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Hawaii Red Cross Volunteer Deploys to Help Oklahoma Tornado Victims
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A Hawaii Red Cross volunteer from Oahu left on June 2^nd for Oklahoma to help in the relief efforts. The volunteer nurse will be serving in a manager role in health services.

"This was our first request for a volunteer from our islands to go to Oklahoma but our local volunteers remain ready to be deployed if requested," said Coralie Matayoshi, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross. "Our volunteers are amazing and always willing to go where help is needed."

The Red Cross is providing additional services in Oklahoma after the devastating tornadoes there Friday night. Disaster workers opened new shelters and are helping people recover from these latest storms and the earlier tornadoes that struck Moore and Shawnee. So far, the Red Cross has:

Deployed more than 1,100 Red Cross disaster workers to provide shelter, meals and supplies throughout the affected communities in Oklahoma.
Served more than 238,000 meals and snacks
Distributed more than 37,000 relief items
Provided more than 11,400 health services and mental health contacts

You can help people affected by disasters like tornadoes, floods and other crises by making a donation to American Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS. Your donation helps provide food, shelter and emotional support to those affected by disasters.

This is an emotional time for people in communities hit by the tornadoes, as many people have lost loved ones and everything they own. Red Cross disaster mental health workers are available to help people cope with the aftermath.

People can reach out for free 24/7 counseling or support, contact the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text "TalkWithUs' to 66746.
People may be experiencing a variety of difficult feelings and thoughts -- fear, anger, confusion, shock, disbelief, sadness and grief. These are all normal feelings associated with experiencing a disaster like this.
Reacting to a disaster like this can affect not only how someone feels, but the way they think and what they think about, their sleep, their daily lives and the way they interact with others. Children and the elderly are especially at risk.
People should try to limit their exposure to the disaster.
They should reach out and accept help from others and stay connected with family and other support systems.
Allow children to feel upset and encourage them to express their feelings and thoughts.
Return to a daily routine as much as possible.

ABOUT HAWAII RED CROSS

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Disaster Preparedness

In Hawaii due to our isolation, we encourage all families to be prepared for 7 days instead of 72 hours. It will take time following a disaster for a logistics bridge to be built to Hawaii if our harbors and airports are affected by a major disaster and we may be relying on our own resources longer than other places within the United States.

First Aid Station Teams (FAST)

One of the wonderful services your American Red Cross Hawaii provides to its community is manning first aid stations at community events. American Red Cross First Aid Station (FAS) Team stations are staffed with competent volunteers who have been trained to respond.

Red Cross Clubs

Participate in a Red Cross Club at the Hawaii State Chapter. Help your community by volunteering, fundraising and supporting the mission of the American Red Cross in Hawaii.

Services to the Armed Forces

The American Red Cross provides a vital communication lifeline between military service members and their families by relaying urgent information in times of emergency.

TAKE A CLASS

The American Red Cross provides lifesaving training to thousands of Hawaii residents each year in numerous topic areas including First Aid/CPR/AED and Babysitting.

Aquatics

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Count on the American Red Cross for the best training on how to be safe in, on and around the water! Explore the exciting new collection of courses designed to make learning easier and to help you benefit from the latest research on instructional techniques.

Disaster Training

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We conduct free non-certificate personal preparedness courses for neighborhood and community residents; agency staff and clients; school teachers, staff, parents, and administrators; and local business personnel.

Nurse Assistant Training

The American Red Cross Hawaii is committed to adhering to the highest standards of instruction through our Nurse Assistant Training Program.

Volunteer

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It's what we do. The American Red Cross works within our local communities, providing relief to people who have suffered a disaster. Show your aloha and become a volunteer for the American Red Cross in Hawaii. We invite you to explore the many volunteer opportunities available. Click here to learn more.

HOURS - Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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

The Hawaii State Chapter provides the following programs and services in the State of Hawaii.

Disaster Relief
Safety Training
Military (Service to the Armed Forces)
International Services
Red Cross First Aid Stations
Community Events and Presentations (speaker requests)

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

The Hawaii State Chapter responds continually to large and small disasters throughout the State of Hawaii. The Red Cross is the only volunteer organization charged, by federal Congressional Charter, with responding during disasters to provide for the immediate emergency needs of families and individuals. In addition, the Chapter prepares individuals and businesses to be more prepared for emergencies and to initiate appropriate action to ensure the health and safety of those around them and themselves.

The American Red Cross is not a government agency. We depend on the aloha spirit of giving from our community to help others in need.

Read more about our vision, values and more...

STATEWIDE PRESENCE
The Hawaii Red Cross has its headquarters on Oahu, with offices on four military bases (Kaneohe, Tripler, Schofield and Joint Base Pearl Harbor/Hickam) and offices on the neighbor islands (Hawaii (in Hilo), Kauai and Maui).

HISTORY
Founded in 1881 by Clara Barton, the American Red Cross is one of the oldest human service organizations in the United States. In 1905, the U.S. Congress chartered the Red Cross to help relieve the suffering caused by disasters. Over the years, we have become part of the very fiber of the community and Americans have grown to expect and rely on our swift, professional assistance through a national volunteer corps of more than 1.44 million people. The American Red Cross is one of more than 145 member nations that comprise the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Currently, 967 chapters make up the American Red Cross.

Although 1917 is the official date that the first American Red Cross chapter was chartered in Hawaii, Red Cross work began as early as 1898, when some 300 women, including Princess Kaiulani, organized a Red Cross society to aid the sick and wounded soldiers stopping here on transports from the Philippines during the Spanish-American War.

Today, the Hawaii State Chapter is a leader in health and safety training. Red Cross disaster volunteers respond regularly to house and apartment fires, and are prepared for larger disasters like hurricanes, tsunamis, and floods.

Through its extensive use of trained volunteers, the American Red Cross has earned a reputation for being of one of the nation's most efficiently managed non-profit organizations, a distinction that has been recognized by publications such as Forbes, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Nonprofit Times and Money Magazine. The Hawaii State Chapter of the American Red Cross has over 4,000 volunteers - a volunteer-to-staff ratio of more than 10 to 1.

The Hawaii State Chapter of the American Red Cross is known for excellent stewardship of funds. We have always prided ourselves on providing services that do not duplicate the services of other non-profits organizations and proactively seeking ways to collaborate with other providers.

Sep 14, 1917: Queen Liliuokalani's secretary, Colonel Iaukea, presents a hand-sewn Red Cross flag to members of the local Chapter on the steps of Iolani Palace. This ceremony took place a few months after the Hawaii Chapter was officially chartered. At the Queen's suggestion, the flag flew over the palace and later hung in the Throne Room during World War I. Mrs. Henry Dawson accepts flag. Territorial Governor Lucius Pinkham is behind Iaukea.

View more historical photos

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Vision

...all people affected by disaster across the country and around the world receive care, shelter and hope;

...our communities are ready and prepared for disasters;

...everyone in our country has access to safe, lifesaving blood and blood products;

...all members of our armed services and their families find support and comfort whenever needed; and

...in an emergency, there are always trained individuals nearby, ready to use their Red Cross skills to save lives.

The American Red Cross, through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners, is always there in times of need. We aspire to turn compassion into action so that

Values

Compassionate: We are dedicated to improving the lives of those we serve and to treating each other with care and respect.

Collaborative: We work together as One Red Cross family, in partnership with other organizations, and always embrace diversity and inclusiveness.

Creative: We seek new ideas, are open to change and always look for better ways to serve those in need.

Credible: We act with integrity, are transparent guardians of the public trust and honor our promises.

Committed: We hold ourselves accountable for defining and meeting clear objectives, delivering on our mission and carefully stewarding our donor funds.

Local Training and Preparedness

Lifesaving training to almost 20,000 people per year (CPR, first aid, aquatics, babysitting, pet first aid, and nurse aide training)

Free Annual Summer Swim program for over 45 years at Ala Moana Beach for hundreds of keiki and adults, and a volunteer teen Summer Buddies leadership program.

Workplace Safety teaches workers how to prevent injuries and respond to life threatening emergencies

Caregiving teaches families to care for loved ones at home, or in a career to care for sick, elderly and disabled in a care setting.

Disaster preparedness information was shared with over 27,000 people on how to prepare for emergencies

Pre-deployment briefings provided to 17,000 servicemen and families

Relevance of Red Cross in Hawaii

With the threat of flu pandemic, terrorist attacks, and major natural and man-made disasters, the American Red Cross is more relevant and necessary than ever before. It is not "if," but "when" a major disaster in Hawaii will occur, and with your help, we'll be ready.

The Red Cross is not a government agency. All disaster training and services are free, made possible by generous donations from local individuals and businesses and our dedicated volunteers.

Questions? Ready for an appointment?

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Kaimuki, Hawaii News Item

Hawaii Red Cross Volunteer Deploys to Help Oklahoma Tornado Victims

Vision

Values

Local Training and Preparedness

Relevance of Red Cross in Hawaii

Kaimuki, Hawaii
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