PORTLAND – Barbara Jurgen of Arundel, a longtime volunteer with the American Red Cross of Maine, is joining relief efforts dealing with flooding in Missouri.

Jurgen, a casework manager, flew to St. Louis from the Portland International Jetport on Sunday. Experienced in disaster response, Jurgen has deployed before to help people affected by disasters, including to Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee and Saipan.  

“The Red Cross provides comfort and support to families affected by disaster,” Jurgen said. “Helping people on their path to recovery is incredibly rewarding and I’m honored to have a role in that journey.”

Two other veteran Maine Red Crossers deployed to Missouri earlier in the week.

Bob Collin is a disaster mental health supervisor from Cumberland Foreside who has been setting up mental health services from St. Louis. He has been gathering staff and dispatching some to other parts of Missouri. He was doing the same for general health services until Friday.

Ron Martel of Buxton had been managing a shelter in Arnold, south of St. Louis. The individuals staying there have found other accommodations and the shelter is closing Saturday. Martel’s next assignment is in warehousing, the logistics around the bulk distribution of supplies for shelters, kitchens, administrative offices and other facilities

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.

The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.

For more information, please visit MaineRedCross.org, like the American Red Cross of Maine on Facebook or visit us on Twitter at@ARC_Maine.