Red Cross Responds To The Largest Natural Disaster In Its History

More than 25,000 Red Cross volunteers have enabled this monumental response

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

WASHINGTON, Tuesday, September 28, 2004 — The American Red Cross has provided unparalleled levels of support –sheltering and feeding close to 400,000 people affected by Hurricanes Bonnie, Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne since August 11. Last night alone, the Red Cross sheltered more than 36,045 people in 180 shelters and provided 131,179 meals and snacks. The following are the latest Red Cross response numbers as of September 27.

Red Cross Response to Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne
	AUG. 11 TO SEPT. 27
Shelters	1,590
Shelter Population	396,018
Meals/Snacks Served	7,992,548
Emergency Response Vehicles	491
Health Services Contacts	22,732
Mental Health Contacts	42,858
Red Cross Workers	25,578

In addition to ensuring that residents affected by the hurricanes have their basic physical needs met, the Red Cross provides mental health counseling to those coming to terms with this series of life-changing events.

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. To date, the Red Cross has counseled more than 42,800 individuals impacted by the hurricanes.

People seeking information on shelters, mental health support and emergency care can call the Red Cross hotline at 1-866-GET-INFO. Also this Red Cross toll-free number welcomes information about areas that require post-hurricane assistance.

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

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 thousands of 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. 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.