Red Cross teams with MBTA to Offer Coping Tips

BOSTON, MA – The American Red Cross of Eastern Massachusetts is proud to partner with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and The Boston Foundation to offer the community mental health tips for coping with stressful situations in the aftermath of last week’s bombings at the Boston Marathon. The Boston Foundation is picking up the costs of printing 300 car cards listing Red Cross coping tips, which will be displayed on MBTA trains throughout the area. The cards were officially unveiled today at Kendall Station.

“The bombings at the Boston Marathon have deeply affected this entire community,” said Jarrett Barrios, Regional CEO of the Red Cross of Eastern Massachusetts. “People need to take care of themselves and their families, and the Red Cross is proud to partner with the MBTA and The Boston Foundation to be able to offer the public this advice on how to support each through these difficult times.”

“As an integral part of this community, the MBTA is pleased to partner with the Red Cross and The Boston Foundation to provide this important information to the millions of people who use the T every week,” said MBTA General Manager Beverly Scott.

“This is a wonderful initiative that will really help the wellbeing of this entire community, and The Boston Foundation is proud to support these efforts,” added Ted McEnroe, Director of Public Relations for The Boston Foundation.

The American Red Cross continues to support the community, serving over 14,000 meals and snacks, handing out hundreds of relief items like blankets and comfort kits and providing hundreds of mental health and health services to those affected by the Marathon Bombings. Events like these can cause feelings of uncertainty and anxiety for the entire community.
It’s common to have any number of temporary stress reactions such as anger, frustration and anxiety. To reach out for free 24/7 counseling or support, contact the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs’ to 66746. Additional coping tips can be found at http://www.redcross.org/find-help/disaster-recovery/recovering-emotionally.

Red Cross Stress Management Card

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies more than 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org