In Case You Missed It

The Red Cross helped New York recover after flooding over the weekend.

 Over the last seven days, the Greater New York Red Cross has provided emergency assistance to 163 adults and 64 children following 51 local disaster responses. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• After severe flooding throughout the region on Friday, our amazing volunteers on the Disaster Assessment Teams and the Shelter Overnight Team worked tirelessly to provide food, shelter, comfort, and care to those affected by the disaster.
• Newsday, NBC, and News12 Long Island covered Red Cross GNY’s shelter operation in New Hyde Park in Nassau County, where the Red Cross provided refuge for dozens of residents displaced by severe flooding.
• LoHud, CBS, and News12 Westchester covered Red Cross GNY’s shelter operation in Mamaroneck in Westchester County, where the Red Cross provided refuge for dozens of residents displaced by severe flooding.
• At the end of National Preparedness Month, some of our Service to the Armed Forces team and pet therapy dogs attended Emergency Preparedness Day at U.S. Army Garrison West Point.
• Throughout last week, our Service to the Armed Forces team was happy to participate in the Blue Star Family Welcome Week for new military families transitioning into the community.
• On Wednesday, we published a story on Ashley Flowers, a blood donor ambassador who stresses the importance of donating blood for people with sickle cell disease.
• We also gave a behind-the-scenes look into how our Disaster Action Team responds to more than five disasters a day, relying on a network of volunteers to help fellow New Yorkers through one of the worst days of their life.
• WFUV published an interview about recent changes in FDA policy that the Red Cross has implemented to make blood donation more inclusive.
• BronxNet published an interview with Red Crosser Mary Cueva about her volunteer work in disaster response and her AmeriCorps work with the Home Fire Campaign.

Upcoming Events and Activities

• October 7: The City of Mount Vernon in collaboration with the American Red Cross in Greater New York wants to prepare our community for emergencies including home fires and storms. Join us from 11am to 4pm at the Doles Center for demonstrations, free giveaways, veterans resources, and other safety activities.
• Oct 15: We hope to see you for a day of fun at Long Island Family Day! Our teams will be there to share important safety information and teach Hands Only CPR.
• Oct 26: This fall, we will recognize heroic individuals and compassionate leaders who embody our humanitarian mission at the Long Island Heroes Celebration. Join us for an evening of cocktails, fine dining, and music, as well as one-of-a-kind auction items.