Get
to know us, before you need us . . .
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.
Health and Welfare Inquiries
Regular communication between
service members and their families is ordinarily no problem. But
sometimes, a long time with no word can become worrisome. The Red Cross
can help.
Through our worldwide
communications network, we can communicate with the installation or ship
where the service person is stationed. You will get a report on his or
her welfare to give you peace of mind. Also, service members can request
the same service related to families back home.
During times of war
emergency communications such as immediate family emergency information
will be transmitted, but non-emergency communications messages cannot be
serviced.
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.
These Red Cross services, and more, are available to service members and
their families 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Also ask about assistance
when disaster strikes or try some of the many health, safety, and
life-style courses available to help you prevent, prepare for, and cope
with emergencies.
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