Hoosier Red Cross disaster volunteers hit the road to help out in Tennessee

Three trained disaster volunteers from the American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis will drive down to flood-ravaged Nashville, Tenn. today to lend a hand to Red Cross relief efforts. They are scheduled to be at the Greater Indianapolis headquarters from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon to take care of paperwork and receive last minute instructions.

Richard Gilmore, Fishers will be serving in Disaster Mental Health Services. All Red Cross Disaster Mental Health volunteers are trained mental health professionals. Volunteers provide a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on during this trying time. Flooding oftentimes keeps people from their homes for a sustained period of time and can take an emotional toll on those affected.

Tanya Howe, Frankfort will be volunteering in Disaster Health Services. Disaster Health Services workers assess and evaluate the healthcare needs of disaster victims. They provide first aid as needed and help identify resources to replace medications, lost or damaged medical equipment and supplies, and address other health-related needs.

Lori Burts, Indianapolis will be managing a Red Cross shelter. Floods are typically long-term relief operations, given that waters can take days to recede and wreak devastating damage on homes. Red Cross shelters provide a safe haven for displaced families.

This is the first national American Red Cross disaster assignment for Gilmore and Howell. Burts is a veteran of several national-level relief operations including the floods and tornadoes right here in central Indiana in 2008.

Help people affected by disasters by donating to the American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis Local Disaster Relief Fund. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. Contributions to the Greater Indianapolis Red Cross Local Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to the American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis, 441 E. 10th St., Indianapolis, IN 46202-3388. Contributions can also be made by calling 317-684-1441. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.indyredcross.org.