Volunteers work to provide recovery assistance after Hurricane Hanna

DENVER, MONDAY, JULY 27, 2020 - The American Red Cross of Colorado is sending disaster responders to provide support and recovery assistance to people who have been affected by Hurricane Hanna. The storm hit south Texas on Saturday, making landfall twice as a Category 1 storm. While it was downgraded to tropical storm status early Sunday morning, its relentless rainfall continues to pose a threat. 

The Red Cross of Colorado is sending volunteers to serve as Strike team members. This special disaster response team has been extensively trained to keep those we serve, the partners we work with and our workforce safe while providing disaster relief during COVID-19. 

The Red Cross has developed new policies to align with CDC safety recommendations and have created a series of virtual trainings and materials to ensure our disaster responders are aware of the changes and prepared to respond to disasters. In addition, nationally, the Red Cross workforce has already responded to more than 40 large disasters, using these new protocols, since March. 

Our physical presence may not look the same as it did before the pandemic but rest assured that we are still providing comfort and support to anyone in need after a disaster. During this pandemic, while the nation is practicing social distancing, we’re now providing some disaster relief virtually, including mental health support and financial assistance. 

Jody Acres - a volunteer of the Western Colorado chapter will virtually deploy to support the operations team.

Michael Acres - a volunteer of the Western Colorado chapter will virtually deploy to support the operations team.

Thomas Bethke - a volunteer of the Mile High chapter will deploy to San Antonio as a member of the sheltering team.

Clark Buck - a volunteer of the Mile High chapter will deploy to San Antonio as a member of the sheltering team.

Linda Bullock - a volunteer of the Mile High chapter will deploy to San Antonio as a member of the sheltering team.

Karen Campanella-Green – a volunteer of the Northern Colorado chapter will virtually deploy as a member of the disaster mental health team.

Patricia Chappell – a volunteer of the Southeastern Colorado chapter will deploy virtually to support the operations team.

Gale Coddington – a volunteer of the Northern Colorado chapter will virtually deploy as a member of the mental health team.

Kathy Coffey - a volunteer of the Mile High chapter will deploy as a member of the sheltering team.

Edward Duball - a volunteer of the Southeastern Colorado chapter will deploy to San Antonio as a member of the health servicesteam.

Barbara Martinez - a volunteer of the Southeastern Colorado chapter will deploy to San Antonio as a member of the sheltering team.

Pamela Munson – a volunteer of the Southeastern Colorado chapter will deploy to Houston as a member of the sheltering team.

Robert Munson - a volunteer of the Southeastern Colorado chapter will deploy to San Antonio as a member of the health servicesteam.

William Schmidt - a volunteer of the Mile High chapter will virtually deploy as a member of the sheltering team.

Robert Springer - a volunteer of the Mile High chapter will deploy to San Antonio as a member of the sheltering team.

Robert Thomas - a volunteer of the Mile High chapter will virtually deploy to support in the Situation Unit 

A typical deployment for a Red Cross disaster responder is 14 to 21 days. During that time, the responders will focus on the specific needs of those affected by the disaster as they move toward recovery. I

f you have questions, please contact Andrea Carlson (303) 548-2165; Andrea.Carlson@redcross.org.