NEW YORK, February 12, 2021 – American Red Cross compassionate care is needed now more than ever during the pandemic. The organization has programs to provide information, workshops, emotional and mental health support, and referrals for families that have lost loved ones to COVID-19 as well as frontline workers.
“Our hearts go out to all who have lost a loved one to COVID-19 and all those struggling with the emotional impact of the pandemic; and we also offer our gratitude to frontline workers who have sacrificed so much.” said Mary Barnaby, President and CEO, Greater New York Red Cross. “We want them all to know that the Red Cross is here to provide compassionate support.”
Support for Grieving Families
Individuals and families who have lost loved ones to the pandemic can visit redcross.org/VFAC or call 833-492-0094 to access a support hub with information, referrals, special virtual programs and services to support families in need. A team of specially trained Red Cross Disaster Mental Health, Disaster Spiritual Care, and Health Services volunteers are ready to help during this difficult time. These Red Cross team members help by:
Support for Frontline Workers
“These first responder heroes are courageous and resilient but are often overworked and have to deal with enormous uncertainty and grief,” said Dr. James Halpern, American Red Cross, Board of Directors and Founding Director, Institute for Disaster Mental Health, SUNY New Paltz.
Because of the rapidly changing environment and new, difficult roles taken on by frontline workers, all while worrying about their own families, Dr. Halperin and the Red Cross have developed this online webinar for hospital staff to help frontline heroes cope during these unprecedented times.
The Red Cross also offers individual and group emotional support for frontline workers. This free service helps frontline workers cope with the stress of working with families affected by COVID-19. Individuals may call our toll free number 833-492-0094 or groups may schedule a support session using the Training Request Form. Red Cross volunteers who are professional healthcare providers, mental health providers and spiritual care providers will work with the
individual directly or can schedule a group support session. All services are free and confidential.
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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.