American Red Cross Provides Emotional Support to Crash Victims | American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter

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American Red Cross Provides Emotional Support to Crash Victims

(Phoenix, AZ) January 11, 2008 —The American Red Cross is offering emotional support to people impacted by Sunday night’s bus crash through outreach, a telephone number to talk to Disaster Mental Health workers and a gathering to provide emotional support.
A chartered bus carrying 51 people returning to Phoenix from Telluride crashed in Utah killing 9 people and injuring several others. Red Cross volunteers began counseling families at hospitals immediately after the accident.
There were several other buses filled with people returning to Phoenix from a ski trip in Telluride the night of the accident. Everyone who took part in the trip likely is feeling the affects of this disaster. The American Red Cross wants to ensure people who were traveling with the group, and families impacted, can access emotional support if needed. There are two options:
1) A telephone number to call Red Cross Disaster Mental Health workers for emotional support 24 hours a day. The assistance is available at least through January 20. The number is 602-206-8938. People who call the 24 hour line can also access referrals for additional services.
2) Red Cross is hosting an event on Sunday, January 13 at 2pm at Piper Center located at 6135 N. Black Canyon Highway in Phoenix. Disaster Mental Health workers will be on hand and educational materials will be available.
In a disaster such as this, the Red Cross is a support agency to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Through a partnership agreement, the Red Cross will provide mental health support and other disaster services, as needed.
“As you can imagine, families and friends are really struggling,” said Cara Sloman, Grand Canyon Chapter Director of Emergency Services. “We are a humanitarian organization and we want people to know they have a shoulder to lean on,” she added.
The range of emotions people are feeling are natural and can last for an extended period following any loss. Red Cross Disaster Mental Health workers provide services ranging from talking and listening as disaster victims describe their experiences, to providing referrals to community organizations.
“We provide a lot of education designed to help people take care of themselves. We also share what they can expect in the future as their recovery advances,” said Judith Samford, Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Manager.