NEW YORK (WKBW) — The American Red Cross has set up a virtual Family Assistance Center to provide assistance and support to New York State families who have lost loved ones to COVID-19.
The center will connect families with crisis counselors who will provide emotional and spiritual support, information, and referrals to help them through the process they are facing due to the death of a loved one.
“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-19 Family 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.”
The Red Cross has assembled a team of 30 specially trained Red Cross Disaster Mental Health, Disaster Spiritual Care, and Health Services volunteers to support the families.
Families who have lost a loved one and are in need of assistance can fill out an online form here:
Those without access to the internet but still in need of assistance may call 585-957-8187.
The forms may also be filled out by friends who believe someone needs help, or an agency working on behalf of the family.
