Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
RENO, Nev. (May 2, 2024) — Two disaster-trained regional staff from the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada deployed to Oklahoma Thursday, joining hundreds of Red Cross disaster relief workers across the country providing support and aid to residents across six states following multiple fatal storms.
“Our Utah/Nevada Red Cross staffers will join other Red Cross relief workers who are coordinating closely with community and government partners to ensure people have the help they need,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “Our Utah/Nevada team has shown unwavering dedication and I am incredibly proud of their commitment.”
Reno-based Jocelyn Seemann, Disaster Services Program Manager and Salt Lake City-based Jim Erickson, Disaster Services Senior Manager, arrived today in Oklahoma to help oversee the relief effort for the state. Seemann has deployed to six disasters with the Red Cross. Erickson has deployed four previous times for the Red Cross and deployed to 18 hurricanes when he was in the U.S. Coast Guard.
Red Cross helping across six states
Severe weather swept across a broad region spanning the South and Midwest last week, with over 130 tornadoes touching down, causing fatalities, evacuations and the destruction of homes and businesses. The National Weather Service has issued warnings of potential ongoing tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and large hail in the same states throughout the week.
Red Cross disaster workers are conducting disaster assessments, offering safe shelter, meals, healthcare services, emotional support and distributing relief supplies across Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa. In regions of Texas and Louisiana where heavy rains have caused rivers to overflow, Red Cross disaster relief teams are responding, with additional workers and relief supplies ready for deployment if needed.
“I see the tangible impact our staff and volunteers have on communities recovering from disasters,” Seemann said. “Being there for people during their darkest moments, offering comfort and hope, is a privilege that highlights the enduring humanity driving our mission. I am honored to stand in solidarity with those we serve, providing unwavering support for our impactful work.”
How can you help the people affected by disasters
Make a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Severe weather events continue to escalate across the nation, with the American Red Cross responding to nearly double the number of large-scale disasters compared to a decade ago. In 2023, the U.S. experienced an all-time high of 28 billion-dollar plus disasters that ravaged communities and forced hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate from severe storms, floods and wildfires. “As we witness the increasing impact of these disasters every year, we are grateful for the community’s generosity and partnership in expanding our capacity and services to help those in great need,” Ruster said.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.