LAS VEGAS, NV, OCTOBER 6, 2017 — The Red Cross continues to expand operations to support the Las Vegas Community following the tragic events of Sunday, October 1, 2017.

Immediately after the tragic shooting on October 1st, Southern Nevada Red Cross volunteers and staff sprang into action, working alongside government partners at the Emergency Operations Center, and quickly providing 450 units of blood to local hospitals to save lives.  In the days that have followed, more than 100 trained Red Cross workers have joined the local Red Cross team in providing critical support to a devastated but resilient community.  Many of these Red Cross workers bring experience from mass casualty disasters such as the Newtown school shooting, the Orlando Pulse Nightclub massacre, and the Boston Marathon bombing.

At the multi-agency Family Assistance Center (FAC), the Red Cross is offering a range of services, alongside partner agencies, to those affected by last Sunday’s tragic shooting.  The FAC is designed to be a nurturing and calm environment to help people work through their concerns and to have meaningful discussions. The goal is to be a single, one-stop resource to help people move forward. The FAC is open from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily and is located at 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV. 

People who visit the FAC are assigned a Red Cross companion. The companion stays with them for as long as they are in the center, providing comfort and counseling and helping them access additional resources.

“Our hope is that people will find this a safe, comforting environment that helps them move forward,” said Beth Adams, lead coordinator for the FAC.

The FAC includes health, mental health, and spiritual care professionals.  Red Cross caseworkers help people figure out what they need and assist them in planning next steps.  Other services include the Office of Victim Assistance, MGM Resorts Human Resources, Department of Motor Vehicles, Las Vegas Metro Police Department Victims Services, legal services, lodging assistance, travel and transportation assistance, and childcare. 

A FAC call center has been activated to serve as a referral resource for those affected by the shooting.  Call 702-455-AIDE (out-of-state dial 1-833-299-AIDE) between 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

For people not inclined or able to leave their homes and who were affected by the tragedy, Red Cross teams have been visiting their homes to provide access to the same resources. Similarly, Red Cross teams have been visiting hospitals making direct contact with people who were injured and ensuring they are aware of the services available to them.

Red Cross resources will be available at the memorial park dedication in Las Vegas this evening and again at the Prayer Walk scheduled for Saturday, October 7, 2017.

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 or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.