Hurricane Ivan Causes Emotional Strain On Those Involved

Red Cross Urges Psychological First Aid

MEDIA NOTE: Red Cross experts are on the ground in the effected areas and are available to talk about disaster preparedness and response. Contact the Red Cross Public Affairs Desk at (202) 303-5551 to facilitate an interview.

WASHINGTON, Monday, September 20, 2004 — In addition to providing basic needs such as food and shelter, and assessing damage, the American Red Cross also provides direct psychological support for victims of disaster, as well as their families. We encourage people impacted to help each other deal with the crisis and afterwards as they begin to rebuild their lives and communities.

"During a crisis, people can offer support to one another" said Margaret Pepe, American Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Service Officer. "Victims of a disaster such as this often feel isolated and numb, unable to think and plan how to help themselves," "By reaching out, people caught in the midst of uncertain stressful situations can help each other overcome some of these feelings. Sharing information and offering to help elderly neighbors with physical tasks like securing their homes can help alleviate stress."

The impact on the emotional well-being of those affected by the recent hurricanes and subsequent tornadoes and flooding, along with the threat of additional hurricanes looming, is creating a highly stressful environment for residents of the Gulf Coast and the North Eastern states.

Immediately after a disaster, people make decisions that may have serious, long-term consequences. Helping people cope well in the short-term can have significant impact on their well-being in the long-term. This psychological support is aimed at improving community functioning, which has the potential to reach large numbers of people. The process helps to strengthen and build community within disaster shelters, motels, neighborhoods, hospitals and community centers – wherever people find themselves in the aftermath of, or in anticipation of, a disaster.

Ask for Psychological First Aid When:

• A person is obviously deeply distressed, confused or depressed
• People or pets are missing or injured
• You notice changes in yourself that concern you

Red Cross Psychological First Aid

• To date, the Red Cross has provided mental health services to more than 25,000 people affected by these storms.
• More than 321 mental health counselors have been visiting safe neighborhoods, shelters, evacuation centers and hotels to reach those in need with 1,000 total getting prepared, if needed.

People affected by Hurricanes Ivan, Frances or Charley can get information on Red Cross assistance by calling 866-GET-INFO to get the latest shelter locations or to speak with mental health counselors, Please note that shelters are not equipped to handle family pets. Please contact your local humane society or make some alternate arrangements with those outside of the evacuation area.

Those wishing to help people affected by this and other disasters can make a financial donation by calling 1-800-HELP-NOW or by visiting www.redcross.org.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of the recent hurricanes and thousands of other disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. Donations are being accepted at Coinstar machines at select grocery stores across America. To find the nearest Coinstar machine, visit www.findcoinstar.com. Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org