Special Message: Hurricane Ike

Our Hearts are with Hurricane Victims

This is a special message in light of Hurricane Ike and the havoc that it wreaked along the Texas Gulf Coast this past weekend. The American Heart Association sends its regards to all those affected by the storm and wishes a speedy reconstruction of areas that experienced damages. We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and property that was experienced over the weekend.

While the Texas coast was hit hard and thousands of individuals are either displaced or without power this provides an opportunity to pull together as a state and become stronger.

If you would like to either volunteer time or donate money to the reconstruction effort please visit http://www.redcross.org/. Your time and money will help provide food, shelter and basic living necessities to those in need. Here are other helpful links:

-National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System: https://asd.fema.gov/inter/nefrls/home.htm

-FEMA Ike information: http://www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/2008/ike/index.shtm

Health Warning

The impact of a hurricane causes more than physical damage to our neighborhoods - it also causes personal stress. In these times of stress former smokers can easily fall back into old habits. If you or someone you know is being tempted by an old addiction please contact The Texas Tobacco Quitline.

The Texas Tobacco Quitline, 1-877-937-7848 is available to help Texas smokers kick the habit, reduce stress, and ultimately improve the quality of their lives. For additional cessation resources visit: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/tobacco/

Thanks to everyone helping with the recovery effort. The collective action of dedicated individuals can truly make a difference in the lives of others.

Sincerely,

Brian Bowser
American Heart Association

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