American Red Cross Provides Comfort to Middle East Evacuees

Evacuees receiving variety of Red Cross relief services as they arrive in United States

WASHINGTON, Thursday, July 20, 2006 — American Red Cross volunteers and chapters are assisting U.S. citizens, their dependents and refugees who are arriving in the U.S due to the Middle East crisis and evacuations. The first arrivals occurred this morning at the Baltimore-Washington International Airport. The assistance provided to evacuees is similar to relief services that people in America have come to expect from the Red Cross in times of domestic disaster.

At the request of the federal government, the American Red Cross is providing evacuees with food, basic first aid services, emergency communications, emotional support and personal hygiene items. The Office of Refugee Resettlement/Administration for Children and Families, under the Department of Health and Human Services is the division responsible for coordinating with state agencies the reception, temporary care, onward transportation of evacuees to their final destination and any other services required.

"Knowing that evacuation from a combat zone can be stressful for the evacuees and their families at home; the Red Cross is providing comfort, care and support to those who need it." said Joseph C. Becker, American Red Cross senior vice president of preparedness and response. "As evacuees arrive, they are often exhausted and may be en route to yet another location, so Red Cross workers are here to be a compassionate presence in a trying time."

The American Red Cross, as part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, stands in solidarity with partner National Societies who are providing humanitarian aid overseas to those affected by the Middle East crisis. The services provided by the Red Cross are consistent with the Fundamental Principles of the Movement, including humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.

Americans who have not yet registered with the Department of State should call (202) 501-4444 from overseas or (888) 407-4747 if calling from the U.S. and Canada. Registration can also occur online by visiting https://travelregistration.state.gov.

Additional information and updates regarding the Red Cross response to this crisis may be found at www.redcross.org.

The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.