Local Red Cross Response to Terrorist Attacks
Posted: 1:00 pm PDT, Sept. 11, 2001
MEDIA CONTACT: B.V. Castillo, (213) 739-4511
LOS ANGELES - American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles crisis counselors
and other disaster response workers are responding to aid families of
passengers on the airplanes hijacked and crashed in this morning's
terrorist attacks.
Trained Red Cross mental health counselors will be providing emotional
support and comfort for families who have lost loved ones. In addition,
Red Cross canteen service will provide snacks and drinks for the families
and emergency workers.
Both United Airlines and American Airlines have set up "Friends and Family
Assistance Centers," United at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel and American in
the Marriott Hotel, both near the airport. American. Red Cross disaster
workers will be at both locations.
The Southern California Red Cross Regional Blood Services has extended it's
operating hours at donor centers to answer the call for donors to provide
blood for the injured in New York and Washington, D.C. Local residents who
wish to donate blood should call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (800-448-3543) for the
location of their nearest donation center.
The Federal Response Plan for Aviation Disasters designates the American Red
Cross as the lead agency to provide family care and mental health services
for victims of air disasters and their families. The family care component
includes all support services that could help survivors, family members and
response workers deal with the trauma and activities that occur following
an aviation disaster.
The national American Red Cross Aviation Incident Response (AIR) team has
been deployed to New York. In addition, Red Cross chapters in New York,
Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania are providing assistance at the sites of
the attacks.
The American Red Cross is determined to help the victims and survivors of
the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001. Our greatest need at the moment
is for blood. Because the Red Cross operates a national blood system we
are able to divert blood and blood products from Southern California to New
York and Washington, DC where the need will be the greatest. Red Cross
stands ready to send 50,000 units of blood into the affected areas as needed.
The blood appointment line, 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543), is very busy,
but we are asking people to continue to try to get through to schedule a
time to give blood. Red Cross blood centers will be operating on extended
hours to try to accommodate the need for blood.
The American Red Cross is also accepting donations for the disaster relief
fund to help the victims of this and other disasters. Those wishing to
donate may call 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish)
or visit the website at http://www.redcross-la.org/
American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles 2700 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90057 The American Red Cross is not a government agency, but relies on the voluntary contributions of time, blood and money from the American people.
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