BUFFALO, NY — The American Red Cross is operating a virtual Family Assistance Center to provide comfort and support, information and referrals for New York State families that have lost loved ones to the COVID-19Coronavirus. The virtual Family Assistance Center will link families to crisis counselors who will provide emotional and spiritual support, as well as information and referrals to help them navigate the challenging process they might be facing as a result of their loved one’s death.
“These families are dealing with the emotional trauma of
losing a loved one, while facing logistical challenges caused by this public
health emergency,” said Tara Hughes, Northeast Division Disaster Mental Health
Advisor, who will be leading the virtual COVID-19Family Assistance Center
program. “We’re proud to use the mass casualty experience of the Red Cross to
join our community together and provide comfort and support to these families
across New York State during these difficult times.”
A team of 30 specially trained Red Cross Disaster Mental
Health, Disaster Spiritual Care, and Health Services volunteers will be
available to support families with their emotional and spiritual needs, as well
as provide information and referrals to state and local agencies as well as
other community organizations to help families meet their immediate needs. This
may include challenges with moving their loved one’s body through systems that
may be overwhelmed and have different process than normal; legal resources for
estate, custody, immigration, or other issues related to the death of their
family member; information on how to obtain travel services; and more. All
Family Assistance Center support will be provided virtually and is completely
confidential.
Families who have
lost loved ones to COVID-19 can fill out an online intake form, and a Family
Assistance Center volunteer will contact them:
• English: www.redcross.org/NYSCOVIDFamilySupport
Intake forms can also be filled out by a friend who thinks
someone who needs help, or an agency working on behalf of the family. Those
without online capabilities may call 585-957-8187, and a volunteer will assist
them with the initial intake process. The Family Assistance Center is expected
to operate for as long as families will benefit from the service.
