OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, Friday, May 31, 2019 — As flood waters begin to recede and residents are being allowed back into their homes, the American Red Cross will continue to assist Oklahomans as they begin recovery from near-record floods. More than 300 workers were brought into the area to assist people in hard-hit communities.

The Red Cross is working with partners to provide safe shelter, food, relief supplies and other support, including health services, mental health services and spiritual care.

Licensed Red Cross health and mental health workers are providing services to people at the shelters, including emotional support and replacing prescription medications and eyeglasses. Response vehicles are currently driving through storm-damaged neighborhoods, delivering food, water, and clean-up supplies such as bleach, mops, gloves, rakes and shovels.

“The state of Oklahoma has been hit hard,” said Red Cross of Oklahoma Communications Officer Brittney Rochell. “It has been extremely rewarding to work along side the many volunteers and staff from across the United States that flew in to help. We greatly appreciate everyone who are “the helpers” out in the communities.”

Eight shelters still remain open across the state, with others on standby should the need arise. Since Monday, May 20 more than 300 Red Cross workers have:

• Served 11,866 meals and snacks
• Distributed nearly 3,335 relief supplies including clean-up kits and comfort kits with hygiene items
• Provided 1,064 overnight stays in Red Cross shelters
• Made over 915 mental health or health-related contacts
• Hundreds of homes have been assessed for damage and Red Cross volunteers continue to seek out neighborhoods and other impacted areas for additional support.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Help people affected by disasters severe storms, tornadoes and countless other crises by making a donation to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small across the United States. Please consider making a donation today. Visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.