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WHILE MOST PEOPLE RECEIVING RED CROSS 9/11 ASSISTANCE HAVE COMPLETED THEIR RECOVERY, AMERICAN RED CROSS SEPTEMBER 11 RECOVERY PROGRAM CONTINUES TO HELP THOSE STILL SUFFERING
NEW YORK, NY, September 8, 2004 — Three years after the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and United Airlines Flight 93, the American Red Cross' September 11 Recovery Program (SRP) has successfully resolved 94% of its total assistance cases and continues to help those most affected by the attacks. While the Red Cross' role during emergencies is to offer immediate assistance and facilitate integration with other recovery agencies, the unprecedented scale of the events of 9/11, and the resulting outpouring of generosity, prompted an unusual level of service that is still in effect. To date, the Red Cross has assisted more than 57,000 individuals and families in 48 states and 57 foreign countries who were directly affected by the terrorist attacks. More than 1,200 people continue to receive case management services through SRP. “In keeping with its mission to return affected individuals to a state of self-sufficiency and the activities of normal daily living, the American Red Cross remains dedicated to providing emergency needs,” said SRP Executive Director Alan Goodman. “As the road to recovery is often unchartered, we continually assess the evolving, ongoing needs of our clients and the affected population and adapt our programs to help meet these needs. Whether people are seeking assistance with mental health needs for the first time or moving into another phase of their recovery, we are here for them.” As the number of affected individuals needing direct assistance steadily decreases, SRP is now dedicating its remaining resources to ensuring that individuals with longer-term health and mental health needs receive quality care in their own communities. Detailed information on the September 11 Recovery Program can be found at www.redcross.org/september11/help Over the past three years the Red Cross has played an important role in helping people who have experienced almost unimaginable grief and suffering. The following two stories represent but a fraction of the ways the Red Cross has helped people begin to recover: Joyce Grant lost her husband of 35 years on 9/11. Ms. Grant, who is wheelchair-bound, and her children worried about how they would survive financially and emotionally. A Red Cross caseworker made sure that that the family was well taken care of. The Red Cross eliminated the family's financial worries by paying for everything from property tax and car and homeowner's insurance to everyday living expenses and credit card payments, and even arranged for Ms. Grant's main bathroom to be made handicap accessible. The Red Cross also helped arrange the family's attendance at Camp Green Acres, a safe environment where affected families come together and build healing bonds. Arrangements were also made for six family members to attend an anniversary memorial in New York City. “Without the Red Cross, I don't know what would have happened to me or my family,” said Ms. Grant. “The Red Cross was there right from the beginning….the assistance and care was immediate. They really took care of the families, and, after all this time, they are still here.” Skip Dailey worked in the World Trade Center and lived nearby. On 9/11 he barely escaped with his life and was displaced from his home for many months. Overwhelmed with haunting memories, “survivor's guilt,” and the need to rebuild his life, Skip turned to the Red Cross. The Red Cross provided immediate financial assistance for a new home and living expenses while he looked for a new job, as well as mental health counseling. “My Red Cross Family Support Specialist was a tremendous support for me,” said Skip. “She was so sincere and took me under her wing and acted as the bridge to my recovery.” Skip eventually found a new apartment and a new career. Then, feeling the need to confront his fears about another attack and empower himself with vital information, he enrolled in a preparedness seminar offered by the Red Cross' Greater New York Chapter. In this seminar he learned how to prepare a personal disaster plan, and he is now using this information as an active member of the American Red Cross support group for displaced residents. “The mental health counseling helped me overcome my fears about the future,” Skip commented. “And the preparedness training gave me a sense of comfort and strength.” Preparing individuals, families and businesses for emergencies is a paramount objective of the American Red Cross. As the nation observes the third anniversary of the terrorist attacks and reflects on the devastation caused by Hurricanes Charley and Frances, the American Red Cross urges citizens across the country to prepare for any emergency, whether it is a storm, a power outage or a terrorist attack. In order to lead the public down the path to greater readiness for any disaster, The American Red Cross is spearheading “September is Preparedness Month,” a new awareness initiative created by a coalition including the American Red Cross, The Department of Homeland Security, The National Association of Broadcasters and more than 80 other organizations. There will be a kick-off event in New York City on September 9 at 7:00 p.m. at Hunter College, 425 East 25th Street. For more information or to register for the event, go to www.nyredcross.org . Throughout the month, organizations will promote preparedness through a variety of events. Red Cross chapters and blood services regions around the country will mark the month with Together We Prepare Saturday on September 18, with events including preparedness fairs, CPR training and presentations on readiness. Detailed information on September is Preparedness Month and how to prepare for emergencies can be found at www.redcross.org .
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