News Release: American Red Cross Launches Family Registration Web, an Internet-Based Network to Help Unite Families Affected By the Recent Terrorist Attacks

Saturday, September 15, 2001 — The American Red Cross today launched an online network that will help unite loved ones with survivors of the September 11 terrorist attacks. The Family Registration Web at www.redcross.org allows those in the impacted area to self-register with the Red Cross, helping the agency to respond to the estimated 6,700 inquiries received from concerned friends and family nationwide.

"Prior to today's launch, we did not have an efficient, automated method of gathering information from the impacted areas," said Dr. John Clizbe, Vice President of Disaster Services for the American Red Cross. "Now our caseworkers can use the public's self-registered updates to match open inquiries, ensuring that family and friends are again connected."

No personal information about the survivors will be shared -- only the fact that they have been registered. The Red Cross will advise the registered party that an inquiry by the family member or friend was made.

In response to a request made earlier this week from the American Red Cross, Microsoft quickly helped to develop the web-based solution, which uses secure encryption technology to protect privacy. Data will only be used for the Red Cross' matching efforts.

Microsoft's support of the Family Registration Web is part of the company's recent pledge of $5 million in technical services to the recovery efforts and organizations serving people in the affected area. Soon internet kiosks provided by Compaq Computer Corporation will be available at American Red Cross service areas in New York and Washington, D.C. for individuals to register or send emails to loved ones across the country. Compaq's donation of internet kiosks is in addition to a $500,000 technology grant to the American Red Cross in Greater New York to establish a Storage Area Network.

To inquire about a missing person, people should call their local Red Cross office or go online at www.redcross.org. So far, 9,485 American Red Cross relief workers have provided 4,149 mental health contacts and served 413,685 meals and snacks.

American Red Cross disaster assistance is provided to people in need without charge. This is made possible by voluntary donations of time, money and blood from the American people. To help provide support for people in need following this disaster as well as emerging human needs resulting from this tragedy, contributions can be made to the American Red Cross by calling 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Internet users can make a secure online credit card contribution by visiting www.redcross.org. Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.