FROM THE RED CROSS SITERed Cross has activated its Aviation Incident Response (AIR) Team to respond in New York City, and trained disaster workers from the American Red Cross of Greater New York and the National Capitol Chapter in Washington, D.C. are providing relief in the affected areas.
80,000 blood donations in the American Red Cross blood inventory are ready to ship to affected areas and will ensure that patients' lives are saved. Donors who wish to give blood in the coming days to replenish the nation's blood supply are encouraged to call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to make an appointment.
In the wake of these traumatic events lies a wide path of catastrophic physical and psychological destruction in which countless victims will require assistance. In addition to meeting the physical needs of the affected regions, the American Red Cross will be providing crisis mental health counseling.
The Red Cross AIR Team has been activated and is responding in New York City and Boston, where one of the flights that struck the World Trade Center originated. Made up of leadership teams from all Red Cross disaster relief functions, the AIR Team responds when activated through the Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Act of 1996. This act charged the National Transportation Safety Board with designating an organization to provide for the emotional needs of victims, family members and rescue workers. NTSB selected the American Red Cross because of our nationally recognized mental health counseling program.