COUNTYWIDE : Red Cross Gets Grant to Help Reservists

The American National Red Cross has received a $13.5-million grant to help armed forces reservists and their families in the aftermath of Operation Desert Storm.

Under the program, caseworkers across the nation will provide crisis intervention and marital and family therapy for reservists and National Guard members who were called to active duty. Respite child care is available on a limited basis.

The Orange County chapter will receive $15 for each family it counsels. That money will be used for in-house costs, and the counseling costs will be handled by the national office, county Red Cross spokeswoman Judy Iannaccone said. The funds are being distributed under the Persian Gulf Conflict Supplemental Authorization and Personnel Benefits Act of 1991.

During Desert Storm, the organization provided round-the-clock, emergency communication for both active-duty and reserve and National Guard personnel and their families. It also sponsored support groups and worked with local units to educate dependents about services and benefits available to them during active duty.

The Red Cross offered referrals and services to between 400 and 500 of the approximately 1,700 Orange County reservists called to active duty, Iannaccone said. Letters have been sent to those families informing them of the available counseling services.

For more information about these services, members of the National Guard and armed forces reserves should contact the Orange County Red Cross Chapter at (714) 835-5381.