Highly Trained Red Cross Volunteer Retruns From Florida

Red Cross Damage Assessment Volunteer, Bill Vaudreuil of Greenwood, returned home Monday morning from his deployment to Paisley, Florida.

The small town of Paisley boasts a population of just over 700 residents who lived sprinkled throughout the Central Florida countryside in mobile or single family homes. Many of its residents chose to live in Paisley because it is a peaceful location providing shelter and respite from Florida storms--until now.

"I was called to deploy Friday night and arrived in Florida early Saturday morning," stated Vaudreuil. "We arrived ahead of any Federal Agencies and began to assess the damage." Vaudreuil reflected on what he saw and remembered the distinct path the tornado carved into the countryside. "Trees were torn down and homes were destroyed where the tornado traveled," he paused then began again, "no, the homes were not just destroyed, they were gone!"

Volunteers like Vaudreuil are highly trained having taken basic, intermediate, and advanced Red Cross courses which provide expertise in a chosen field of service.

Potential volunteers can select from many areas of service at both the local and national levels: Health Services, Mental Health Services, Sheltering, Feeding, Disaster Assessment, Facilities Management, Procurement, Transportation Management, IT, Public Affairs, and Fundraising are only some of the specialties.

The American Red Cross never allows a volunteer to enter a disaster situation with out training. If you would like to provide relief, either at the local or national levels, contact the Upstate Chapter today at (864) 271-8222 to become involved.

Local Volunteers Continue Relief in Florida

Friday's storm was the second-deadliest combination of thunderstorms and tornadoes in Florida history. Joe Hawkins and Robert Neil, two seasoned Red Cross relief workers from Greenville are there and amazed at what they see.

"The devastation is extensive," remarks Hawkins who daily drives an Emergency Response Vehicle through Valusia County neighborhoods. Echos of chainsaws, hammers, and dump trucks can still be heard there. Hawkins continues, "Trees are twisted off and ripped from their roots, homes have been blown apart down to the foundation, people are in shock over the damage."

Joe and Robert are working long hours providing a vital life-link to Florida residents. Together, they have delivered nearly 4,000 meals working from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The violent F4 tornado packed winds as high as 165 mph, about 30 mph higher than Hurricane Katrina. Many Florida residents without homes today say they never felt a breeze the night the storms ravaged the state. The Red Cross estimates that over 2000 homes received major or minor structural damage, or were destroyed completely totaling near $70 million dollars in damage thus far.

The need for Red Cross services continues as a curfew is still in effect for Florida residents in storm damaged areas. Progress Energy and Sumter Electric Co-op have restored power to the homes that can safely receive electricity. "We expect to be here until next weekend," states Hawkins, "but as long as there is a need, we will remain."

Joe and Robert are two of the 434 "Red Crossers" that responded to Florida. They represent some of the finest citizens the Upstate has to offer. They are truly modern day heroes.

Reuniting Families in Tragedy

When tragedy strikes, the Red Cross is there to lend a hand enabling disaster victims to begin the recovery process.

Reconnecting with family, friends and loved ones jump starts the healing process, and one way Florida's disaster victims can convey their welfare is through the American Red Cross' Safe and Well website. The Red Cross encourages individuals and families to register themselves as “safe and well” on the site, which is accessible at all times via www.redcross.org.

With Internet access, people within a disaster area are able to select and post standard “safe and well” messages on the Safe and Well Website. Sample standardized messages for posting include:

􀂃 I am safe and well
􀂃 Family and I are safe and well
􀂃 Currently at a shelter
􀂃 Currently at home
􀂃 Currently at friend/family member/neighbor’s house
􀂃 Will make phone calls when able
􀂃 Will email when able
􀂃 Will mail letter/postcard when able

Using a last name and phone number (home, cell, or work) or complete home address, family members outside of the disaster-affected areas can search the website for the “safe and well” messages left by their loved ones.

The Safe and Well website complies with all privacy and child protection laws. Because of these concerns, no location information will be publicly displayed on this website. Every person maintains the right to determine how best to communicate their contact information and whereabouts to family members.

The Safe and Well website is just one more way the American Red Cross provides peace of mind for those directly or indirectly affected by tragedy.

Upstate Red Cross Responds to Devastating Florida Tornadoes

Central Florida residents and vacationers received a devastating blow to the start of February as tornadoes ripped through communities across the state, prompting Florida Gov. Charlie Crist to declare a state of emergency in Lake, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia counties.

Overnight, volunteers from the Upstate Red Cross sprang into action. "When we heard the news, we knew we had to help," stated Joe Hawkins, a seasoned disaster response volunteer whose most recent deployment was to Louisiana during Hurricane Katrina.

The Upstate Chapter has deployed four volunteers so far, some of whom left late last night for Daytona Beach one of the hardest hit, Valusia County cities in Central Florida. The deployed relief workers will be doing a variety of activities while on their two-week assignment. Some will deliver meals in the affected neighborhoods, others will comfort victims who find solice in Red Cross shelters, while others will comb weather-torn neighborhoods assessing the extent of damage.

"Red Cross volunteers are some of the Upstate's most selfless residents," states Red Cross spokesman Brian Scoles. "Our volunteers will leave their homes, families, and jobs in the middle of the night if need be. They leave knowing it will be two or three weeks, sometimes longer, before returning home."

The Upstate Chapter's mission is to care for the emergency, disaster-caused needs of residents throughout the Upstate, but they also care for the needs of friends and neighbors across the country.

If you would like to get involved with the American Red Cross, call the Upstate Chapter at (864) 271-8222 or by logging onto the Chapter's website at upstatescredcross.org to begin the process today.

Red Cross Employee Dedicates Effort to Strengthening Community Preparedness

There is strength in the Greenville Community in the vast array of organizations that have the capabilities and resources to respond in times of disaster as well as the individual spirit of volunteerism among citizens to help those in need. The Upstate Red Cross Chapter employs the nations first and only Community Disaster Preparedness Specialist (CDPS) to ensure that the strength continues to grow and that our communities ability to respond to disaster becomes more efficient through the maximization of resources and manpower.

Evidence of this strength was shown in 2005 when our community hosted individuals and families at the Palmetto Expo Center who had been displaced as a result of Hurricane Katrina. There are many organizations poised to offer assistance in times of disaster--working to create partnerships with those organizations maximizes the strength and effectiveness of disaster response.

The Community Disaster Preparedness Specialist is charged with assessing what disaster response programs are currently available in the Greenville community, determining community readiness for disaster response and working to create partnerships around this issue.

At the heart of the CDPS position is the revitalization of the Greenville County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. The VOAD movement is based on the values of cooperation, communication, coordination, and collaboration. The Greenville County VOAD brings together organizations in the community that will assist residents in the event of a disaster, coordinate service delivery planning, and reduce the duplication of services to victims of disaster.

The CDPS also supports the work of the local Citizen Corps, the Community Emergency Response Team (or CERT) program and the Local Emergency Planning Committee which all work to raise public awareness about disaster preparedness and trains ordinary citizens in how they can respond in their local area during times of disaster.

The CDPS is a partnership between the American Red Cross and local government. The hope of those at the Upstate Chapter is that as the benefits of this pilot position become evident through a well-oiled community disaster response, other chapters and communities across the nation will duplicate this effort, thereby helping countless thousands of Americans become better prepared to respond to, prevent, and survive any disaster that may strike there hometown.

Upstate Chapter Helped More Than 1,100 People Rebuild Their Lives

The core of Red Cross disaster relief is the assistance given to individuals and families affected by disaster to enable them to resume their normal daily activities independently. When a disaster threatens or strikes, the Red Cross provides shelter, food, clothing, health & mental health serivces to address basic human needs.

In addition to these services, the Red Cross also feeds emergency workers, handles inquiries from concerned family members outside the disaster area and helps those affected by disaster to access other available resources.

Over the past year, the Upstate Chapter responded to 268 local disaster and assisted 1,141 individuals in rebuilding their lives. The sole community provider of these types of services, the Upstate Chapter is a private, non-profit organization that depends primarily on local donations and volunteer support to meet its mission of disaster response and preparedness. Each year, the Chapter must anticipate the community's needs and budget its services accordingly.

The 2006-2006 fiscal year was a record for the Upstate Chapter in terms of supporting our communities and a record in terms of contributions.

Katrina was largely responsible for the record donations. When funds are sent for a specific disaster, they are forwarded to the Disaster Relief Fund-the funds do not stay in the local accounts. Nonetheless, the Chapter was able to commit more than $410,000 to local disaster response, which was nearly three times our budget. Without the generosity of the community-individuals, business leaders, and the United Way-over and above the Karina donations, this commitment would not have been possible.

In addition to the disaster response, the Red Cross also provides ongoing health and safety training and education in a number of specialized outreach efforts. These include programs for the Hispanic community, youth leadership, CPR and First Aid training, Certified Nurse Assistant training, water safety, and more.

It might have been a record year of need within our communities, but is was also a record year of volunteer and financial response.

"Gray Ladies" of the Upstate

As the Red Cross organization, and this chapter, grows and changes, it is important to remember our history. Even though the organization may change as it progresses, this article is reflective of our constant, long-standing commitment to the Upstate community and its health and welfare-a factor that will never change.

In 1919, the Upstate Red Cross pioneered the field of public health nursing by becoming the first to employ registered nurses (RNs) to teach home hygiene and maternity care. This eventually led to the formation of the Greenville City and County Health Departments and positioned the Upstate Red Cross Chapter in partnership with the city of Greenville and an important influence in the development of city services.

During the 1930s, Upstate Red Cross nurses led nutrition instructional programs in the schools, which was the forerunner of the School Lunch Program. Following the national mandate to create a cadre of hospital volunteers, in 1941, the Gray Lady Service was organized to serve the Greenville Army Air Base Hospital. By 1950, the Upstate Gray Ladies were serving in local civilian hospitals and institutions. The first Greenville County unit was formed at Allen Bennett Hospital. In the 1960s, Upstate nursing volunteers began to work in school health rooms; by 1970, Upstate Chapter volunteers served in 55 local school health rooms; and by the mid-1970s, blood pressure screenings were in full force at locations throughout the county. Through those placements, the Upstate Chapter could target young persons for blood pressure screenings with its award winning Student Hypertension and Risk Reduction Program (SHARRP) targeted.

In a similar growth pattern, the Red Cross nursing program—another historical national organization flagship program—has changed its focus in the Greenville community. Today, the Upstate Red Cross nurses help ease the shortage of qualified health care professionals in the Greenville community through its Vocational Health Care Training program.

Upstate Hispanic outreach has multi-cultural impact

Reaching out to a diverse community and delivering our vital programs and services effectively to all Upstate cultural communities is a goal of the Upstate Chapter. Catalina Solis, the chapters Hispanic Outreach Specialist, works hard to educate, train, and take the Red Cross mission into the Hispanic Community.

This Outreach Program, funded by BI-LO, LLC., educates the Hispanic community on HIV/Aids awareness, First Aid/CPR, and Disaster Services. Catalina is instrumental in translating materials into Spanish and recruiting volunteers to assist with service delivery. Currently, the program has 126 Hispanic volunteers! The Upstate Outreach Program has three bilingual instructors and 19 instructor in fire prevention and the Together We Prepare initiative.

Quality As Well As Quantity

Many of you may know that the way the American Red Cross does business is changing. From the top down, the organization is streamlining its board of directors, national offices, and field units (chapters) all in an effort to refocus the organization on its core commitment to the American Citizen, disaster relief.

On a local level, beginning January 1st, the Upstate Chapter became a Regional Chapter and accepted a degree of responsibility for six additional counties, thus expanding its area of service to the 11 counties that commonly comprise Upstate South Carolina. This may seem to conflict with my opening statement, but in actuality, it allows community chapters and service centers to concentrate their efforts on service delivery.

Prior to January 1st., there were four individual chapters in the Upstate. They all had the administrative responsibility of reporting its financial, disaster response, and Health & Safety numbers to the Service Area Headquarters in Raleigh. The Service Area Headquarters would then convey them to our National Office. Reporting requirements for larger chapters was no problem. For smaller chapters, compliance with the procedures was far too expensive and time consuming.

Since the change, smaller chapters became Community Chapters and shifted all of their administrative responsibilities, and its expense, to the Regional Chapter. The shift accomplishes a few things: first, fewer hands touching donor dollars increases accountability and accuracy in reporting to the Regional Headquarters. Second, the Community Chapters now have the opportunity to concentrate on delivering quality services tailored to meet the unique needs of the community it serves. This becomes more significant as we see a rise in disaster responses across the Upstate. Quality as well as quantity.

When the quality of Red Cross services rise, along with it occurs a rise in community awareness, community voluntarism, and donations to the local chapter. So, the American Red Cross making voluntary changes from the top down is a good thing, not only for the victims of disaster, but for the Red Cross itself.

By Brian Scoles

Be Ready

At a joint press conference Friday, December 1st, the Upstate South Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross in partnership with Duke Energy and Lowe's stores, launched a significant educational and preparedness campaign to move Upstate South Carolinians toward greater personal preparedness.

The "Be Ready" Project, funded by a generous grant from the Duke Energy Foundation, is designed to raise awareness on the part of Upstate residents to the fact that disasters of any nature can and do strike the Upstate. Once residents are aware, they must take action by building an emergency supplies kit for themselves and each member of their household.

Many residents in Greenville and Spartanburg Counties will receive a card containing a refrigerator magnet with the top 10 essential emergency supplies and information that Duke Energy wants customers to know should the power go out. Residents can then redeem the card at participating Lowe's stores for a free Be Ready backpack. While at Lowe's, residents can fill the bag with batteries, flashlights, a radio, and other supplies they need to be better prepared.

A recent study showed that Americans are not moving toward greater personal preparedness even after seeing the horrific events of September 11, 2001, the five hurricanes that devastated Florida in 2004, and Hurricane Katrina last year. Right here at home, we experienced a severe ice storm last December. Many Upstate residents were caught off guard and depended on organizations to get them through.

The objective of this campaign is to equip people with the tools they need to better survive a disaster on their own for up to 72 hours, ideally. If you would like information on how you can be better prepared, call the Upstate South Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross at (864) 271-8222.

Total Devastation States North Carolina Newspaper Headline

North Carolina's second deadliest tornado in 50 years tore through the state in the early morning of November 16, 2006. According to the Wilmington Morning Star, the twister killed at least eight people including two young children.

The 1,000 foot wide twister carved a path of devastation more than half a mile wide and nearly a mile long, heaving homes from foundations, flipping cars and scattering debris and bodies across the countryside 20 miles west of Wilmington.

This was the scene observed by two Upstate South Carolina Chapter volunteers who were deployed to Wilmington to assist with shelter operations and logistical support.

As more information becomes available on the Red Cross operations in North Carolina, it will be posted on this site.

Americans Unmoved Toward Personal Preparedness

By Brian Scoles

Recently, I came accrossed some startling information that I just have to write about in hopes that it will evoke a response from those who read this blog.

According to a report published by Peter D. Hart Research and Public Opinion Stratagies, Americans, both personally and as a nation, lack the initiative to prepare themselves and their families for natural disasters or terrorist attacks. This comes on the heels of the tragic events of September 11, 2000 and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Americans have readily accepted the changes that have occurred since 9/11 in everything from air travel to entering public buildings or doing business on the Internet. We readily accept being searched and scanned for our safety, yet we fail to undertake the most simple personal precautions and disaster planning to protect ourselves, our family, and our community in the event of a disaster or attack. Why is it that although the nation has adapted to increased security in daily lives, Americans have not personalized the realities of these threats enough to take more personal preparedness actions?

Are we so complacent as a society that we think another tragedy will not strike us? Apparently that is the case. The Hart report states that 54 percent of Americans don't think another disaster is likely to happen.

That's not to say American's hearts weren't touched by what they saw during the terrorist attack and the hurricanes, people donated financially in record proportions. But, donating money to enable someone else to care for the victims and getting actively involved to the point of personal preparedness are very different things.

Why are you unprepared? Why do you think others don't prepare? I'd like to hear from you.

Red Cross CNAs Improving Life for Upstate

Improving the quality of life for Upstate residents is not just a job, it's a way of life for those who work and volunteer at the Upstate Chapter. While the Red Cross provides aid to those who experience disasters, it also provides education to those who want to make a difference in their life and the lives of others.

Sylvia Coltrane, director of Vocational Health Care at the Upstate Chapter oversees the nearly 20-year-old Nurse Assistant Training Program, a four-week course consisting of classroom instruction and practical application. More than 200 community residents graduate each year, and go on to take a state certification exam to become Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs). "We are so proud," Coltrane says of her students, "Many overcome incredible odd to graduate."

Fire Ravages Laurens Business: Red Cross Was There

By Brian Scoles

In the darkness of October 10, Clinton Fire Department responds to a call at the Anderson Hardwood Flooring plant in Clinton. Upon arrival, first responders encountered flames shooting 40 feet into the air. Emergency Preparedness Director Ray Blackwell reported that four workers escaped without injury and issued an evacuation order as a result of toxic chemicals released into the atmosphere.

Kay Osborne, Laurens County Service Center Manager for the Upstate Chapter, along with two volunteers, received the call that Clinton residents were urged to leave their homes and a shelter was opened. Osborne said of the shelter, "Clinton residents need a safe place to go and we will be there for them with food and shelter if only for a little while."

Kim Eller, Chief Chapter Services Officer for the Upstate Chapter, shares these disaster response statistics for the first quarter of the chapter's fiscal year which began July 1: the Chapter has responded to 70 disasters-a little more than 23 responses a month-and committed nearly $52,000 in direct financial assistance to individuals affected by disaster. "Last year was a record breaking year," says Eller, "in the first three months of this fiscal year, we are out pacing where we were a year ago at this point." All Red Cross emergency services are free to victims of disaster, paid for by the generous contributions of individuals and businesses who support the Upstate Chapter.

"Thankfully, no one was injured due to this fire" concludes Osborne. "No matter the result, the Red Cross will be there for the residents of the Upstate."

Anderson Hardwood Floor is a 60 year old firm and the second largest supplier of hardwood floors in America.

Bike Rally Aids Red Cross Chapters

September 29th & 30th, motorcycle enthusiasts had the opportunity to ride, race, and raise funds for a good cause as the Upstate and Piedmont Chapters of the American Red Cross held its 14th annual Motorcycle Rally.

Friday's main draw was motorcycle drag racing at the Greer Dragway, presented by Foothills Motorsports. The event featured some of the nation's top Fuel racers and a competition among all bikers who attended as a way of proving who's got the "baddest hog in South Carolina."

The main rally began at 9 a.m., Saturday, at the BMW Zentrum in Spartanburg. Bikers participated in a poker run which awarded the best hand with a 2007 Harley Davidson 883 Custom bike donated by Harley-Davidson of Greenville.

The route included four stops and ended at the Harley-Davidson of Greenville, where bikers enjoyed a party with local food vendors and music by the Enforcers.

The event draws nearly 1,500 riders and raises approximately $80,000 split between two major Upstate Red Cross chapters in Greenville and Spartanburg Counties.

End of Summer Beach Party Raises Fun and Funds for Upstate Chapter

September 17, 2006, The South's largest beach party was hosted at Pawleys Charcoal Steakhouse in Mauldin, SC., in support of the Upstate South Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross.

"A Day at the Beach" lasted from 1 p.m.-9 p.m. with DJ Ben Phillips playing beach music which could be heard over the sounds of volleyballs at the six on six beach volleyball tournament while spectators enjoyed delicious food from the outdoor beach bar. Little ones who came were entertained in the Kids Zone with games, prizes and fun. In the early evening people were "Shaggin’ on the beach" to the hot tunes of the J Michael Band.

Inside Pawleys, at the VIP party, beach goers enjoyed delicious food and the cool sounds of beach music greats Bill Pinkney, the original voice of “The Drifters,” Billy Scott of “Billy Scott and the Georgia Prophets,” Hack Bartley and Brent Fortson of “The Original Swinging Medallions,” and Clifford Curry who had the hit songs, She Shot a Hole in My Soul and We’re Gonna Hate Ourselves in the Morning, and many other local artists.

Fun was had by everyone! The event brought in over $6,000 for the Chapter.

Fines for Blood Safety Violations

By Brian Scoles

The American Red Cross made the news in a big way this week and last when the FDA fined the Red Cross $4.2 million due to a voluntary recall of 12,000 units of blood and blood products produced by the Red Cross' Biomedical Services.

It is important to know that not all Red Cross chapters are involved in collecting 45 percent of the nations blood supply. The Upstate South Carolina Chapter is one that is not involved with blood collection.

Let's take a look at the issue for a moment: non-compliance with FDA regulations (Consent Decree). The FDA has established guidelines with which blood collection agencies must comply, such as pre-screening of donors, collection of blood and blood products, testing and storage, and delivery of blood to hospitals. The Biomedical Services division of the Red Cross discovered that it had not fully complied with the pre-screening phase during a limited period of time. When the error was discovered it was reported to the FDA.

Does that mean that Red Cross blood is unsafe? No. The FDA states that the Red Cross blood supply is safer than ever. The Red Cross has many layers of safety in place to help protect the blood supply which includes self-deferrals, completion of the blood donation record, health history screening, confidential unit exclusion, testing, and post donation information.

The Red Cross is not aware of any adverse events associated with ARC blood products, which is the good news. Now we must pay the fine and will do so. The funds will not come from donor money. They will be taken from the Biomedical Services' operating funds. The American Red Cross will never use the public's generous monetary donations to pay penalties associated with the Consent Decree.

I hope this helps to clarify the issue over the fine. Please respond with any questions you may have. Remember, the Upstate South Carolina Chapter is not involved in blood services.

Take these actions now to help you and your loved ones get prepared

By Brian Scoles

As Ernesto approaches quickly, The Upstate Chapter wants you and your loved ones to be prepared. All it takes is a little time and following these three simple steps:

Get a Kit

Build a disaster supplies kit including water, non-perishable food, radio, flashlight and extra batteries for both, a first aid kit and necessary medications. Store important family documents (wills, passports, insurance policies, deeds, etc.) in a portable, waterproof and fireproof container as part of your kit.

Prepare supplies for pets and family members with specific needs.

Make a Plan

Make evacuation and communication plans.

Plan ahead for the possibility of becoming separated from your family and friends by choosing an out-of-town contact that each family or household member can call or email should a disaster occur.

Plan on using the Red Cross Safe and Well Website, accessible through www.redcross.org.

Be Informed

Talk to your family about the types of disasters that can happen in your community.

Follow the directions of emergency officials.

If you prepare for Ernesto, you will be better prepared for any emergency.

Upstate Red Cross Deploys Help for Ernesto, Urges Residents To Prepare Now

By Brian Scoles

With new possibilities for Tropical Storm Ernesto to upgrade back into a hurricane and progress along the Eastern seaboard, the Upstate Chapter urges residents to act now while there's time to prepare. Ernesto is anticipated to make landfall in Florida in the coming days; later this week, there is the potential for northeastern communities to be impacted by severe, dangerous weather in the form of high winds, flash floods and more. For those in the entire state of Florida as well as individuals and families along the Eastern seaboard from Gerogia to New England, taking three simple steps to prepare can make all the difference in staying safe: get a kit, make a plan and stay informed.

Individuals and families can never be too prepared. There is a possiblility that the storm will strengthen again as it is moves into open water just north of Cuba. The current track of the storm plots Ernesto's landfall in South Carolina near Charleston. However, the entire State of South Carolina may be affected to some degree by winds, rain, and possibly flooding.

Communities in Ernesto's path need to take action now to plan for potentially dangerous landfall. Continue to review your family communications plan, and check your disaster supplies kit while you have the opportunity.

As always, the Upstate Chapter is there for its communities. However, through its cadre of well trained staff and volunteers, we have an impact nationwide. Two volunteers from the Upstate have deployed to Orlando, Florida in anticipation of Ernesto's landfall and 10 more are on alert to be deployed wherever they are needed. Our volunteers will be responsible for feeding victims in shelters, at feeding sites and delivering meals in affected neighborhoods. They will also aid in sheltering victims and evacuees and providing counseling services as necessary.

If you have a desire to get involved in disaster relief and have an hands on impact with storm victims, contact the Upstate Chapter by calling (864) 271-8222.

Director of Emergency Services Deploys to El Paso

Posted by Brian Scoles

Selected by the national headquarters of the American Red Cross for her Spanish speaking ability and her understanding of the unique needs of disaster victims of diverse cultural backgrounds, Emergency Services Director of the Upstate Chapter, Christa Friddle, deploys today for two weeks to help the victims of flood ravaged El Paso, Texas.

Friddle will be performing in the function of Community Relations Liaison, a newly formed position within the National Disaster Resonse system, and will be tasked with several key responsibilities. While on location, Friddle will facilitate coordination and communication between the disaster relief operation, the hispanic community and the orgainzations that represent them and assist in the resolution of issues of race, language, and culture as they arise, and monitor the disaster operation to ensure quality service delivery--a vital role as the American Red Cross continually seeks to improve how it serves disaster victims across the United States.

We wish Christa well and look forward to hearing about her experiences when she returns.