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From Mary Shomon Your Thyroid Guide

Red Cross Launches Nationwide Information Hotline

October, 2001

The American Red Cross predicts hundreds of calls will soon become thousands as word gets out on a new toll- free national information, compassion and support hotline in response to the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Translation services and TDD lines for the hearing impaired are part of the new system.

1-866-GET-INFO (866-438-4636)
800-526-1417 TDD
Trained American Red Cross operators are staffing the hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide callers with immediate access to national and community-based resources, from instant grief counseling to how the tragedies should be explained to children. "This one phone number is the equivalent of one-stop-shopping for information and support," said John Clizbe, vice president of Disaster Services for the American Red Cross. "The Red Cross has virtually combined all the various credible sources of information and referral resources into one information bank. This will better serve the American people who are turning to the Red Cross for help in the wake of this tragedy." Callers to the new hotline are finding help with the following:
  • Answers to basic questions relating to the terrorist attacks
  • Guidance regarding safety and security issues
  • Information for families still seeking missing persons
  • Instantaneous links to emergency health, mental health or law enforcement services in the home jurisdiction of the caller
  • Brief supportive counseling addressing emotional, spiritual and physical health concerns
  • How to answer questions from children
  • Referrals to more than 1,000 Red Cross chapters nationwide for follow- up through local counseling resources
  • Literature through the mail such as brochures for children, etc.
  • Linkage to other hotlines and services that may assist in meeting the expressed need
  • Promotion of understanding on cultural and religious differences
  • Statistics and general information about Red Cross activities
  • How to help the relief efforts through financial donations and volunteer opportunities
"The public appropriately looks to the American Red Cross for accurate and timely information," said Clizbe. "And they're getting exactly that."

In the days since the September 11 attacks, the American Red Cross has worked around the clock to provide disaster relief and blood products nationwide. More than 19,800 dedicated volunteers have responded under the Red Cross banner to provide comfort, care and emotional support in cities across the country. Red Cross disaster mental heath workers have helped more than 33,600 people deal with the emotional trauma from the tragedies. More than 4,000 people sought safe refuge in one of 64 Red Cross shelters, and more than 3.5 million meals and snacks have been served to survivors, rescue personnel and stranded travelers throughout the United States.

American Red Cross disaster assistance is provided to people in need without charge. This is made possible by voluntary donations of time, money and blood from the American people. To help provide support for people in need following this disaster as well as emerging human needs resulting from this tragedy, contributions can be made to the American Red Cross Liberty 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 http://www.redcross.org . Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.


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