American Red Cross

Reflecting on my first disaster deployment to Houston As president of Biomedical Services at the American Red Cross, my day-to-day is focused on ensuring a sufficient supply of blood products for our hospitals and their patients across the country. But our mission at the Red Cross extends beyond blood donation. Last week, I had the privilege of deploying to Houston to join my disaster colleagues at the Red Cross as they continue their response efforts post-Beryl. The scale of the operation and the dedication of everyone involved left me truly inspired. Witnessing the staging of emergency response vehicles (ERVs) and seeing them prepare to serve was a powerful sight. Visiting a shelter and meeting individuals affected by the hurricane reminded me of the importance of our work. Engaging with volunteers, hearing their stories, and seeing their unwavering commitment to making a difference was truly moving. Serving meals from an ERV to resilient communities working hard to recover from the storm's impact was a humbling experience. With the climate crisis, we know that disasters are increasing in frequency and intensity causing disruption and devastation in more and more ways. At times, we see it impact our ability to collect lifesaving blood as blood drives are cancelled by severe storms resulting in power outages and widespread destruction. While no single organization can end the climate crisis or solve its interrelated challenges alone, by working together we can make a difference. And that’s what I witnessed on the ground – people with heart and hope coming together to help one another. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this humanitarian mission and to witness the collective efforts towards rebuilding and supporting those in need. #JoinUs #Humanitarian #BerylResponse #MakingADifference #HoustonStrong #GiveBlood

Fifth grade teacher Johnnie Williams will do anything to keep her students safe. That promise rang true the moment one of them started choking in class. After 11-year-old Mason popped a hard candy in his mouth, it became stuck in his throat. He realized he was having trouble breathing and ran up to Johnnie at her desk. "I'll admit, I was scared when I first saw him," Johnnie said. But her Red Cross training kicked in, and she asked someone to get help while she remained calm and provided care. After giving multiple abdominal thrusts, the candy finally dislodged. Mason was shaken up, and Johnnie comforted him. "You never think that would be something to happen in school," said Mariesa, Mason's mom. "She's a hero, and we are so grateful for her." To recognize Johnnie's quick thinking and lifesaving actions, the American Red Cross of South Carolina awarded her with the Red Cross Lifesaving Award for Extraordinary Personal Action. Mason's two sibling's also made her thank you cards for saving his life. 💌 #LifesavingAward

Scott Piper grew up immersed in military life as the son of a Navy Special Operations Independent Duty Corpsman, also known as a combat medic. Like many military families, Scott's moved often. When Scott was older, he followed in his father's footsteps by serving in the US Navy and United States Marine Corps before being granted medical retirement after 11 years. “My dad wanted me to go off to college and make dumb decisions," Scott said. "But I made a different decision, I joined the military and followed in his footsteps. I saw what he did, and I knew that he loved it, and I’ve sought that out for myself.” After his service, Scott joined the Red Cross as a disaster program manager! “Everything I did in the Navy correlates to what I do now,” Scott said. "I know a lot of people have a hard transition time when they get out." As a member of our disaster team, Scott helps people prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters and other emergencies. We value the skills and experiences that veterans like Scott bring to the table. Our MOS Translator helps match their military training with open positions at the Red Cross. Learn more about this tool: https://rdcrss.org/3y0uw7b #RedCrossCareers

Extreme heat kills more people every year than any other weather event in the U.S. Heat waves are becoming more frequent, intense and longer lasting because of the climate crisis. Take steps now to protect yourself and loved ones from heat-related illnesses by following these tips: - Verify that your air conditioning at home is working properly. - If your home is too hot, find a public place with air conditioning like a library or cooling center to stay cool. - Check on loved ones and neighbors who may live alone and don’t have air conditioning.

You can really make a splash with a job like this on your resume. If you're a strong swimmer, love the water and want to give back to your community, train to become a lifeguard. Help us make a difference at local beach, pools and parks by reposting this to your network!

“Thank you to the hundreds of volunteers and staff who have shown up.” 🫶🏼 Trevor Riggen, our President of Humanitarian Services, recently shared his gratitude for the thousands of Red Crossers who have deployed to support people affected by severe storms, wildfires, flooding and extreme heat across the country. We’re extremely grateful for their time and service, as well as the generosity and collaboration of our donors and partners.

🚨 Matching Gift Alert! Thanks to our friends at Land O'Lakes, Inc. and their Foundation, every dollar you donate TODAY (July 23) will be matched, up to $100K until midnight. Your support and gift can help people like Earnestine Hill whose home of 32 years was decimated by a tornado in Silver City, Mississippi last year. She was home when the tornado struck and suffered injuries to her leg and ankle. Red Cross volunteer Charlene Walker was able to comfort and discuss recovery resources with Earnestine as she showed Charlene the items she salvaged from her devastated home. Our volunteers help thousands of people every day affected by disasters, and with your support, we can help even more. Donate today to double your impact: https://rdcrss.org/4fg1q4f

Princess Diana was a dedicated humanitarian throughout her life and also a Red Cross supporter. She began her journey in 1983 as patron of the British Red Cross Youth. She later helped the Red Cross raise awareness for people injured by land mines. Her support paved the way for an international treaty banning the use of anti-personnel mines, which saved countless lives. Land mines impact people long after the end of hostilities. Join our International Humanitarian Law team for a virtual event that will explore Princess Diana's work and the history of land mines on Tuesday, July 23 at noon ET. Tap here to register: https://rdcrss.org/3LQwYjX #PrincessDiana #Humanitarian #BritishRedCross #GenevaConventions #IHL

After becoming American Red Cross Minnesota & Dakotas Region volunteers last August, husband and wife Rick and Jackie recently deployed together for the first time. “We make a good team after 45 years of marriage,” Jackie said. “Volunteering is a great way to spend time together — Rick’s the driver, and I’m the navigator.” They deployed to Sioux Falls, Dakota, to distribute emergency relief supplies and support people affected by severe flooding. “Hearing people’s heartfelt stories while they were picking up supplies was so touching,” Jackie said. “Just knowing that we could help them a little while they’re going through so much — they were so appreciative of the Red Cross being there.” While this was Rick and Jackie's first deployment together, Rick is no stranger to disasters and deployments. In fact, he spent several weeks in Houston, Texas, back in May helping people recover from flooding and tornadoes. Not long after, Jackie finalized her disaster training and was able to join Rick on the road to respond to disasters across the region and country. “It’s a great opportunity to meet new people and make new friends,” Rick said. “I feel blessed that Jackie and I get to share this journey together. We return home inspired, exchanging stories, and praying for brighter days for those we’ve met.” Do you have a partner-in-crime you’d like to volunteer with? Tag them in the comments and encourage them to sign up to volunteer ➡️ https://rdcrss.org/3Whwacm

Joyce Horne is no stranger to wildfires. That’s why she's always ready to evacuate to a shelter with her essentials — a sewing machine and supplies included. 🪡🧵 She finds comfort in being surrounded by people and having access to resources like food and a place to charge her phone, while she focuses on her next quilting project. Joyce evacuated her Fresno County, CA, home when she saw the wildfires creeping up over the mountain. “It would be a nightmare to wake up to a wildfire,” she said. “When I see smoke, poof...I’m gone. There are just too many variables.” Having lived through the Rough Fire — California’s largest wildfire in 2015 — Joyce is always prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice. Although these recent wildfires have interrupted Joyce’s regularly scheduled sewing club, she’s offering free sewing lessons to anyone in the shelter interested in learning how to quilt. If you're a skilled quilter, we'd love to see your work! Share one of your latest projects in the comments below. ❤️