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Hernando Today

Red Cross Fund Shortage Has No Effect Here

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By KYLE MARTIN

Hernando Today

Published: June 20, 2008

A shortage of donations and a series of mini-disasters have left the American Red Cross with no money for domestic relief efforts.

But there's no cause for panic in Hernando County.

The financial woes are limited to the cleanup in the soggy Midwest, says Pam Hamlin, public affairs director of Florida's Coast to Coast chapter of the Red Cross.

That chapter, composed of seven counties, including Hernando, is independently funded and operated. There are funds for recovery from house fires and hurricanes alike.
Hamlin cautions against complacency, though.

"We depend on the community," she said. "That's why we always encourage people to contribute to the Red Cross."

Hernando County's Emergency Management is not alarmed, either.

Director Cecilia Patella welcomes the assistance of outside resources, but her focus is more on preparedness.

Folks should stock up on supplies before a disaster strikes so that they're less reliant on government services. She proposes people affected by catastrophe adopt a survivor mentality instead of viewing themselves as victims.

"We do the best we can to try to be as independent as possible," Patella said. "There is a gap between disaster and assistance coming in."

Tornadoes and other natural disasters have pummeled the United States in recent years, but none on the scale of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Donations have waned as a result, and a poor economy doesn't help matters.

However, there will be a resurgence of generosity in the event of a major calamity, Patella said.

Reporter Kyle Martin can be reached at 352-544-5271 or kmartin@hernandotoday.com.

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