Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #121778

Julie Reynes, VP, International Services, American Red Cross, 2025 E St., NW, Washington, DC 20006, 202-303-6748, hancockJ@usa.redcross.org

During the unprecedented 2004 hurricane season, the American Red Cross launched the largest natural disaster relief effort in its 125-year history. The Red Cross, in coordination with other relief organizations and government partners, responded to ensure evacuees and victims of Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne had a safe and warm place to stay during the storms and their aftermath. The response to the 2004 hurricane season is, historically, one of the most memorable on record. The entire Red Cross organization supported and embraced the largest mobilization of feeding, sheltering and deployment of Red Cross workers in response to a natural disaster. Eight Atlantic storms made landfall, affecting 16 states and two territories. Additionally, in the South Pacific, a major typhoon hit the Northern Marianas Islands and Guam. Lessons learned from responding to these major natural disasters can be applied to many public health disasters. Those lessons will be shared in this segment of the session.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the American Red Cross experiences in assuring the health of populations affected by natural disasters, such as the Tsunami and other similar events.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.