Our hearts continue to go out to everyone dealing with the aftermath of last week’s devastating plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia. Since Friday night, American Red Cross volunteers have operated a shelter for displaced residents at Samuel Fels High School, 5500 Langdon Street. The shelter will close at 8 p.m. Tuesday, with residents transitioning to other housing solutions.

In response to this tragedy, the Red Cross also provided approximately 80 additional blood products to meet the needs of those injured in this crash.

As the Northeast Philadelphia community begins to recover, the Red Cross will have resources available on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the American Red Cross location at 1401 Rhawn Street in Northeast Philadelphia.

In addition, Red Cross resources will also be available Wednesday evening at the Northeast Emergency Community Impact Town Hall at S. Solis-Cohen Elementary School, 7001 Horrocks St., Philadelphia. The event begins at 7 p.m.

Everyone affected by this tragedy, including those who live, work or were traveling through the area at the time, are welcome to speak with the Red Cross about available resources, including emotional support. Residents whose homes were damaged can also connect with a Red Cross caseworker about additional resources which may be available to them.

If you need help and are not able to come in person, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to be connected with these resources.

Mental health services are also available through the city’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services (DBHIDS) for any city residents impacted. Call 988 or visit https://dbhids.org.

Coping Tips 

This can be a painful time for many. If you or a loved one needs help, reach out to the free 24/7 multilingual Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 for support. 

During tragedies like this, it’s important for people to connect with and support each other. The Red Cross offers this advice:

• Events like this can cause feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. Remember that it's okay to feel nervous or drained.
• Be patient with yourself and those around you. People may need some time to put their feelings and thoughts in order.
• Stay informed but limit your exposure to the sights and sounds of the event, especially on television, radio and through newspapers.
• Stay connected with family and friends. Giving and getting support is one of the most important things you can do.
• It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or numb. Set priorities for yourself and break tasks into small steps that are easier to tackle.
• Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Eat healthy, drink water and get enough rest.

It’s important to remember that children experience traumatic events differently than adults and may feel scared, confused or insecure. Children can’t always express their worries and emotions, which means stress may come out in their behavior. They might act out, be clingier or need more attention and reassurance from adults they trust.

Parents should give children opportunities to talk and encourage them to discuss their fears and concerns. It’s okay for parents to admit that you don’t have all the answers. Do your best to answer questions appropriate for your child’s age.