American Red Cross Prepared to Connect Families During Shamrock Shuffle

The American Red Cross of Greater Chicago will activate its Patient Connection Program this Sunday in preparation for this year’s Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8k run. Working with area hospitals, the goal of the program is to reunite people injured in crises and allow medical facilities to focus their energy on patient care in times of disaster. Those looking to contact family members who may have required medical assistance during the run are encouraged to call the Patient Connection Hotline during and after the event at (312) 729-6200.

The program proved particularly successful during last year’s Chicago Marathon when over three dozen hospitalized participants were reconnected with their families and loved ones with help from the Red Cross and its Patient Connection Program. The Red Cross will have several volunteers on hand and will be ready to respond should the need arise during this Sunday’s event.

*MEDIA ONLY: Becky Streifler, Director of Health Services for American Red Cross of Greater Chicago is in charge of the program and available for day-of interviews. Please contact Oana Odean at 312.729.6208 to set up an interview.

When ten or more patients are received at area hospitals due to a disaster or crisis, the Greater Chicago Red Cross Patient Connection Program is activated and vital patient information is shared with the Red Cross. The Red Cross then begins working to reunite affected families and to provide mental health support to those affected. In fact the Red Cross is the only national community organization written into HIPAA legislation. Nearly 100 hospitals in the Chicagoland area are participating members of this system.

This service is funded in part by the Otho S.A. Sprague Memorial Institute. ”It’s an honor to help the Red Cross ease the burden of families looking for loved ones in times of disaster,” says James Alexander, Executive Director Otho S.A. Sprague Memorial Institute.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross of Greater Chicago serves more than 8.3 million people in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties through the support and generous contributions of individuals, corporations, foundations, and the United Way. Visit the chapter web site www.chicagoredcross.org for more information.

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