Hope-AACR (Animal Assisted Crisis Reponse) Disaster Response

5/2/2011:

HOPE AACR is a national all-volunteer, 501-c 3 non-profit, crisis response
organization with specially trained and certified handler/canine teams. We
are prepared to partner with relief organizations such as the American Red
Cross, FEMA, GEMA, CERT, The Salvation Army, NOVA, local police and fire
departments to name a few. HOPE AACR teams are experienced canines and
handlers that are trained, tested and certified to be able to respond and
provide emotional comfort and support people affected by crises and
disasters. Scientific evidence has shown that animals are a positive factor
in helping people cope with traumatic events. Interacting with
well-mannered dogs is known to help decrease heart rate, lower blood
pressure, and even help first responders to unwind in a simple, yet
effective way.

Nationally, we have participated alongside other disaster
relief agencies for many years. In fact, we were invited by the Red Cross
to assist at Virginia Tech following the shootings. HOPE AACR dog/handler
teams assisted at the Disaster Recovery Centers in New Orleans during the
recovery phase after Katrina. We were invited by FEMA and the Red Cross to
provide emotional support and comfort at Pier 94 in New York following 911.
In California, our HOPE AACR dog/handler teams are often invited to assist
during mudslides and wildfires at the Red Cross Shelters and disaster
recovery centers and at the site of the Metro link Train Derailment. For
more information about HOPE AACR, please see our website at
www.hopeaacr.org

GAVOAD 9/29/09 ConCall Notes:

HOPE-AACR (Deborah Hatherley)
• At the invitation of the Red Cross we have been continuing to visit the shelter at the Cobb County Civic Center at 7:00 pm. We provide emotional support and comfort to individuals affected by crises and disaster through our highly trained certified crises response dogs and handlers. When we arrive, we are welcomed by cheers from the children. Many of the adults and children have shared their smiles and some have shared their personal experiences relating to the flood and their own pets.
• We will continue to go every evening at 7:00 as long as the shelter is open and the Red Cross requests our assistance.
• Our dog/handler teams would be a valuable asset for use at a DRC or distribution center. They are a calming influence and provide emotional support for people waiting in long lines. Our dogs can read stories with children while their parents are getting services. We have been utilized in this capacity in many areas of the country including FEMA at the DRCs in New Orleans after Katrina and at the Family Assistance Centers in NY after 911. If you are setting up a DRC or Distribution center please invite us to help.
• Contact Deborah Hatherley @ 770-777-2420, 770-375-6884, SER@HOPEAACR.ORG for more details.

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Southeast operation: Alabama, Eastern Tennessee, Florida, Georgia,
North & South Carolina