News

Kiosks part of Red Cross victim access efforts

March 12, 2002

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Survivors of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, D.C., will be able to contact family and friends through a kiosk and Internet system launched by the American Red Cross.

The Family Registration Web is available through the Red Cross Web site. The kiosks will be available at Red Cross service areas in New York and Washington, D.C. Survivors of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon can use the kiosks to send e-mails and messages to loved ones throughout the country. The system will also relay inquiries by loved ones to those survivors.

Red Cross officials on Sept. 15 said the organization had received about 6,700 inquiries from family members and friends of people directly affected by the attacks.

"Our caseworkers can use the public's self-registered updates to match open inquiries, ensuring that family and friends are again connected," said Dr. John Clizbe, Red Cross vice president of disaster services.

Computer company Compaq Corp. donated 200 personal computers which will be housed in the kiosks. Technical support for the program was developed by Microsoft as part of a $5 million donation to the Red Cross in the wake of the attacks.