[9/13/01, DeKalb, IL] - From the grounds of the Pentagon to the shattered streets of Manhattan to the fields of Somerset County, Pennsylvania, America is in mourning following Tuesday's catastrophic terrorist attacks. The American Red Cross continues to provide lifesaving relief, including safe shelter, blood products, food, beverages and comfort to thousands of affected people around the country. Local efforts include providing Disaster Welfare Inquiries, directing residents to local blood drives, assisting military families of those service people affected and ongoing fund-raising efforts.
Disaster Welfare Inquiries
A few Disaster Welfare Inquiries have been made since the tragic events of 9/11/01. A Disaster Welfare Inquiry happens when an individual has exhausted all means to contact a family member affected by the disaster. The individual would call the American Red Cross Chapter for their assistance. The local Chapter will take all pertinent information, pass the request on to the American Red Cross at the site of the disaster, and attempt to put the two parties together.
Local Blood Drives, reprinted from Heartland Blood Center Webpage www.heartlandbc.org
"As our nation mourns the loss of so many Americans who were the unfortunate victims of this most recent terrorist attack, we at Heartland Blood Centers wish to extend our condolences to their families, friends and loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all. Thanks to a very generous and compassionate donor base, Heartland was involved in a shipment of over 700 units of blood to New York Blood Center which supplies the hospitals receiving patients from the World Trade Center attack on 9/11/01. At this point, we have been asked to hold on making any further shipments until the total transfusion needs of all victims have been assessed.
Red Blood Cells are only good for 42 days. Because of the tremendous outpouring of blood donations in the last few days, Heartland is asking donors to make a point to donate over the next several weeks in order to prevent a major blood shortage in weeks to come. This continual replenishment of blood donations will allow us to respond to any further requests for blood nationwide on an ongoing basis. With so many donors giving today and unless donations are staggered over the next several weeks, Heartland may find itself in a blood shortage as donors who have just given will not be able to give again for 8 weeks. " Please visit their webpage for updated information and call to make an appointment to donate
Aid to Military Families The American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES) has established a special toll free number for families of military and civilian workers affected by the terrorist attack on the Pentagon in Washington, DC. Employees and volunteers will staff this AFES Hotline 24 hours a day to help families of the military and civilians with their needs as a result of this tragedy. The toll free number is (800) 888-6967.
Fund-raising All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. To help people of this emergency and others, contributions can be made to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by calling 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Internet users can make a secure online credit card contribution by visiting www.redcross.org. Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may also be sent to the American Red Cross DeKalb County Chapter 2727 Sycamore Rd, Suite 2A, DeKalb, IL .
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