Terry Stigdon, CEO of the American Red Cross Indiana Region, headed to Maui Sept. 14 to offer support to individuals affected by the devastating wildfires.
This is her first deployment since joining the Red Cross of the Indiana Region in May 2023.
“It is a privilege to be able to serve alongside our Red Cross volunteers and staff who continue to provide care and comfort to those impacted by these devastating wildfires,” said Stigdon after touching down in Hawaii.
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“Being here is a very humbling experience, as I bear witness to the resiliency of those whose lives have been forever altered as well as the hope and healing that our volunteers, staff and partners are providing to impacted families.”
During her time in Hawaii, she will actively participate in the Red Cross relief efforts, serving as an elected official liaison to engage with local elected representatives in the affected areas.
Stigdon, a registered nurse with a master’s degree in nursing leadership and management from Western Governor’s University and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Indianapolis, will contribute her expertise to the mission.
According to the Red Cross, over 1,000 disaster workers have been deployed to Hawaii or have provided virtual assistance since the wildfires began.
Stigdon said that includes 26 workers from the Indiana Region.
“As we continue to see an increase in the frequency of disasters, I am in awe of the selflessness that our Red Cross teams show every day in our region and across the country as they travel hundreds of miles to help families impacted by disasters,” said Stigdon.
“The need to help during disasters has never been greater. Please join us to provide relief and hope when it matters most by giving time through volunteering, giving blood or making a financial gift.”
Through collaborating with partners, the organization has managed to distribute approximately 530,300 meals and snacks to those affected by the wildfires.
The Red Cross and the county government said they have provided more than 126,500 overnight emergency shelter and hotel stays in Maui and Oahu to families impacted.
Contact staff writer Jade Jackson at (317) 762-7853 or by email JadeJ@IndyRecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON
