Red Cross Says ‘Help Yourself By Helping Your Neighbor’

Assisting others during such a tumultuous time can reduce victim’s stress

MEDIA NOTE: Red Cross experts are on the ground in Florida and are available to talk about the American Red Cross disaster response. Contact the Red Cross Public Affairs Desk at (202) 303-5551 to facilitate an interview.

WASHINGTON, Tuesday, September 28, 2004 — While the American Red Cross focuses on the immediate physical needs of those impacted after a disaster, psychological first aid will also be a key component of the southeast region’s recovery. Along with providing food, shelter and assessing damage, the Red Cross also offers direct psychological support for victims of disaster, as well as their families. Additionally, we encourage residents to help each other cope with this unprecedented series of hurricanes for the southeast region.

"During a crisis, people can offer support to one another" said Susan Hamilton, Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Worker. "Victims of a disaster such as this often feel isolated and numb, unable to think and plan how to help themselves. By reaching out, people caught in the midst of uncertain stressful situations can help each other overcome some of these feelings. Sharing information and offering to help elderly neighbors with physical tasks like securing their homes can help alleviate stress."

The impact on the emotional well-being of those affected by the recent hurricanes and subsequent tornadoes and flooding is creating a highly stressful environment for people of the southeast region. Immediately after a disaster, people make decisions that may have serious, long-term consequences. Helping people cope well in the short-term can have significant impact on their well-being in the long-term.

Ask for Psychological First Aid When:

• A person is obviously deeply distressed, confused or depressed
• People or pets are missing or injured
• You notice changes in yourself that concern you

Red Cross Psychological First Aid

• To date, the Red Cross has provided mental health services to more than 42,000 people affected by these storms.
• Close to 300 mental health counselors have been visiting safe neighborhoods, shelters, evacuation centers and hotels to reach those in need of psychological first aid.

People seeking information on shelters, mental health support and emergency care can call the Red Cross hotline at 1-866-GET-INFO. Also this Red Cross toll-free number welcomes information about areas that require post-hurricane assistance.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local Red Cross chapter or to the Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.