Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
What: Media availability for Utah Red Cross disaster responders prior to departing for Florida
When: Saturday, October 1, 5:45 a.m. – 6:30 a.m.
Where: Salt Lake International Airport Greeting Room, Second level of the terminal near baggage claim
SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 30, 2022) — Specially trained American Red Cross of Utah disaster volunteers will depart early Saturday from the Salt Lake City International Airport to join the more than 1,000 Red Cross relief workers in Florida helping those left devastated by Hurricane Ian.
The three Utah volunteers deploying Saturday morning – Kathy Statler from Riverdale; Bert Davis from West Jordan; and Debbie Schaefer from Herriman – will be assisting with sheltering thousands of displaced Florida residents. As of yesterday, some 10,000 people sought refuge in as many as 100 Red Cross and partner shelters.
Saturday is Schaefer’s first disaster relief effort deployment, while it will be the sixth deployment for Davis and the 20th for Statler. “When the call for help goes out, our dedicated Utah team members always raise their hands first to help those in need,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “I am always so honored to serve as part of the Red Cross of Utah.”
The American Red Cross and partners are working around the clock to comfort and support people impacted by Hurricane Ian, even as the dangerous storm takes aim at the Carolinas, Georgia, and Virginia, bringing more life-threatening floods, storm surge, and hurricane-force winds. “Every volunteer is working to make sure those in need have a safe place to stay, food to eat, critical relief supplies, and emotional support to start the rebuilding process,” said Ruster, who is also deploying to Florida on Saturday.
Many volunteers and staff are already on the ground helping to provide food, shelter, and comfort. “Our workers are bringing support to many people who have lost everything, whose communities are under water and homes have been swept from their foundations,” Ruster said. “We want to make sure the word is out that shelters are open in Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia for those who need a safe place to stay.”
Disaster recovery efforts also ongoing in Puerto Rico, Alaska
Nearly 300 American Red Cross disaster workers, many with no power or water themselves, are working around the clock with its partners to provide comfort and support for the people of Puerto Rico. In addition, the Red Cross is deploying disaster teams by plane to rural areas of Alaska where Typhoon Merbok devastated a thousand-mile stretch of the western coast last weekend, damaging homes, seawalls, roads, airport runways, and water systems in as many as 40 towns and villages.
How can you help?
Make a gift 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. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Give Blood
Hurricane Ian’s projected path through Georgia and the Carolinas is threatening to cancel more than 130 Red Cross blood drives this weekend, possibly causing more than 2,700 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected. Additional blood drive cancellations are expected in the Southeast over the coming week, and fewer donors are likely to come out to donate at drives in and around affected areas due to poor weather conditions.
Individuals in unaffected areas – especially those with type O blood types – are urged to give blood now to help ensure patients in impacted areas continue to have access to lifesaving blood. Please schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets today by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Volunteer
If you have the time, you can make a significant impact as a Red Cross volunteer. Review our most urgently needed volunteer positions at redcross.org/volunteertoday and get involved now.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.