By Renee Palagyi, senior program manager, Disaster Cycle Services
Note from the Regional CEO: As we begin this day, 9/11—Patriots Day, I can’t help but remember the 3000+ people who perished on that fateful day 19 years ago. My thoughts and prayers go out to the countless first responders and others, including Red Crossers, who sacrificed to render aid to those in need. I’m sure we all remember where we were when we heard the news of the attacks on our nation. As I think back to the people I called immediately, my wife & my mom, I encourage all of us to take a moment today to call those same people, if they’re still with us, and just tell them how much they mean to us. Thanks for all you do!! Please stay safe and well–enjoy your weekends. Best regards…Mike
September 11, 2020- Today marks the 19th anniversary of one of the most infamous tragedies in American history: September 11, 2001.
Following the attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, along with Flight 93, the American Red Cross did what the Red Cross does when individuals are in need: support first responders, provide the world class Red Cross comfort and help individuals get back on their feet.
Immediately, the Red Cross:
- Activated 6,000 Red Cross volunteers
- Opened 13 Red Cross shelters
- Sent disaster mental health workers to shelters, crash sites, airports and hospitals
- Set up a mental health hotline
- Opened respite centers for firefighters, police officers, port authority workers and others
- Received 1 million calls on the blood donation line (the previous record in one day was 3,000 calls)
- Every chapter in the nation supported stranded passengers at airports as air space was shut down
- Launched the Family Registration Web, a predecessor to today’s redcross.org/safeandwell
- Sent teams of Red Cross workers door-to-door in the Restricted Zone for families who had chosen to stay
- After one year, the Red Cross had served 14 million meals for disaster workers and victims, mental health services for more than 237,000 people, and health services for 131,000 people.
To learn more about the Red Cross’ response following September 11, please read the following previous blog articles of reflection and rememberance:
NOHredcross 