Media Contact:
Kathryn Hecht
707.291.9601
kathryn.hecht@redcross.org
24-hour Toll-Free Media Hotline:
(669) 209-5266 or NCCRpublicaffairs@redcross.org
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (August 22, 2020) - The American Red Cross recognizes the importance of mental health, especially when facing a natural disaster. Residents are encouraged to practice self-care at all stages of a disaster, particularly those who have been impacted more than once.
"Sometimes even the strongest people we know need the most comfort,” says Jennifer Adrio, Regional CEO. "This is a resilient community, but as the days progress it becomes critical that we continue to support the mental health of our friends and family. Even the small action of picking up the phone and calling can make a difference in someone’s day.”
As of last night, the Red Cross has provided hotels for nearly 600 individuals who have been displaced and more than 1,100 people sought safe shelter in county, independent and Red Cross supported shelters throughout the region. Additionally, we have served more than 1,900 meals and snacks along with the distribution of over 100 comfort kits and emergency supplies.
Red Cross Disaster Mental Health workers work virtually and in-person to meet the emotional needs of disaster clients, communities, and other Red Cross disaster workers in disasters of all sizes. They identify individuals who need additional support, provide short-term disaster mental health interventions, and refer individuals to local resources as necessary, to supplement local community resources and strengthen community resilience. Disaster mental health interventions include enhanced psychological first aid, psycho-education, referrals to local mental health resources, community resilience training, advocacy, crisis intervention, and condolence support.
And because stress can affect anyone, the Red Cross also has disaster mental health and spiritual care workers available to help people cope.
Here are five mental health tips:
The American Red Cross Information Line (1-800-REDCROSS) is available for updated information on shelter locations, meal locations, transportation, health services, disaster mental health services, and other opportunities for assistance.
The Red Cross delivers help to anyone regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or citizenship status. People who have disaster-caused needs do not need to be American citizens to access Red Cross services.
STAY CONNECTED WITH LOVED ONES: Visit the Red Cross Safe and Well website at redcross.org/safeandwell. The site allows individuals and organizations to register and post messages to indicate that they are safe or to search for loved ones. The site is always available, open to the public, and available in Spanish. Registrations and searches can be done directly on the website.
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About the American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/norcalcoastal or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossNorCal and on Facebook at RedCrossNorCalCoastal.