CLICK on the image to ENLARGE From left to right: Rick Young, Billerica; Nicole O’Connor, Lawrence; Jean Capucci, Disaster Health, Salem, NH; Lisa Bagley, Tewksbury; Dir of Emergency Services Deborah Duxbury, Methuen; Tom Matton, Haverhill; Lynne Connor, Haverhill; Robin Sliney, Methuen; Larry Sliney, Methuen; Brian Smith, Groveland. Already on scene (not in photo) Beth Ballas, Disaster Mental Health, Haverhill. Esther Menke, Andover; Gary Wooster, Billerica; Linda Moschitto, Disaster Health, Andover; Jody Power, Wilmington.

Debbie Duxbury, Director of Emergency Services for the Merrimack Valley Chapter, contacted Red Cross personnel already at the scene and asked if they could use some help. They did, and the staff at the Ward Hill based chapter started contacting their emergency volunteers. Initially, two health workers and one mental health worker were deployed to the relief center. A few hours later, ten DAT volunteers and an additional health worker were dispatched along with an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV). The volunteers were told to expect to be on-scene for eight hours or more.

Although Red Cross chapters mostly respond locally, they also support each other when the need is great. The local chapter sent 14 volunteers from nine communities across the Merrimack Valley to help in Danvers. This response to local emergency is mostly volunteer, and DAT team members respond 24/7. The equipment, supplies, training and other necessities to provide this relief effort is directly supported by local donations, which can be sent directly to the chapter at 177 Ward Hill Ave, Ward Hill MA 01835. Donors who would like their contribution to go directly toward the Danvers disaster should indicate it on their check. Additional inquiries about donating or volunteering can be made to the chapter at 978-372-6871. The American Red Cross is 96% volunteer, non-governmental and not-for-profit, and is largely supported by the American people.