MEDIA ADVISORY: Red Cross to Receive 6.5 Million Grant From Department of Homeland Security

Competitive Training Grant is Awarded for Terrorism Training

WASHINGTON, Tuesday, October 19, 2004 — On Tuesday, October 19, the American Red Cross is receiving a $6.5 million competitive training grant from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) during a check presentation ceremony.

The Competitive Training Grants Program provides funding for training initiatives to further the Department of Homeland Security’s mission of preparing the nation in the event of a terrorist incident. Of 217 applications received, the DHS selected 14 programs for funding totaling $33,645,997 to be awarded. Of the fourteen awardees, the American Red Cross received the largest amount of funding.

The American Red Cross plans to design a national WMD training program for staff and volunteers of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in 30 metropolitan and rural communities throughout the country. These communities have not yet been selected. The goal of the two-year project is to build sustainable preparedness in a wide range of communities and provide the resources to maintain these preparedness efforts. Overall, the project aims to deliver training to 90,000 individuals, as well as planning and management training to 390 community-based trainers.

WHAT:	Department of Homeland Security Competitive Training Grants Program award presentation
WHO:	The Honorable C. Suzanne Mencer, Director of Department of Homeland Security Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness to present American Red Cross President and CEO Marty Evans with check.
WHEN:	Tuesday, October 19, 2004 12:30 – 1:00 p.m. *Media interest in attending event, should arrive by noon.
WHERE:	American Red Cross Disaster Operations Center 2025 E Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20006