News Archives 2003
Congressional Staff Gets Red Cross Training
on Disaster Relief
PORTLAND, Ore.—May 23, 2003— Democrats and Republicans
worked side by side today, as ten congressional staffers from
district offices throughout the Portland area attended a training
session at the American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter. Staff
was briefed on how to help their constituents prepare for and
respond to a large natural or manmade disaster in Oregon.
Carolyn Williams, RN, a local Red Cross disaster responder for
more than 30 years, led the training this morning. She not only
walked the group through the process of completing casework during
a disaster situation, but also shared some of her experiences
with the 35 national disasters in which she has provided assistance.
“One would think a supertyphoon in Guam would not have
much in common with the terrorist attacks in Manhattan in 2001,”
said Williams. “With each disaster, the Red Cross gains
more experience in how to swiftly provide relief and assistance.
In our training this morning, we covered the policies and procedures
that will help congressional staff – and in turn our communities
– be ready for any disaster that may affect Oregon. This
group is already very knowledgeable about helping Oregonians.
It did not take much time to train them in disaster response.”
If a large disaster occurs, these congressional staffers will
be called to assist the Red Cross in completing casework so that
resources can get to Oregonians as quickly as possible. “With
the Department of Homeland Security encouraging states to increase
their security measures at a time of budget turmoil and limited
resources, we have been trying to find ways to pool resources,”
said Sue Hildick, executive director for the Oregon Trail Chapter.
“This was an ideal group of professionals to partner with
as we continue to strive to be as prepared as possible here in
Oregon. We are grateful for their assistance and support.”
The Oregon Trail Chapter announced in April a new relationship
with congressional offices serving seven counties in northwest
Oregon. Caseworkers for Senators Ron Wyden and Gordon Smith, as
well as Representatives Earl Blumenauer, Darlene Hooley and David
Wu, are ready to back up Oregon Trail Chapter volunteers and staff
during a large emergency. These congressional offices signed memorandums
of understanding (MOU) that establish a working partnership with
the Oregon Trail Chapter. The agreements provide a broad framework
for cooperation in rendering assistance to victims and is the
first if its kind in the United States.
“This is a natural extension of what we do everyday,”
said Ann Richardson, field representative for Congressman David
Wu. “This training makes us better equipped to serve our
constituents in a disaster situation. It will help us help others.”
“There is common goal in public service and the Red Cross
mission, which is helping those in need,” said Maureen Hovenkotter,
field representative for Senator Gordon Smith. “We will
be there for our constituents when disaster strikes.”
“When a disaster occurs, we know we will be ready and trained
to step in,” said Joyce Fleming, field representative for
Congressman Earl Blumenauer.
The enthusiasm and compassion from congressional staff was apparent
in the questions they asked Carolyn Williams. Many staffers expressed
interest in helping respond to local house fires that may occur
at night or on weekends. Others asked about getting trained to
help with national disasters like the tornadoes that hit the Midwest
three weeks ago. Two staffers went to the donor center after the
training to inquire about giving blood today. “This group
went above and beyond an average day of constituent service casework
today,” noted Williams. “They were making investments
in the well-being of our communities.”
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2003 Archives
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American Red Cross, Oregon
Trail volunteers respond to house fires every 32 hours on average.
To assist the Red Cross in providing disaster relief, please call
(503) 528-5634.
To prepare yourself and your family for fire or other disasters,
go to www.PrepareOregon.org
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