IF you have any further questions feel free to contact the people below! Andy - Las Vegas

Contact: Darren Irby
Phone: 703-206-8150
Pager: 800-759-8888
PIN 1199699
irbyd@usa.redcross.org

Contact: Chris Thomas
Phone: 202-434-4017
Cell Phone: 202-549-1014
thomaschr@usa.redcross.org

National Headquarters
430 17th Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20006

WASHINGTON, October 12, 2001 - The American Red Cross estimates it will spend more than $300 million over the next several months to provide ongoing disaster relief following the September 11th tragedies. By far, it is the costliest and most extensive response to any disaster in the 120-year history of the American Red Cross. The $300 million includes roughly $100 million in ongoing relief services, which to date have involved more than 35,000 Red Cross employees and volunteers working at the three primary disaster sites providing food, shelter and grief counseling. The $300 million total also includes $100 million estimated for Red Cross cash gifts now providing immediate, interim financial relief for families and individuals who suffered the loss of a loved one in the September 11th terrorist attacks.

"The tragedies in New York City, at the Pentagon and at the crash site in Pennsylvania represent an attack on America's spirit, our liberty and our national security. This is an unprecedented disaster, and we are providing unprecedented relief services," said Dr. Bernadine Healy, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. "Our generous American public and people from around the world have donated or pledged $375 million so far."

This is the first disaster in Red Cross history in which all its services were simultaneously mobilized nationwide - Disaster Services, Blood Services, International Services, Armed Forces Services - even Health and Safety Services through the provision of 3,000 first aid kits at the disaster sites.

In the aftermath of the September 11th tragedies, more than 35,000 dedicated American Red Cross disaster relief workers have been tirelessly providing humanitarian assistance from providing safe havens to people who lost their homes to feeding and caring for the firefighters and other emergency services personnel. The American Red Cross has provided safe refuge for more than 4,000 people in 76 shelters, serving 6.5 million meals and snacks to survivors, emergency personnel and stranded travelers. The Red Cross has also directly helped 90,000 people with crisis, grief and spiritual counseling.

The American Red Cross currently estimates the costs of services being provided as follows:

Immediate Disaster Relief $90-$100 million
Providing immediate and ongoing disaster relief services in New York City, at the Pentagon, in Pennsylvania and at other sites. This includes food; shelter; mental health and spiritual counseling; and other compassionate care for survivors, families of those lost, rescue and recovery workers, and others in need. Also, travel arrangements, housing and food for the more than 35,000 Red Cross disaster relief workers staffing the relief operations and the transportation of supplies. A continually updated tally of Red Cross services provided is available at http://www.redcross.org/press/disaster/ds_pr/011011stats.html.

Family Gift Program $100 million
Many of those who perished in the brutal attacks were in the prime of their lives, supporting young families. The loved ones they left behind may never have expected to need financial or any other kind of help. They must be allowed to grieve in dignity without concerns about sudden financial shortfalls. This program covers near-term financial needs such as food, clothing, utilities, transportation, mortgage or rent, childcare, tuition, funeral and related expenses and other time-sensitive expenses. The gift is made on behalf of the generous people of this nation and requires only the completion of a one-page form. Once identification is verified, the tax-free gift is provided in 24 to 48 hours. Follow the program at http://www.redcross.org/press/disaster/ds_pr/011011familygift.html.

International Family Assistance $11 million
This international family gift program is providing help to the many families of foreign nationals who perished including assistance with travel, facilitation with U.S. agencies and organizations, repatriation of remains and other needs http://www.redcross.org/press/disaster/ds_pr/011011forassist.html.

Immediate Blood Readiness and Strategic Blood Reserve $50 million
Assuring blood availability was an immediate priority after the first explosion at the World Trade Center. The American Red Cross quickly increased its capacity to collect, store, refrigerate and freeze blood. The Red Cross is accelerating the creation of a frozen, liquid and "walking" strategic blood reserve, increasing the inventory of blood from the historic two-three days to more than 10 days. An emergency corps of Red Cross blood donors is also being formed.

Armed Forces Services $4 million
An established American Red Cross responsibility for more than a century, Armed Forces Services is expanding its work as troops are mobilized and deployed around the world. As active duty military, Guardsmen and Reservists are separated from their families, the American Red Cross provides around-the-clock worldwide emergency communication services, confidential counseling, access to financial assistance for military families in crisis, family support and other assistance http://www.redcross.org/press/disaster/ds_pr/011011afes.html.

Community Outreach $16-$26 million
Through the American Red Cross nationwide network of more than 1,000 chapters, services in communities across the country will be expanded to include promoting humanitarian principles such as neutrality and unity and encouraging tolerance; providing grieving and healing outreach programs; and expanding international humanitarian law efforts.

Indirect Relief Costs $29 million
The relief infrastructure includes telecommunications such as the toll-free nationwide hotlines now being operated by the Red Cross to provide immediate help to callers, information systems, database management, contribution processing, public information and communication, expanded audit services, accounting services and around-the-clock activation of the Red Cross Disaster Operations Center.
Estimated Total $300-$320 million

Summary
The barbaric attacks on September 11th in New York City, at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania have brought this nation face to face with a disaster of magnitude, intensity and duration akin to none other. Even the costliest natural disaster response in Red Cross history, Hurricane Georges in 1998, which exceeded $100 million, had a beginning and end with a predictable course of response.

The estimated near-term response costs listed here are obligations of the American Red Cross on behalf of the American public. The American Red Cross also has the responsibility to invest additional resources in preparedness and mitigation for present and future terrorist threats in the aftermath of what took place on September 11th. These longer-term efforts are underway as a phase II effort under the American Red Cross Liberty Fund.