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Serving Military Families Worldwide
With almost 3,300 offices in chapters or on military installations around the world, there are sure to be people available to assist you or your family. How? Read the following information.

Prevent, Prepare For, and Cope With Emergencies
It's a fact of military life: military families are frequently separated and on the move. No matter how strong the family ties, moves and separations often put a strain on relationships. They may lead to problems managing a home or children, making ends meet on a limited income, or adjusting to new communities, often without the help of families and friends.

The Red Cross can help you with immediate personal and family problems. When long-term counseling is required, appropriate referrals are made. All Red Cross social services are provided free of charge.

Emergency Communication
In the event of an emergency, critical accident, illness, or death in a service member's immediate family, the Red Cross is equipped to verify the situation and relay an emergency leave request, if necessary, to proper military authorities. It is then up to the commanding officer to decide whether or not to grant leave.

In the event of a family emergency you may contact this office 24 hours a day. It is vital that you have the following information concerning your service member to ensure that we can deliver your message in a timely manner:

1. Rank

2. Full name including middle initial, jr., II, etc.

3. Branch of service

4. Social Security number (without this message delivery will be delayed)

5. Current military address to include unit, instillation and APO/FPO number if overseas.

6. If this is a medical emergency, please ensure the medical provider has a signed release of confidential medical information before you call the Red Cross.

Information, Referral, and Advocacy
A variety of health and support services are available from military and other sources, but how do you know where to turn? The Red Cross is available to help you understand government benefits, cut through red tape, and get the help you need.

Emergency Financial Assistance
When an emergency arises that requires the presence of the service member or his or her family, the Red Cross may provide an interest free-loan or a grant for travel expense. These emergencies are disbursed on the basis of need. Budget counseling is also available to service members and their families as are referrals to specialized sources of help.