Red Cross

$1 million donation will support disaster preparedness and response at national and local level

WASHINGTON, June 01, 2009 -- Ryder today announced it is committing $1 million over the next three years through the Ryder Charitable Foundation to support national and local disaster preparedness and response efforts, making it the newest member of the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program.

This is Ryder’s largest national donation to the Red Cross, although the Miami-based company has been a longtime supporter of the American Red Cross. The majority of the $1 million gift, $850,000, will be designated to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, and the remaining $150,000 will be directed to the Greater Miami & the Keys chapter.    » read more »

WASHINGTON, Monday, May 11, 2009 — One year after an 8.0 magnitude earthquake killed more than 69,000 people and destroyed an estimated 5 million houses in southwest China, communities are filled with the signs and sounds of recovery. The focus has shifted from putting up prefabricated, transitional shelters and distributing relief items to constructing more permanent, earthquake-resistant homes and helping people work through their emotional trauma.

"The pace of recovery is remarkable, with tens of thousands of houses that the Red Cross is supporting under construction or complete," says David Meltzer, Senior Vice President of International Services for the American Red Cross.    » read more »

Red Cross survey findings show people are following common sense practices to prevent the spread of flu - proper hand washing, visiting the doctor and staying home when sick.

WASHINGTON, Wednesday, May 06, 2009 — One in three Americans is worried about the swine flu (H1N1) outbreak, but more than half of the people are paying extra attention to good hygiene and preparedness as a way of protecting themselves from the virus, according to a new poll by the American Red Cross.

The survey of 1,004 U.S. adults, taken May 1-4, shows that four out of five of those surveyed reported that they are following the swine flu story very or fairly closely, and 36 percent said they were either very worried (8 percent) or somewhat worried (28 percent) about this flu virus.    » read more »

WASHINGTON, Tuesday, March 17, 2009 — March was officially declared Red Cross Month by order of a Presidential Proclamation signed by President Barack Obama, marking the 66th time the month of March has been celebrated in honor of the organization.

The proclamation reads, in part:    » read more »

WASHINGTON, Friday, January 23, 2009 — The American Red Cross saw record numbers of people in this country participating in volunteer events on Monday’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Two of the most popular Red Cross events were giving blood and taking the on-line training program, “Be Red Cross Ready.”

Called to action by President Barack Obama, more than 2,600 chose “Be Red Cross Ready” over the four-day holiday weekend. This unique on-line training offered an alternative for folks who couldn’t go out in their communities to participate in other activities.    » read more »

Today And Tomorrow

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 30, 2008 -- The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to coordinate the operational and support activities of numerous federal agencies in response to continued flooding in the Midwest.

FEMA and its federal partners are working closely with state and local governments as well as with the private sector to support those areas still fighting the floods and to assist those beginning the rebuilding process.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

* Where waters have receded, FEMA disaster assistance workers are providing resources to individuals seeking assistance in the Midwest.    » read more »

Kabul/Geneva (ICRC) – The protracted armed conflict in Afghanistan is causing great suffering for ordinary people across the country, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) told the International Conference in Support of Afghanistan, meeting today in Paris.

Afghan child waiting to see doctor: DOD photo.    » read more »

Anticipates spending in excess of $15 Million for recent disasters

WASHINGTON, June 13, 2008 — The American Red Cross anticipates spending millions as it moves forward with relief efforts for the victims of flooding and tornadoes across seven states, an enormous geographic area. From Kansas to West Virginia, the Red Cross is present with vast amounts of clean up supplies, dozens of shelters and tens of thousands of meals.    » read more »

Relief efforts underway throughout Midwest, but also in West Virginia

WASHINGTON -- June 09, 2008 -- Storms and heavy rainfall have caused serious flash flooding in already saturated areas of the central United States. In response, the American Red Cross has mobilized relief workers to six states in the devastated areas.

Flooded midwestern home: Photo by cabakus (CC)

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss.    » read more »

WASHINGTON, Friday, May 23, 2008 — In response to the devastating 7.9 magnitude earthquake that hit China’s Sichuan province on May 12, the American public and corporations have generously supported American Red Cross relief efforts.

“The American Red Cross is grateful for the outpouring of compassion we’ve received from individuals and corporations across the United States,” said David Meltzer, senior vice president, International Services for the American Red Cross. “Thanks to this support, the Red Cross has been able to provide immediate financial assistance to support vital relief efforts for those affected by the earthquake in China.”    » read more »

The Red Cross says Cyclone Nargis may have affected as many as 2.5 million people in Burma, and international groups say the death toll could end up being more than 100,000.

Burma raised its official death toll last week to 38,000, as weather organizations predicted more heavy rain that could make flooding in the country's agricultural belt even worse.

Burmese refugees in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis: Photo by TZA (CC)

The cyclone hit over two weeks ago, devastating Burma's Irrawaddy delta.

The United Nations says lack of emergency aid could contribute to famine and disease that would send the death toll even higher.    » read more »

21 January 2008 -- The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies warns climate change is one of the greatest threats facing humanity. The Swiss-based humanitarian agency is appealing for nearly $300 million to help people affected by climate change-related disasters and other global problems over the next two years.

The Red Cross Federation says climate change is no longer an abstract issue, it is an undeniable reality, and it is have a catastrophic affect on communities around the world.    » read more »

14 January 2008 -- The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies warns the disastrous floods that have hit Southern Africa are likely to get worse. It says rains are forecast to continue until April.

Rains, which began in early December, have caused many rivers along the Zambezi basin to swell. Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique have experienced severe flooding and the situation is spreading to other countries, notably Malawi, Lesotho and Madagascar.    » read more »

17-12-2007 -- The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement strongly condemns the abduction and murder of a volunteer of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society in Jaffna on 14 December.

Sooriyakanthy Thavarajah (43) worked for the Jaffna branch of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS). He was abducted by unidentified gunmen from his home in Kalviwan Kadu, Jaffna, in the presence of his family. His body was found on 16 December at Kaithady.    » read more »

13 December 2007 -- The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies says people who suffer discrimination are often overlooked in times of disaster and may not survive those crises. This year's World Disaster Report tackles the problem of discrimination in disasters and examines ways to help marginalized people get a fair share of assistance.

The report says disasters do not discriminate, people do. And this often can lead to loss of life, disability and increased poverty.    » read more »