We Were There Because of You - The 2008 Disaster Relief Program Annual Review
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
A Message From the President and CEO nors and m er ic an R ed Cross and our do th e A used by Every single day, re co ve r fro m th e devastation ca volunteers help pe ople ople to perform ze s. To ge th er , we empower pe disasters of all si e fa ce of emergencie s. y ac ts in th extraordinar sters that st ru ck by a number of disa n w as tornado In 2008, our natio te r an ot he r: a record-breaking one af fires seemed to follow flo od in g in 15 years, major wild est’s wor st s hitting the season, the Midw th at ha d ei ght named storm seas on and a hurricane U.S. coast. icans turned es e tr ag ed ie s, millions of Amer of th d supplies. In the aftermath el te r, food, support an ss fo r sh to the Red Cro rs for those op en ed m or e than 1,400 shelte and With your help, th e Red Cross rv ed m or e th an 18 million meals er their heads an d se d comfort kits without a roof ov ds of th ou sa nd s of clean-up an uted hundre mes. snacks. We distrib r th os e re tu rn in g to damaged ho tion fo to ease the transi d by the ss th e co un try, I was inspire saster sites ac ro ors in As I traveled to di ac he d ou t to help their neighb re not or ie s of ev er yd ay Americans who rie s of ou r di sa ster services are st ficia ded that the bene lleagues and neig hbors. need. I was remin rs , fri en ds , co e family membe strangers; they ar ha s he lp ed so many reco ver nizatio n th at be part of an orga ose who extended a I am honored to d gr at ef ul to th omic g adversities an Despite the econ from such dauntin e 20 0 8 di sa st er s. r country, your the survivors of th es throughout ou helping hand to an d co m pa ni ers was many families ss string of disast challenges facing last ye ar ’s re le nt le t in response to generous suppor phenomenal. needed de liv er he lp an d hope to all who lping the Red Cro ss n continue Thank you for he pe th at those we serve ca . As 2009 unfo ld s, I ho , vibrant us this past year su pp or t to he lp us build a strong d and your continue to count on you C ro ss. American Red and sustainable Gail McGovern EO President and C Cover: A Red Cross disaster worker surveys flooding from the Cedar River, which inundated much of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Talia Frenkel/American Red Cross
American Red Cross Disaster Relief Since its founding in 1881, the opens shelters for those who have American Red Cross has remained been displaced and provides meals firmly committed to the fundamental and snacks to evacuees and emergency principles of humanity, impartiality, workers in the affected area. Our nurses neutrality, independence, voluntary and trained volunteers deliver first service, unity and universality. In the aid and may help replace prescription spirit of our humanitarian mission, medications and eyeglasses or arrange Red Cross disaster relief services for emergency medical treatment. are delivered to individuals and Disaster mental health services workers communities across the nation, free provide support for those suffering from Talia Frenkel/American Red Cross of charge. Our donors ensure we have loss and trauma. the resources and trained volunteers to The Red Cross also reconnects those respond when disaster strikes, each and separated in times of disaster. People every day. living inside an affected area can Red Cross nurse and volunteer Melissa Schultz hugs Doloris Faust at a shelter in Martinsville, Ind. Our congressionally-mandated charter—to provide their local chapter for assistance in relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, determining their loved one’s status. prepare for and respond to emergencies—is a The Red Cross can quickly mobilize declaration of responsibility and a promise to the teams of employees and volunteers to nation that we will be there when disaster strikes. provide these services. The Disaster Services Human Resources system, a roster of trained national volunteers Following a disaster, the Red Cross register on the Red Cross Safe and Well with emergency expertise, is updated provides mass care (sheltering and Web site, a confidential way to let loved continuously. Our volunteers include feeding) services, which are the most ones know of their well-being. Family mass care specialists, nurses, mental visible and well known of the Red Cross members and concerned others living health professionals, logistics specialists disaster relief activities. The Red Cross outside an affected area can call and child care providers, among others. We strive to maintain a cadre of trained 2008 Disaster Relief Operations as of March 2009 volunteers to staff each relief operation Relief Red Cross Overnight Meals and Clean-up and with enough workers to accommodate Disaster Type Operations Workers(a) Shelters Stays Snacks Comfort Kits the needs of those affected. Winter storm 2 235 8 950 9,472 392 Flood 23 9,873 152 11,919 963,336 72,367 This report summarizes our relief Tornado 40 6,225 84 5,450 576,716 22,067 efforts following the major disasters to Flood & tornado(b) 7 1,227 39 1,174 113,750 3,044 which we responded in 2008 with the Hurricane (c) 34 26,080 1,012 497,205 16,557,403 232,357 help of the corporations, organizations, Wildfire 10 2,644 60 6,009 106,096 4,533 foundations and individuals who Other events(d) 15 1,944 89 8,989 96,725 2,354 donated generously to the American TOTAL(e) 131 48,228 1,444 531,696 18,423,498 337,134 Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. (a) “Red Cross Workers” includes the total number of employees and volunteers assigned to the relief operation. (b) This is not a combination of floods plus tornadoes. It is a separate category of disaster. (c) Eight named storms resulted in 34 disaster relief operations. These figures include information from Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gustav, Hanna, Ike, Your gift allows us to provide our vital Lowell and Omar. (d) Public events, human-caused or transportation incidents to which we responded. services, and we are grateful for your (e) These numbers do not include the tens of thousands of disasters to which our local chapters respond daily. Last year, disaster workers at more than 700 Red Cross chapters across the country responded to more than 70,000 disasters. support. The Red Cross is always there, and through your gift, so are you. 1
Winter Storms Each disaster to which the Red Cross In our shelters, evacuees can expect Indiana Storms responds presents its own unique set of to find cots, blankets, meals and A strong storm system developed ahead circumstances, and winter storms can comfort kits that contain hygiene items of a cold front and moved through be especially unpredictable. A January like toothbrushes and toothpaste— Indiana beginning on January 7, 2008. storm that might necessitate a Red everything to meet their basic needs The Tippecanoe and Kankakee Rivers Cross response typically involves heavy until the water recedes. reached record and near-record levels, snow, ice and widespread, prolonged power outages. However, unseasonably high “Our volunteers are trying to canvass neighborhoods to determine the magnitude of the damage. It’s temperatures coupled with heavy rain can cause rapid snowmelt, resulting absolutely devastating in the affected areas; we have homes with major damage. in dangerous flood conditions. Such ” conditions prompted two national —Debra Elsner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross in Tippecanoe County, Ind. disaster responses in 2008, one of which took place in northwest Indiana Mental health counselors are respectively. The water breached a levee in January. available to help people cope with the on the Kankakee, flooding agricultural The immediate challenges of a flood tremendous emotional upheaval a flood areas. response can include locating and can cause. The trauma of watching your anc e placing our trained volunteers, who home flood, rescuing beloved pets and c t s a t a Gl themselves may have been directly cherished keepsakes, locating family Fa tions in affected by the flood, and identifying members (if a flash flood happens is a s t e r opera rms rd sto new, safe shelters when previously during school hours, for example) and 2 majo se to winter kers re s p o n d is a s ter wor s stays identified locations stand in harm’s way. dealing with injuries sustained during d Cros ernight 235 Re 5 0 o v During a flooding response, sheltering an evacuation can last for many years, h9 ers wit 8 shelt snacks has the greatest impact because it unless it is addressed promptly and 2 m e a ls and 9,47 immediately meets the community’s compassionately. p and 392 c lean-u t kits needs for a safe place to go to escape comfor rising floodwaters. Disaster Timeline Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec home fires hurricanes winter storms winter storms wildfires floods tornadoes heat wave 2
The Red Cross worked closely with the Indiana Department of Merck – Committed to Our Homeland Security, the State Police, the National Guard and others to Humanitarian Mission monitor statewide flood and weather conditions, gather information, anticipate needs and carefully plan its response. When the time came, At Merck, we strive to make a positive contribution to the communities in which we the Red Cross was ready. work and live by supporting a wide range of As the floodwaters rose, hundreds of people were forced to abandon charitable, educational and environmental their homes and leave everything behind. Disaster workers welcomed initiatives. The focus of Merck’s disaster frightened residents into Red Cross shelters with compassion and care relief programs is to provide assistance for their well-being. during major disasters and to support efforts in preparedness, preservation and When the water receded, the Red Cross provided clean-up kits for recovery. Since 1958, The Merck Company residents returning home. Our disaster workers drove emergency Foundation has supported the work of the response vehicles (ERVs) through waterlogged neighborhoods to American Red Cross, which responds to distribute meals and provide emotional support. For residents whose more than 70,000 disasters each year. homes were lost to the floodwaters, we offered information about “The Merck Company Foundation additional resources to meet their long-term recovery needs. recognizes the importance of supporting the humanitarian mission of the Red Cross. We So many residents of Indiana celebrated the New Year with the highest are specifically committed to enabling the of hopes, only to find themselves suddenly reeling from the loss of their Red Cross to respond immediately to the homes and belongings. When they turned to the Red Cross for help, we needs of individuals and families affected by were there to meet their immediate needs and to help them plan their disaster anywhere across the country,” said recovery. Geralyn Ritter, Vice President, Global Public Policy and Corporate Responsibility. “Our commitment to the Annual Disaster Giving Program helps the Red Cross secure a reliable funding base and ensures this.” Comfort Kits and Clean-Up Kits The Merck Company Foundation has Immediately after a disaster, the Red Cross provides these kits to pledged $1 million over four years to affected residents to meet their basic hygiene needs and to help support the American Red Cross Disaster them clean up their homes. Relief Fund and is proud to be an Annual Comfort Kits Clean-Up Kits Disaster Giving Program member. In 2008, Merck made an additional $250,000 Deodorant Sectional handle with mop, broom, contribution to the Red Cross in response squeegee and push broom heads to its Campaign for Disaster Relief appeal. Toothbrush Pail These funds specifically helped support the Toothpaste Scrub brush 2008 hurricane relief efforts in the United Facial tissues States. The Red Cross is grateful to Merck Sponge Wash cloth for their lasting partnership. Disinfectant Shampoo Detergent/degreaser Liquid soap Bleach Lotion Trash bags Comb Gloves Razor Dust mask Shaving cream 3
Spring Floods and Tornadoes We followed our response to January’s winter storms with a lengthy disaster response that began in earnest in February and continued throughout the spring, when the Midwest experienced devastating flooding and a record- breaking tornado season. Storms and heavy rainfall caused serious flash flooding in already saturated areas of the central United States. Floods are the most frequent and Talia Frenkel/American Red Cross costliest natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss. The same storms that caused flooding also spawned several major tornado outbreaks. According to the National Red Cross Volunteer Rodney Davis delivers a hot meal from an ERV in Lafayette, Tenn. Weather Service, 87 tornadoes occurred on February 5, causing 57 deaths in the the affected states to give evacuees a and buildings. The same storm southeastern part of the country. This place to sleep, get vital information system that spawned one of the worst marked the beginning of an unusually about available assistance, eat a hot tornado outbreaks in U.S. history also intense tornado season. The severe meal, talk with mental health workers produced heavy rain in sections of weather continued into June, when or meet with health services workers Illinois, Indiana and Ohio that were two more outbreaks resulted in 289 about their healthcare needs. Our still recovering from flooding caused by confirmed tornadoes. ERVs were loaded with food, water and January’s winter storms. supplies and deployed to the affected For the spring floods and tornadoes, the Your gift to the Disaster Relief Fund communities. Red Cross mobilized more than 17,000 ensured that affected residents received the help they needed to face the “Itable is with the help of the American public that we are to respond to the disasters in the Midwest, as prospect of starting over. The Red Cross quickly opened shelters in the affected areas, and disaster well as the disasters that occur every day in local workers in ERVs circulated through communities across the country that you may not neighborhoods distributing meals hear about. Donations to the American Red Cross to grateful residents and emergency workers. We worked with local public Disaster Relief Fund can help aid in the recovery for health authorities to meet the basic ” victims of these and other disasters. needs of our clients by providing first —Joe Becker, Senior Vice President, Disaster Services aid and replacing essential medications. Red Cross health and mental health disaster workers to meet the immediate February 5, 2008 workers provided support to the many needs of the displaced residents, On February 5, a massive line of residents struggling to cope with the with additional workers standing by tornadoes swept across Alabama, devastation surrounding them. as the flooding continued to spread. Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi and We opened 275 shelters throughout Tennessee, destroying many homes Because dozens of people lost their 4
lives during the February 5 tornado outbreak, some residents faced Safe and Well—Reconnecting Families the prospect of starting over without their loved ones. The Red Cross When Disaster Strikes reached out to those individuals overwhelmed with grief and loss through its mental health counselors and family service specialists The American Red Cross Welfare Information trained to meet their unique needs. Unit maintains the Safe and Well Web site as part of its mission to promote family As our shelters closed, we continued to work closely with our communications planning and preparedness; partners and local emergency management facilitate notification from “inside” to “outside” officials, offering disaster-affected areas; manage requests ce comprehensive G lan for welfare information and support family ta reunification. resources—mental health c t sa ns i n d F a p e r atio oes an The Safe and Well Web site keeps evacuees support and first aid, ro nad i s aste ds, tor rs in touch with loved ones who live outside a cooking and distributing d ajor e to flo o r w orke m ste disaster-affected area. Evacuees registering on meals—and providing 70 pons ons disa ght res binati o s s o v erni the site can choose from a menu of pre-scripted information and referrals for com Cr 43 2 5 Red i t h 18,5 messages, including “family and I are safe and additional assistance. 17,3 elters w well” and “currently at shelter.” Relatives can sh nd The spring flooding and 275ys e a ls a also register evacuees on their behalf, giving st a 2 m cks tornado season extended well 5 3,80 sna d friends and family the peace of mind of knowing 1 , 6 n - u p ans everyone is safe. into June, which heralded lea t ki t the beginning of a challenging 7 , 4 78 ccomfor 9 2008 Safe and Well Registrations hurricane season. February/March Tornadoes 455 March/April Floods 654 May California Wildfires 734 May Tornadoes 1,208 June/July Midwest Flooding 1,675 July California Earthquake 463 Hurricane Season (June-November) 20,143 When family members contact the Red Cross with concerns about loved ones inside the disaster area who suffer from life-threatening illnesses, the Welfare Information Unit coordinates the efforts of disaster field teams and our partners to locate and assist those with health and mental-health needs. In 2008, the Welfare Information Unit resolved 278 of these Talia Frenkel/American Red Cross emergency welfare information requests. www.safeandwell.org Also available in Spanish: www.sanoysalvo.org Carolyn Negley, student and resident assistant at Union University in Jackson, Tenn., Also available via RedCross.org collected what belongings she could find after her living quarters were almost entirely destroyed by a tornado. Emergency response vehicle driver Vicki Oczkowicz offers comfort. Report: Standing Ready With a Helping Hand: The American Red Cross Response to the Central U.S. Floods and Tornadoes: see the full report on your gift at work in the central United States on RedCross.org (click on About, then Publications) 5
Summer Hurricanes and Tropical Storms Before the hurricanes of 2008 Our local partnerships provide great threatened communities across the insight into the needs of a community. country, Red Cross chapters reached By working together, we can effectively Ruby Stevens out to residents in hurricane-prone address the issues of diverse, hard-to- The Perry & Ruby Stevens areas with preparedness tips and reach populations. Charitable Foundation was worked to improve each community’s established by Ruby Stevens in To coordinate the various services ability to respond to an emergency. We January 2006 in accordance with of these partners, the Red Cross and her late husband Perry’s wishes. pre-positioned cots, blankets, comfort other agencies Stevens established the foundation kits and other established the relief supplies On June 1, the Red Cross Coordinated to help nonprofit organizations that, among other things, provide to be ready at a marked the beginning of Assistance assistance to victims of natural moment’s notice. disasters. hurricane season 2008. Network This hurricane (CAN) in 2003. “When disaster strikes, Ruby season, we It proved to be one of CAN partners knows the American Red Cross mobilized more the most destructive collaborate to will respond no matter what,” said than 26,000 Red provide necessary Laurie Milton, the foundation’s and costliest hurricane Executive Director. “Ruby and her Cross workers and services to disaster opened more than seasons in U.S. history. survivors without late husband, Perry, have been big believers in the Red Cross as early 1,000 shelters. duplicating responders, and they know that We provided an array of services efforts. Someone affected by a disaster after a disaster, their support can including sheltering, feeding and can report their needs to any single really help those who need help physical and mental health counseling. participating agency, and if they the most in a time of crisis.” Even after the need for emergency elect, the agency will then share Stevens was inspired to give to assistance subsided, we worked with their information among member the Disaster Relief Fund following community partners to provide ongoing organizations to help them obtain Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. When support to affected residents. additional services. she observed their devastating impact and the Red Cross’s swift and compassionate response to meet the resulting needs for disaster relief, she promptly donated $50,000 to the fund. In addition, Stevens gives generously to the American Red Cross Hill Country Chapter in Texas. The Red Cross is truly grateful to Ruby Stevens and the Gene Dailey/American Red Cross individual donors like her whose contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund help to relieve suffering when disaster strikes. Individuals and families line up before a Red Cross emergency response vehicle for meals and bottled water in Wallisville, Texas, after Hurricane Ike knocked out power to their neighborhood. Report: A Sure Presence: The American Red Cross Response to the Hurricanes of 2008: see the full report on your gift at work RedCross.org (click on About, then Publications) 6
To date, 378 agencies have signed communities in Ike’s path. For the many Participating Agency Agreements with diverse communities affected by Ike, we NAJIT – Bridging the CAN. partnered with the National Council of Communications Gap La Raza, the National Association for During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Hurricane Ike the Advancement of Colored People, American Red Cross recognized a gap While we were still helping those National Disabilities Rights Network, in the services we provided. Our critical messages regarding shelter locations affected by earlier spring and summer Tzu Chi Foundation and United Jewish or service centers, for example, were storms, particularly Hurricane Gustav, Communities, among others. not understood by all communities we were preparing for Hurricane Ike’s affected by the storm due to language Hurricane Ike made landfall on landfall. According to National Weather barriers. September 13 near Galveston, Texas, as Service resources, the storm’s projected a strong Category 2 storm with winds Today, the Red Cross has access to path indicated landfall along the Florida of 110 mph. Texas and a team of certified linguists to assist Panhandle and Texas coast. with relief efforts for the non-English Louisiana bore the brunt Emergency a G l ance of this dangerous storm. speaking, deaf, hard-of-hearing and the at officials in those Fa c t s Millions of people limited-English-proficient population. ns areas, with whom a s t e r operatio and lost electricity, and The Red Cross is proud to partner with r dis anes the National Association of Judiciary the Red Cross 34 majoonse to hurric in resp l storms s thousands more were Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT), was in constant p ic a a s t e r worker o tr ross dis evacuated. leveraging the language expertise of its communication, , 0 8 0 Red C 7 , 2 0 5 members, who stand ready to volunteer 2 6 ith 4 9 urged residents to elters w Hurricane Ike’s effects 1 ,012 sh t stays and offer their help, either through prepare without h were widespread. overnig and on-site or virtual deployment in times of delay. , 4 0 3 meals In addition to Texas disaster. NAJIT interpreters help bridge 16,557 snacks p and and Louisiana, the Red the linguistic divide that sometimes When Ike failed to , 3 5 7 clean-u t kits Cross opened shelters in separates people from the help they follow the predicted 232 comfor Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, need. Currently, more than 1,300 path, charting its own NAJIT interpreters and translators Michigan and Kentucky for course toward Texas, representing 100 languages are on evacuees. Trained Red Cross disaster we quickly relocated disaster workers to call for the Red Cross in the event of a workers from every state responded. disaster. Texas to supplement the 1,500 already there, and we collaborated with our After the storm, we remained actively This past year, NAJIT assisted the Red partners in disaster response to serve the committed to meeting individual and Cross in relief efforts for Hurricanes family needs. We facilitated the search Dolly, Gustav and Ike, and Tropical for long-term housing and located Storm Edouard. “NAJIT is proud to be a partner with the Red Cross,” said Isabel additional resources available through Framer, NAJIT Chair. “We are grateful the community agencies that partnered to the Red Cross for bringing this with us. partnership together. Our membership The 2008 hurricane season will of professional interpreters is a real asset for the Red Cross efforts on the be remembered as one of the most ground during national disasters and, destructive and costliest hurricane together, we will be able to better serve seasons in U.S. history. Through it Talia Frenkel/American Red Cross all of our communities.” The Red Cross all, the Red Cross worked tirelessly to couldn’t agree more. anticipate and meet the needs of those we serve and to provide safe shelter from the storms. Star Ponthieux reaches into a comfort kit in a Red Cross shelter in Port Allen, La., after Hurricane Gustav. 7
Fall Wildfires As the hurricane season came to an We circulated throughout the affected and the friendships they made in their end, wildfires spread across parts of neighborhoods in ERVs and distributed neighborhood. California. In mid-November, gusting clean-up kits to residents who were Red Cross disaster worker Tracey Kiest winds and dry conditions fueled several beginning to clean up the damage reported from the Sylmar shelter where explosive wildfires that burned out of the fires caused. We also identified many of the evacuated residents were control. additional resources to facilitate staying. “I just ran into a gentleman recovery. As scores of homes burned, residents who was in tears,” she said. “It was the from Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, first time he had been able to see his The Sayre Fire Orange and Riverside Counties escaped house, and there wasn’t anything left. The Sayre Fire that tore through Los and found a safe haven with the Red The coffee pot had melted onto the Angeles County destroyed hundreds Cross. Red Cross disaster workers stove. He remarked that the birds were of units at the Oakridge Mobile Home provided shelter, meals and much- looking for food—he leaves birdseed out Park in Sylmar, a community of elderly needed physical and mental health for the birds. He lost four generations residents living on fixed incomes. support. The latter assistance was worth of antiques. After he particularly welcome to people who Residents’ immediate physical health dried his tears he were forced to evacuate with nothing needs included the replacement of Fa said, ‘You cts but the clothes they wore. durable medical equipment such as a taG 10 m lanc wheelchairs and walkers for the many resp ajor dis e With our partners, we sheltered and fed onse aste seniors affected by the wildfire. The 2,64 to w r oper 4 Re ildfire ation hundreds of evacuees at the height of d Cr s s in residents also benefited from their 60 s o s the fires. We served thousands of meals h s disas contacts with Red Cross mental health stays elters w ter w and snacks to evacuees, emergency ith 6 orke 106, , 009 rs professionals as they mourned the loss 096 over responders and residents who visited m ea n ight our shelters for the latest news of the of their homes, the heirlooms passed 4,53 snac ls and 3 c le ks down through generations of families an-u fires’ impact on their neighborhoods. com p and fort k its Gene Dailey/American Red Cross Red Cross disaster worker Tracey Kiest surveys the remnants of the Oakridge Mobile Home Park, a community that was destroyed by the Sayre Fire, in Sylmar, Calif. 8
know what? It’s going to be okay. We’re going to make it.’” Fires are unpredictable and move as the winds shift, but the Red Cross is reliable even in the most difficult situations. After the fires were out, we remained on site to partner with local, state and federal representatives committed to the ongoing recovery from the Sayre Fire. As we completed our disaster relief operations in California, we were also looking ahead to January 2009 to Daphne Hart/American Red Cross ensure the necessary supplies will be available to those who need us now and those who will surely need us in the coming months. Red Cross volunteers Pedro Polidano and Alex Padilla bring clean-up supplies to the residents of a home that was damaged by wildfires in Yorba Linda, Calif. Dear Red Cross, Thank you so much for giving these meals to all of these people. It really means a lot to everyone. My class and I really appreciate your time. Thank you again! Yours Fondly, Sara, age 10 Q&A With Red Cross Volunteer Dana McKinley Where do you volunteer? I’m a Disaster Action Team member and a Service to the Armed Forces volunteer for the Key Chapter in Meridian, Miss. I am also active with our emergency management and homeland security units and serve on both teams as an American Red Cross representative. How did you get involved with the Red Cross? I was a volunteer fireman and saw what a single-family fire really did—how big the disaster is in the clients’ eyes. I myself was battling some medical problems and really wanted to quit. My family took me to the Red Cross. Two days later it was September 11 and I started taking the classes and my medical situation improved beyond the doctor’s diagnosis. How has the Red Cross changed your life? The Red Cross saved my life! I found that instead of crying on my problems, that folks had bigger problems than I. It was time to get going; so today I am still going strong and serve with my chapter and my community as a volunteer fireman and EMS provider. Thank you Red Cross for caring about this volunteer and seeing the true heart that I have. I know that we have so many with the same heart that I have, and I feel honored to represent all of them. 9
Responding Today... When disaster strikes, the human need Convention provides the work force Mental Health Services is obvious. People lose their homes, and the kitchens, and the Red Cross The Disaster Mental Health Team is their possessions and, sometimes, their provides supplies and logistics. part of our disaster response from loved ones. When the Red Cross arrives beginning to end. Our team of licensed on the scene, we establish shelters, Health and Mental Health mental health professionals includes provide meals, offer first aid, distribute Services counselors, marriage and family comfort and clean-up kits and ensure When disaster strikes, there is often no therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, those who need physical and mental time to pack bags, refill prescriptions or social workers and psychiatric nurses. health support can meet with one of our collect personal items. Disaster-induced trained disaster workers. stress and trauma compound pre- existing medical conditions. In these Your gift to the Disaster Relief Fund State Farm–Partners Since situations, Red Cross health and mental allows us to maintain our disaster World War II health professionals meet individual relief program in a constant state of With a relationship dating back to needs and provide referrals. readiness. World War II, State Farm–through Health Services corporate contributions, agent and Feeding and Sheltering Approximately 3,000 medical employee matching gift programs and As soon as the area is safe for entry, the professionals, including doctors, agents and employees who donate Red Cross circulates through disaster- nurses, emergency medical technicians, their time as volunteers and blood donors–is a long-term partner to affected neighborhoods, identifying pharmacists and other specialists, the American Red Cross. Through needs and delivering food, supplies and volunteer with the Red Cross during this multifaceted partnership, State information to residents planning their disasters, providing first aid, medical Farm is a member of the Annual recovery. In most cases, we can provide assessments, triage and other services Disaster Giving Program, a sponsor nearly a million meals per day within to disaster survivors. of Red Cross events and a significant 72 hours, thanks to the hard work of provider of blood donations through An important partnership during times its employee base. State Farm and Red Cross disaster workers and our of a federally declared disaster is our the Red Cross have worked together partners. Often, the Southern Baptist Emergency Prescription Assistance on a variety of projects throughout the Program (EPAP), which allows years. pharmacies to provide medications When disaster strikes, the public turns to those affected by a disaster who do to the Red Cross and State Farm. not have any form of health coverage Whether it is a house fire that leaves for replacing their prescriptions and one family homeless or a hurricane essential durable medical equipment. that devastates an entire region, Red Cross disaster workers and State During Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, Farm agents and employees are an the EPAP filled more than 30,000 important presence after a disaster. medication and durable medical We share a vital mission: helping to equipment requests at a cost of nearly pick up the pieces of shattered lives. $1.7 million. State Farm continued its generous Similarly, VSP® Vision Care partners support of the Red Cross again in Gene Dailey/American Red Cross with the Red Cross to provide 2008 with a significant contribution of $1 million. We appreciate State Farm’s comprehensive eye exams and eyewear steadfast commitment to our disaster to those who have lost or damaged their relief program. eyeglasses during these events. As residents started to evacuate Mississippi ahead of Hurricane Gustav, Red Cross shelters awaited them. 10
We offer the following services: To join this team, health care equipment is shipped as the operation • Triage and assessment professionals volunteer their vacation progresses. • Crisis intervention time, often at a moment’s notice, to The Red Cross contracts with multiple • Client advocacy serve on a disaster relief operation. partners to ensure continuous cell • Referring clients to local providers to phone coverage. At any given time, support their continuing needs Disaster Services Technology the team can switch cellular phones • Supervising and supporting Red Cross One of the first things to sustain damage to ensure they can communicate after workers providing psychological first aid during a disaster is a community’s a disaster. • Monitoring and alleviating infrastructure. Often, cellular services organizational stress may be down or overloaded, and power To support the technology team, the • Providing bereavement support outages can disrupt other networking Red Cross currently has a partnership capabilities. The Disaster Services with Best Buy’s BlueShirt Corps, a F.M. Kirby Foundation, Inc.– Technology Team manages Red Cross service group that provides tech support Making the Impossible Possible technical needs during a disaster, from the company’s Geek Squad Agents including voice communications, and BlueShirts. We also team with The F.M. Kirby Foundation, Inc., a family data transmissions, computer access, the American Radio Relay League of foundation located in Morristown, N.J., has supported the American Red satellite coverage, cell phones, fax amateur radio operators and numerous Cross for 19 years, most recently with capabilities and networking. All of these other vendors and partners to ensure a generous gift of $500,000 to the capabilities include backup systems. success. Disaster Relief Fund. Like the F.M. Kirby Foundation, the Red Cross believes Within the first 24 to 48 hours of an Our ability to act quickly when disaster that “when people unite in a charitable operation, a technology team and strikes is a result of our ongoing cause that is right and good, the an initial shipment of supplies are readiness activities. Our services impossible becomes possible.” deployed. Supplies are warehoused represent the culmination of a year- Since 1992, the Foundation has in Austin, Texas, and are transported round process of strategic planning, given gifts to the Red Cross totaling overnight by FedEx through a generous organization and preparation between $6,325,000, and in 2007, the F.M. Kirby corporate sponsorship. Additional the Red Cross and our partners. Foundation also donated $100,000 toward a bloodmobile for the Penn- ...Preparing for Tomorrow Jersey Blood Services Region. In addition, the F.M. Kirby Foundation generously supports blood donor programs and disaster relief and Past large disasters, such as Hurricane within these areas and our ability to preparedness at chapters in Morristown Katrina, have shown us that we must meet those needs. and Summit, N.J., and Wilkes-Barre, Pa. be willing to prepare for the seemingly The very best resource our organization The F.M. Kirby Foundation’s philosophy unimaginable. We must be ready to act has when disaster strikes is a strong of giving is that “private philanthropy, when a catastrophic disaster strikes. local chapter tied into the fabric of its at its best, if provided compassionately and prudently, encourages self-reliance Future disasters could be large enough community, working daily with local and diminishes government’s role. to require a different approach in the emergency responders. As we build Dedicated grantors and grantees, areas of organizational readiness, com- more resilient communities, the Red working together, tend to ennoble and munity partner collaboration, indi- Cross and our partners will gain a enrich our society.” vidual preparedness and sustainability. deeper understanding of the needs of The Red Cross deeply appreciates the Through our chapters and with our each area. We are committed to keep- F.M. Kirby Foundation’s long-standing local partners, we will reach deeply and ing our donors and partners informed support and looks forward to our widely into our communities to close about our innovative and vital work in continued partnership. the gap between the anticipated needs the months and years ahead. 11
Your Gift at Work in 2008 Food and Shelter Emergency Call Centers and Communications The Red Cross provides regular meals in its shelters as Costs include people and resources used to provide connectivity well as through mobile distribution and additional fixed sites infrastructure and critical information, including locations of Red for affected residents and responders. Through effective Cross service sites for shelter, food and distribution of emergency partnerships with government and community organizations, relief items. COST: $7,333,000 the Red Cross ensures that shelters meet the needs of individual communities. COST: $60,298,000 Disaster Systems Costs include the IT systems to record casework and recruit, Logistical Support manage and deploy volunteers. COST: $5,590,000 A disaster relief response requires a vast reserve of resources and volunteers. Managing these resources requires real Physical and Mental Health Services estate, logistical support and vendor agreements that Costs may include basic first aid, replacing prescriptions and exceed local capabilities. Associated costs include, but are emotional support. COST: $1,915,000 not limited to, rented space for shelter facilities, disaster response headquarters and warehousing, vehicle rental, fleet Disaster Welfare Information management, fuel and other necessities. COST: $24,130,000 Costs include the maintenance and operation of the Red Cross Safe and Well Web site and a toll-free information line. Emergency Assistance to Families COST: $148,000 and Individuals Red Cross client caseworkers meet with individuals affected by disaster to offer assistance and identify any special needs such Total cost of 2008 disaster services: $161,329,000 as planning their long-term recovery to ensure that they are safely accommodated. COST: $20,951,000 Funds donated in 2008: $132,625,000 Readiness and Partnering The past year was an extremely active one for disasters. The The Red Cross provides planning and preparedness for American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund paid for more than 130 disasters. Readiness and capacity development provides a large-scale relief operations in 2008, including 40 tornadoes, 34 means to actively build capacity and to evaluate the potential hurricane-related operations, 23 floods and 10 wildfires. Every needs of the community ahead of events. The Red Cross year, the Red Cross spends an average of $100 million on its also focuses on capacity enhancement of relationships with disaster services program. both government and non-government organizations to All of these disaster services were paid for by the Disaster ensure a coordinated, immediate and effective response. Relief Fund and made possible by the generous support of COST: $15,358,000 corporations, foundations and individuals. However, the cost of providing this critical disaster relief in 2008 rapidly outpaced Fundraising Costs/Management contributions to the Red Cross, depleting our Disaster Relief and General Fund. In September 2008, the Red Cross launched the The Red Cross manages a large number of contributions Campaign for Disaster Relief to raise $100 million for the from philanthropic donors who help meet the costs of relief Disaster Relief Fund. As of May 2009, we have raised more operations. These costs include essential services in support than $91 million. of the Red Cross disaster relief effort, such as finance and accounting, legal and auditing fees and public information outreach. These contributions enable the Red Cross to Expenses (in thousands) respond to disasters and to fulfill our mission. Food and Shelter COST: $14,520,000 37%—$60,298 Logistical Support 15%—$24,130 Disaster Operations Management Emergency Assistance to Families and Individuals 13%—$20,951 The Red Cross has a team of people who coordinate the response to national disasters by deploying human and Readiness and Partnering 10%—$15,358 material resources for disaster response. They also provide Fudraising Costs/Management and General 9%—$14,520 guidance and support on a 24/7 basis to disaster relief Disaster Operations Management 7%—$11,087 operations and chapters and share critical information with partners in government and voluntary disaster relief agencies. Emergency Call Centers and Communications 5%—$7,333 COST: $11,087,000 Disaster Systems 3%—$5,590 Physical and Mental Health Services 1%—$1,915 Disaster Welfare Information
Thank You We can never be certain what the future will bring, but two things always hold true: first, we must be prepared for the worst; second, we know we will be ready with the help of our partners—the corporations, Daniel Cima/American Red Cross foundations, individuals and organizations who join with us every year to provide disaster relief. In April 2007, a fire destroyed the Martinez family’s home. The Red Cross provided them with food, clothing and emergency assistance to help them get back on their feet. In September 2008, the The Red Cross is engaged in some type Red Cross provided the Martinez family with shelter from Tropical Storm Hanna. Here, thirteen- year-old Teresa Martinez smiles at a Red Cross disaster worker in the shelter where her family of disaster relief operation 24 hours a found refuge. day, 365 days a year, and your gift to our Disaster Online Newsroom, or at People who turn to the Red Cross in the Disaster Relief Fund allows us to your favorite networking site such as their darkest hour know they can rely provide our vital life-saving services. Flickr, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, on that trusted symbol of disaster relief From January through December LinkedIn and SocialVibe. to see them through. Fulfilling our 2008, we responded to 131 large-scale humanitarian mission is only possible Your gift to the American Red Cross disasters. We helped the survivors of with the support of partners like you. Disaster Relief Fund made our the worst flooding in the central United response possible. By supporting the States in 15 years, a record number of Red Cross, you ensure that we can put Thank you for tornadoes, an active hurricane season in place disaster supplies, vehicles, your belief in the and late fall wildfires. facilities and workers. We ensure the American Red Cross. To learn more, please visit us at availability of our resources 24 hours a RedCross.org, where you can find day, every day. 13
You can also read