SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (ABC4 Utah) – Hearts are heavy as we witness the devastating impact of the recent floods in Texas. The loss of life and destruction are truly heartbreaking. The American Red Cross is working side-by-side with partners to support emergency shelters — providing food, relief supplies and other critical resources like financial and family travel assistance. Several emergency shelters are open for those seeking refuge or a place to charge their phone and connect with our Disaster Mental Health volunteers. Additionally, there are two reunification centers open to help reconnect families and loved ones.

The Red Cross’s Integrated Care Condolence Team (ICCT) has been deployed to serve as a
compassionate point of contact between clients and Red Cross responders. These team members, who also act as caseworkers, work alongside Disaster Mental Health volunteers to provide comprehensive support to those in need.

• The team consists of specially trained staff and volunteers from multiple disciplines – casework, disaster
  mental health, disaster spiritual care and disaster health services.
• The team generally consists of two members and can include all four disciplines as needed. It is designed to protect families from multiple contacts by providing comprehensive services with limited staff.
• The Red Cross is able to provide such service thanks to volunteers – psychologists, counsellors, nurses and other trained professionals who provide the help people need.
• Visit redcross.org/volunteer to learn more about volunteer opportunities for licensed or certified health, mental health, and spiritual care professionals.

The American Red Cross is operating shelters and two reunification centers in the Kerr County area to help provide first responds, family and victims with a place to rest, get a mean and get needed information about the ongoing search for missing loved ones.

• The American Red Cross is currently operating shelters and two reunification centers in the Kerr County
  area.
• These services include helping people stay connected through the Safe and Well website, searching for
  loved ones, assisting unaccompanied minors, and working with partners to address reunification
  requests.
• Shelter staff and volunteers are providing a number of resources to those affected including food, relief
  supplies, and other critical services like financial and family travel assistance.

The American Red Cross deployed Disaster Mental Health volunteers to Central Texas in response to the devastating flooding. These trained professionals provided emotional support and guidance to individuals and families affected by the disaster, helping them cope with the trauma and loss caused by the historic rainfall and flash flooding.

• Disaster Mental Health workers meet the emotional needs of disaster clients, communities and other Red Cross disaster workers in disasters of all sizes.
• They identify individuals who need additional support, provide short-term disaster mental health interventions and refer individuals to local resources as necessary, in order to supplement local community resources and strengthen community resilience.
• Disaster Mental Health volunteers also support Red Cross disaster workers throughout the recovery process, offering psychological first aid, acting as staff advocates, and providing both pre- and postresponse support to ensure the well-being of those responding to the disaster.

The American Red Cross is committed to raising awareness about the resources available to those impacted by disasters, ensuring individuals and families have access to the support they need.

• For those struggling with the emotional toll of the disaster, help is available. You can call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text 988 to connect with a trained mental health professional for confidential support.