“The Red Cross is always there for those who need us.”

After Continental Airlines Flight 3407, which was traveling from Newark to Buffalo, crashed into a home in Clarence Center, NY on February 12, 2009 killing all on board, 12 relief workers from the Greater New York Chapter were deployed to Buffalo as part of a coordinated Red Cross relief effort to provide comfort and counseling to those affected by the crash.

Diane Ryan, NY Red Cross Director, Mental Health & Service Programs, was one of two mental health workers from the Greater NY Chapter who traveled to Buffalo. Over the course of 10 days in Buffalo, Diane co-led the Red Cross mental health response. In this role, she coordinated the work of the mental health and spiritual care volunteers who provided service to friends and families of the passengers and aircraft personnel, those who evacuated from their homes at the impact site and responders in the field.

“The Red Cross is always there for those who need us,” said Diane. “I am proud to be part of an organization that mobilizes immediately to make sure the family and friends of those affected by tragedy are cared for.”

–Diane Ryan, New York Red Cross