Local Red Cross Director Deployed To Kentucky

The Executive Director of the American Red Cross of North Central Ohio, based in Findlay, is joining the ongoing Red Cross disaster relief operation in Kentucky.

Todd James will be serving as the Public Affairs Manager, overseeing efforts to communicate vital information on services available to families and communities.

He says, over a week after tragic flooding ripped through Kentucky and upturned lives, the Red Cross continues to work around the clock with their partners to provide shelter, meals and critical support to help those in need.

Preliminary damage assessments indicate more than 900 homes were either destroyed or suffered major damage in the flooding.

The Red Cross is coordinating closely with other community and government partners to ensure people have the help they need as recovery slowly begins.

More than 380 trained Red Cross disaster workers are on the ground in Kentucky helping to provide a safe place to stay, food to eat and emotional support for those affected.

Volunteers are also helping to replace prescription medications, eyeglasses or critical medical equipment, like canes and wheelchairs, which were left behind in the rush to get to safety.

Ohio Task Force One – the state’s urban search and rescue team – has been in Kentucky for 11 days and has no plans to come home at this time.