and other organizations. We’re also offering some fun extras as part of your registration fee, which is only $30 for GCAAR members until June 30 and $50 after that date. Non-members may register starting on July 1 at a cost of $95. Want more for your money? Non-members may choose to join GCAAR as a secondary member and gain access to REALTOR ® Fest at the member price!

You can find all the details about the event at www.RealtorFest.com. Interested in sponsorship? Email events@gcaar.com for information. We hope to see you there!