American Red Cross Supports Family & Community Affected by Sunrise Shooting

SUNRISE, Fla. (February 2, 2021) – The American Red Cross is partnering with local authorities and organizations to continue the support to the families and the community affected by the shooting near 10100 Reflection Boulevard, Sunrise, FL. The Red Cross mobilized health services, disaster mental health volunteers, spiritual care professionals, and supplies to the area to provide support.

The Red Cross understands that people want to help and appreciates that support. Right now, the Red Cross has what it needs to support the community and is not accepting financial donations designated specifically for this event.

COPING AND PREPAREDNESS TIPS

This is a difficult time for everyone affected and it’s important for people to connect with and support each other. The Red Cross offers the following tips to help people stay strong:

• Events like this can cause feelings of uncertainty and anxiety since no one knows what could potentially happen next. Remember that it's okay to feel nervous.
• Stay informed but limit media exposure of the events, especially for children. Children are especially vulnerable to stress reactions related to media.
• Parents should let children talk about their fears and then reassure them about their safety. Talk with them in ways that they can easily understand. Let them guide the conversation; share details only when they ask about them.
• Be patient with yourself and others. It’s common to have any number of temporary stress reactions such as anger, frustration, and anxiety.
• Spend more time with family and friends and offer your support. Hug one another and listen.
• Watch for signs of stress in your family, friends, and children. Get help from others if needed.
• Take care of yourself. Eat healthy, drink plenty of water and get enough rest.
• To reach out for free 24/7 counseling or support, contact the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990.

About the American Red Cross:
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/southflorida or visit us on Facebook or Twitter at @SFLRedCross.

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