The thoughts and deepest sympathies of the entire American Red Cross family are with all those affected by Wednesday night’s tragic shooting in Thousand Oaks, California.
We stand ready to provide blood and blood products as needed in response to this tragedy. Volunteer blood donors are needed each and every day to help save lives. Last night’s tragedy illustrates that it’s the blood already on the shelves that helps during an emergency. Red Cross blood donations will become part of our national blood inventory, helping to ensure we are prepared for any blood needs that arise wherever blood is needed. The Red Cross is grateful for all donors who generously give blood and platelets throughout the country.
The Red Cross is currently providing support and resources for those affected. We have opened a family reunification center at the Thousand Oaks Teen Center located at 1375 East Janss Road and have trained mental health volunteers onsite for anyone who needs support. Over the next few days, the Red Cross will continue to coordinate with local officials to best support those affected.
This tragedy shows that emergencies can happen in any community at any time. Right now, the Red Cross has what it needs to support this event both financially and with supplies. While the Red Cross is not accepting financial donations designated specifically for this event, we always need the public to help support the nearly 64,000 other disasters we respond to every year around the country. Donations for Red Cross Disaster Relief are used to help people and communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org for more information.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.