American Red Cross

The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

The Central Appalachia Region serves 77 counties in Kentucky, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. 

Our Disaster Cycle Services (DCS) program provides basic needs and crisis services to those experiencing a disaster, such as a house fire or flood. Our goal is to meet the immediate disaster caused needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter, of those experiencing a disaster – preventing disaster caused homeless and hunger.

All Disaster Cycle Services (DCS) activities are delivered at no cost to community member who need these services-24 hours a day/7 days a week/365 days a year. DCS provides many activities connected to disaster response that can be broadly grouped as:

1. Response
2. Client Assistance Casework
3. Disaster Inquiry and Information
4. Disaster Planning and Readiness.

1) Disaster Response: The chapter provides immediate relief to victims of fires and other disasters-day or night; we aim to respond to all disasters in Marion and Taylor counties within two hours of notification. On the disaster scene, staff and trained volunteers provide emergency assistance to disaster victims to meet their immediate needs: food, shelter, toiletries, clean-up kits, referrals for long-term assistance and financial assistance. The Red Cross also provides health services, mental health counseling, and damage assessment if needed.

2) Client Assistance Casework: The Red Cross delivers client casework in conjunction with, and as a follow-up to, disaster response activities to comprehensively serve affected clients. Red Cross staff and volunteers evaluate the needs of the individual or family, then address any immediate concerns such as food, shelter and clothing as we as assist the client(s) in accessing other community resources to meet unmet needs that have been identified. Client Assistance Casework also helps those affected cope with loss and find solutions to problems that interfere with the ability to rebuild their lives.

3) Disaster Inquires: The Red Cross encourages individuals impacted by a large-scale disaster to register on the Safe and Well web site, which is accessible from the main Red Cross website and mobile apps. Safe and Well is a resource available to families and friends of disaster-impacted individuals who have registered with the site, and the site allows them to check on the status and well-being of their loved ones. In times of large-scale disaster, the Red Cross has staff on site specifically available in registering individuals on the Safe and Well website.

4) Disaster Planning and Readiness: The Red Cross partners with agencies active in times of disaster to collaborate, coordinate services, and reduce duplication of services. Our chapter builds its own response capacity by developing material resources (cots, blankets, shelter kits, etc.) and human resources (trained and experienced volunteers). The Red Cross also increases shelter capacity by evaluating, signing agreements and partnering with shelter sites, particularly those in high risk areas. The Red Cross recruits, trains, and retains quality local and national disaster volunteers who mirror the community we serve. Planning and readiness activities help us to serve the community in a more efficient manner and our Coordinated Assistance Network ensures that all the organizations assisting a family in their time of need are synchronized.