American Red Cross Supports Community Following Virginia Tech Tragedy

WASHINGTON, Tuesday, April 17, 2007 — Following the tragic event at the Virginia Tech campus, the American Red Cross is one of many organizations in the local community offering support at this time. Our trained relief workers, mostly mental health workers, arrived at Virginia Tech yesterday to support the efforts of local Red Cross volunteers who have been offering emotional support, food and beverages to students, loved ones and first responders.

Working alongside our local partners and responders in the relief effort, the American Red Cross is dedicated to ensuring the best care and support possible in the aftermath of a tragic event. Mental health services provided by the American Red Cross include all services that help survivors, family members, university and community members cope with the trauma. A strong network of compassionate support also helps first responders and local officials handle the needs of the community following a tragedy of this nature. This network includes mental health support and psychological first aid; spiritual care teams; food and beverages and access to local resources that can help those affected for the longer term.

Following a tragic event, people anticipate the latest news and updates about relief efforts. Such events are upsetting, as images and eye-witness accounts continue to play in the media and other public forums - and can cause fear, anxiety, nightmares and other issues. With steady news coverage and community memorials and other ceremonies anticipated to occur, the American Red Cross urges you and your loved ones to take the necessary precautions to help viewers cope with emerging trauma:

• Talk with others about what happened
• Create opportunities for children and young adults to talk with each other about what happened - and how they are feeling
• Consider the benefits of talking with a counselor who has specialized training in post-traumatic reactions and can help individuals and families understand and cope with their feelings.

Remember to take time away from the news – make sure you continue your daily routines, spend time with your loved ones and focus efforts away from the tragedy.

The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.

Related Links:

• Montgomery-Floyd chapter of the American Red Cross

Related Content:

• Prepare for all Types of Disaster
• Prepare at School