Red Cross stresses the importance of self-care during disaster recovery
PRESS RELEASE: MONTPELIER, Vt., JULY 17, 2023 — The American Red Cross is committed to helping Vermont families recover from last week’s catastrophic flooding event – and our operation continues to grow as we reach more affected communities every day. When an emergency happens, the Red Cross delivers help to whoever needs it. More than 200 Red Cross volunteers from across the country have deployed to the Green Mountains to feed, shelter and support Vermonters during their time of need.
RED CROSS SERVICE DELIVERY
Since shelters opened, the Red Cross and our partners have provided 484 overnight stays for more than 186 residents in three emergency shelters.
With the help of partners, a total of 7,243 meals and snacks have been provided.
To date, 5,336 relief items, including comfort kits and other supplies have been provided to people in need and 489 total households have been served.
This Red Cross operation is supported by 203 trained Red Cross disaster workers.
DISASTER MENTAL HEALTH
Health is not possible without mental health. Surviving a disaster can be stressful. It’s important to remember to support each other and make time for self-care. The Red Cross can help.
In Vermont, there are currently 22 disaster mental health volunteers who are trained to support health and mental health services as well as spiritual care needs in shelters and throughout the community – Red Cross volunteers, like Marty Dwyer, a retired school counselor from North Carolina, who says, for some individuals, the reality of the trauma may just be setting in.
“A week in, some individuals may be feeling angry or very tearful. That’s why it’s so helpful to have a chance to talk to someone; begin to process what’s just happened to prevent long term mental health concerns. We’re not doing therapy – we’re more like confidential, mental health first aid,” Dwyer explains. “We encourage self-care, reminding people not to get so caught up in the clean-up that they forget to drink water, make sure they’re sleeping and eating healthful foods. We’re simply giving people the support to help them discover their resilience and provide some hope.”
If you or a loved one needs help, reach out through the Disaster Distress Helpline for free 24/7 support by calling 1-800-985-5990 or texting TALKWITHUS to 66746.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Help us help Vermont. Vermonters are resilient, but they need your help right now. The Red Cross is seeking community members to join us in our humanitarian mission to alleviate human suffering in the face of this emergency as Vermont families begin their road to recovery. There are a variety of jobs available. Help us by picking up a local shift today!
For more information or to sign-up for a shift, visit https://bit.ly/RedCrossVTFloods.
MULTI AGENCY RESOURCE CENTER
Our trained disaster workers are supporting several multi-agency resource centers (MARCs) in Barre, Ludlow, Johnson, Londonderry and Woodstock. These sites serve as a “one stop shop” for people looking to access recovery services and programs, get a meal, pick up cleaning supplies and meet with mental health and spiritual care volunteers. The Red Cross and our community partners are on hand to help navigate the recovery process.
MARC LOCATIONS AND DATES
July 18
Johnson Elementary School (57 College Hill Rd., Johnson) – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Neighborhood Connections (5700 Vt. Rt. 100, Londonderry) – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Woodstock High School (100 Amsden Way, Woodstock) – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
July 19
Johnson Elementary School (57 College Hill Rd., Johnson) – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Neighborhood Connections (5700 Vt. Rt. 100, Londonderry) – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Woodstock High School (100 Amsden Way, Woodstock) – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
July 20
Neighborhood Connections (5700 Vt. Rt. 100, Londonderry) – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Woodstock High School (100 Amsden Way, Woodstock) – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
RED CROSS SHELTER LOCATIONS:
Barre City Auditorium (16 Auditorium Hill, Barre)
Rutland High School (22 Stratton Rd., Rutland)
Northern Vermont University – Johnson campus (337 College Hill, Johnson)
HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can help people affected by disasters like flooding and countless other crises by making a donation to support 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.
The Red Cross is not accepting donations of clothing or household items, as these types of donations divert resources away from our mission.
Due to health code regulations, the Red Cross cannot accept donations of homecooked meals or food items not prepared in a commercial kitchen.
DONATE LIFESAVING BLOOD
Over the last several days, dangerous weather conditions and floodwaters have canceled blood drives. We anticipate fewer donors to come out to donate at drives in and around affected areas. 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 today by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
For additional help or to report damage, dial 2-1-1.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
