Red Cross Continues to Respond to National Crisis

September 11, 2001 —  The American Red Cross responded immediately to today's disasters and continues to provide mass care and blood products in affected areas. The Red Cross activated its Aviation Incident Response (AIR) Team to respond in New York City, and trained disaster workers from the American Red Cross of Greater New York and the National Capital Chapter in Washington, D.C. are leading relief efforts in the affected areas.

The terrorist attack hit right in the heart of New York City.

Early this morning, two aircraft collided into the upper floors of the World Trade Center towers. Both towers collapsed a short while after the explosions. Shortly thereafter, a plane collided into the Pentagon outside of Washington, D.C. As the world began to react to these unthinkable terrorist attacks, a United Airlines flight crashed outside Pittsburgh.

American and United Airlines each lost two flights in Tuesday's air crashes, the carriers told CNN. The four flights carried a total of 266 people — 233 passengers, 25 crew members and eight pilots. As of Tuesday evening (8 pm EDT), the total fatality count was still unclear.

The Arlington County (Va.) chapter of the Red Cross is currently operating a shelter at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center, which will remain open throughout this time of need. The shelter will provide a place to stay, food and counseling for search and rescue workers and the general public. Two Red Cross emergency vehicles are also on the scene at the Pentagon providing food and beverages. Red Cross mental health workers will also be at the Pentagon to aid and counsel rescue workers throughout the night.

At a White House news conference Tuesday evening, federal officials reminded Americans to do their part to help victims of this tragedy. "No matter where you live, please do your civic duty and assist us by giving blood," urged Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson. The Red Cross and other blood collection agencies have reported an overwhelming response by Americans wanting to donate blood. Many Red Cross regions plan to open auxiliary blood collection centers or extend their normal hours of operation to ensure that needs are met.

"The American Red Cross is doing everything we can to ensure the immediate availability of the safest possible blood," said Dr. Bernadine Healy, president and CEO of the American Red Cross.

More than 50,000 blood donations in the American Red Cross blood inventory are ready to ship to affected areas and will ensure that patients' lives are saved. Donors who wish to give blood in the coming days to replenish the nation's blood supply are encouraged to call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to make an appointment.

In the wake of these traumatic events lies a wide path of catastrophic physical and psychological destruction in which countless victims will require assistance. In addition to meeting the physical needs of the affected regions, the American Red Cross will be providing crisis mental health counseling.

The Red Cross Aviation Incident Response (AIR) Team has been activated and is responding in New York City and Boston, where one of the flights that struck the World Trade Center originated. Made up of leadership teams from all Red Cross disaster relief functions, the AIR Team responds when activated through the Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Act of 1996. This act charged the National Transportation Safety Board with designating an organization to provide for the emotional needs of victims, family members and rescue workers. NTSB selected the American Red Cross because of its nationally recognized mental health counseling program.