Local Volunteer Deploying to Assist in Isaac Relief Operations

Dominic DiGirolamo to Provide mental health services in Florida

Dominic DiGirolamo of Belmont, NY will be flying to Tampa, FL. on Friday to provide Disaster Mental Health counseling as the American Red Cross prepares for relief operations across Florida as Isaac makes landfall.

Tropical Storm Isaac is threatening parts of the Caribbean, including Haiti, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and could affect southern Florida early next week. Isaac could bring strong winds gusting as high as 75 mph and 4 to 8 inches of rain. The American Red Cross is helping prepare individuals and communities in the path of the storm, while taking steps to respond in Florida.

In Florida, the Red Cross is identifying available shelters, assembling disaster teams, and coordinating with government and community partners like the Southern Baptist Convention and NAACP. Preparations occur all year long for storms like Isaac. For example, more than 50 trailers with supplies to support hundreds of people each are pre-positioned along the Gulf and East coasts in preparation for hurricane season. Each trailer is stocked with cots, blankets and comfort kits. Kitchen trailers are also prepositioned with items on board like beverage containers, food carriers and ice chests.

Emotional support is also an important part of the relief effort. Red Cross mental health volunteers, including DiGirolamo, will be helping people cope as they prepare and clean up the devastation and begin the recovery.

Anyone wishing to help those affected by disasters such as Isaac are encouraged to make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-REDCROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation (charges will appear on phone bill).