Back St. Louis, Wednesday, September 7, 2005 – The American Red Cross’ preparation and response to Hurricane Katrina has resulted in the largest mobilization of resources for a single natural disaster in the history of the organization. To date, the Red Cross has opened more than 615 shelters and evacuation centers in 17 states to provide safe refuge for more than 155,000 evacuees, while serving more than 4.6 million hot meals to those in need.  St. Louis Response: Significant relief is underway in St. Louis, as well. The American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter has already assisted more than 1,300 individuals who have fled the devastation of the storm, most of whom have relatives or friends to stay with for the time being. The local Chapter’s emergency assistance has focused on shelter, food, clothing, medical prescriptions, eyeglasses and mental health counseling. “As local citizens watch the devastation of this natural disaster on television, I encourage St. Louisans to remember that there are many residents from the affected areas who have already relocated to our area,” said Joseph C. White, CEO of the St. Louis Area Chapter. “Red Cross caseworkers and emergency services volunteers here in St. Louis are meeting with evacuees on a daily basis, and we are inspired by the strength and determination of these remarkable survivors.” As announced earlier this week by the Mayor’s office and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), up to 2,000 evacuees will be airlifted from the Gulf Coast region to St. Louis soon. The American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter is assisting the City of St. Louis and SEMA in their management of an emergency shelter in the Boeing hangar at Lambert Airport. The Red Cross will be responsible for registration of evacuees, management of dormitories and food distribution. A toll-free phone bank was opened at the St. Louis Area Chapter last Tuesday and has been fully staffed by more than 200 people. Through Tuesday, more than 5,500 calls had been received from individuals interested in volunteering, making a donation to the relief effort, and giving blood. Many have also called regarding how to find family members. The phone bank will remain open as long as needed. The St. Louis Area Chapter has also played an important role in the national relief effort, deploying 27 highly trained staff and volunteers throughout the areas impacted by the storm. An additional 70 trained national disaster volunteers remain on standby for deployment as needed. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina’s first landfall, the Chapter dispatched its emergency response vehicle capable of delivering up to 600 meals at a time into the neighborhoods most severely affected by the powerful winds and extensive flooding.  Fundraising: The American people are giving as they always do in a time of need. Nationally, the American Red Cross has raised approximately $409 million in donations and pledges, and the St. Louis Area Chapter has received nearly $10 million. The Red Cross is confident that the American people will support all of the agencies providing relief, including the United Way, as we work together on behalf of all those affected. Resources: For inquiries regarding the Hurricane Katrina disaster relief operation, please contact the American Red Cross at the following: • Main Contact: 1.800.984.8979 or log on to www.redcrossstl.org • Family Linking: 1.877.LOVED.1S • Blood Donation: 1.800.GIVE.LIFE About the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter: Founded in 1917, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter provides emergency and preparedness assistance more than 397,000 times each year. The Red Cross depends on the efforts of thousands of volunteers and 140 staff to provide a wide range of community support services, including disaster relief, first aid and CPR training, water safety, adult daytime professional care, services to military personnel, assistance to homeless families, and support for blood services. The Chapter provides programs and services to St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and Jefferson County in Missouri, as well as Monroe, St. Clair (including Scott Air Force Base) and part of Madison County in Illinois. # # #

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