Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Legislator Assists with Storm Relief in Texas

Representative Ryan Yamane (Mililani, Waipio Gentry, Waikele), along with seven other Hawaii Red Cross volunteers have deployed to Texas to assist with recovery efforts following June 16th's Tropical Storm Bill, which struck the Texas coastline amidst the aftermath of Texas' severe flooding in May.

The May flooding in the Lone Star State has affected thousands of homes and displaced countless residents. About 2,000 Red Cross workers have been on the ground helping for weeks, providing thousands of shelter stays in more than 50 shelters, serving more than 242,000 meals and snacks, and distributing more than 130,000 relief supplies. They also have been providing health services such as replacing lost eyeglasses and medications and providing emotional support to those affected.

As a licensed social worker, Rep. Yamane serves as a Disaster Mental Health Services volunteer and will deliver specialized disaster counseling to victims and relief workers as they deal with the trauma and stresses of their situation. As a Disaster Mental Health Services provider, Rep. Yamane is tasked with addressing the physical needs of victims; reconnecting them with friends, family, and social support networks; and providing emotional comfort and support to help individuals focus on their disaster-related needs. He has been a volunteer with the Hawaii Red Cross since 2002.

How to Help. A donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief can help provide food, water and shelter for someone who has to leave their home. Help people affected by disasters like floods, storms and countless other crises by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. To donate, people can visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.