DENVER, CO, THURSDAY July 2, 2020 — Most of the 60,000 national emergencies that the American Red Cross responds to each year are local, personal disasters like home fires. The Red Cross knows these local disasters are just as devastating as large scale disasters. Volunteers from the American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming’s Disaster Action Team are ready to respond to these local emergencies, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. From offering a shoulder to cry on, to meeting any immediate needs for shelter or supplies, to connecting people with long term recovery services, our volunteers ensure that families don’t have to face tough times alone.
Even during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, emergencies don’t stop and neither does the work of the American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming. Local volunteers are still at work providing care and comfort after disasters. In the month of June, the American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming provided support and care to 244 people. Out of the 87 cases in June the majority of calls were for home fire and wildfire support.
Breakdown of the CO & WY 87 county service area for June 2020:
Mile High Chapter responded to 36 calls for service and helped 104 people. The MHC response area includes 10 counties in the Denver Metro area.
Southeastern Colorado Chapter responded to 23 calls for service and helped 58 people. The SECO response area includes 16 counties.
Northern Colorado Chapter responded to 8 call for service and helped 16 person. The NOCO response area includes 11 counties.
Western Colorado Chapter responded to 11 calls for service and helped 40 people. The WECO response area covers 27 counties, serving all Western Colorado and the San Luis Valley.
Wyoming Chapter responded to 9 calls for assistance and provided care to 26 individuals. The Wyoming Chapter response area covers 8 counties in the state of Wyoming.
The families and individuals in need were provided with a variety of services, including a place to`stay, comfort kits, money for clothes, food and medicine. If needed, health and mental health services were provided. Along with providing casework for the residents in a quick and efficient time frame, Red Cross volunteers will continue to provide support to these families going forward by doing follow up work to ensure all needs are met and the individuals have a clear path to recovery. All services provided by the American Red Cross are free.