Information for Coping With War

BLOOD--To help increase the region’s blood supply, the San Diego Blood Bank is continuing its appeal for donors. Anyone between the ages of 17 and 70 who is in good health is eligible to give blood. In Vista, donations can be made at the North Coastal Donor Center at 161 Thunder Drive, Suite 108. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Saturday; 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. In Escondido, the North County Donor Center, 1845 E. Valley Parkway, is open from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. It takes about 45 minutes to give blood, but blood bank officials advise there may be a longer than usual wait because of the recent increased numbers of donors. For more information, call 296-6393.

COUNSELING HOT LINES--San Diego County families who have relatives deployed in the Persian Gulf area can call these Family Service Centers for counseling assistance:

Navy: 545-6071 or 545-6076 or 556-9396

Marine Corps: 524-5728 or 725-5361 (Camp Pendleton)

Army: (703) 697-5716

Air Force: (714) 655-4681

INFORMATION NUMBERS--The Defense Department has established 24-hour telephone numbers for each military branch to provide information to relatives and friends of service personnel in the Persian Gulf. Casualty information will not be provided by phone. To speed requests for information, callers should be prepared to provide the service member’s name and as much information as possible about rank, Social Security number and military unit. The numbers are:

Navy:

Immediate Family:

1-800-255-3808

General Information:

1-800-732-1206

Marine Corps:

Immediate Family:

1-800-523-2694

Army: 1-800-626-1440

Air Force: 1-800-253-9276

Coast Guard: 1-800-283-8724

VIDEOS--Fallbrook Village Rotary, in conjunction with Video Dollar Day and Fallbrook Mailboxes Etc., is offering free video post cards to all military families in the area. Families can tape and send a video of up to 30 minutes anywhere in the world at no cost. Video Dollar Day of Fallbrook is in the Thrifty-Vons shopping center on Mission Road in downtown Fallbrook. To make an appointment, call 728-8808.

VOLUNTEERS--The American Red Cross is looking for volunteer military social services caseworkers to help staff communication centers. There has been a dramatic increase in emergency messages to and from military personnel and their families in San Diego County. The Red Cross is calling for volunteers and will conduct a two-day training session for them on handling emergency communications requests. Volunteers will have flexible schedules and can work as little as six hours a week. For more information, call 291-2620, Ext. 212.

PETS--The North County Humane Society & SPCA has set up a crisis foster pet care program designed to find temporary foster homes for the pets of military personnel in the Persian Gulf and for civilians facing emergency situations. Anyone needing help, wanting to be a foster host or wishing to make a contribution can call or write the North County Humane Society, 2905 San Luis Rey Road, Oceanside 92054, Attn.: Crisis Foster Pet Care Program. Calls: 757-4357.

LETTERS--The Navy has established a postal adopt-a-sailor program that allows Americans to write to Navy and Marine personnel in the Persian Gulf. The program is intended to get mail to individuals who might not otherwise receive it. Only letters mailed first class and weighing less than 12 ounces will be forwarded.

The address is:

Any Servicemember

Operation Desert Storm

FPO New York

09866-0006