Get To Know Us Before You Need Us
The American Red Cross is marshalling resources locally, nationwide and around the world to assist members of the U.S. Military and their families as more and more troops are called to serve.
Through its Armed Forces Emergency Services Program, the American Red Cross response is a three-pronged effort that can be described as:
- Linking military personnel to their families here at home through our 24-hour emergency communication network.
- Local outreach to members of the National Guard, Reservists and families.
- The mobilization and deployment of Red Cross workers into the area of conflict.
Many people are aware of the Red Cross role in providing communications between members of the military and their families here at home. "Every day, the Red Cross carries the sad news of a death or illness of a family member or the joyful news of a birth to service men and women worldwide," said Alice Meldrum, Director of Emergency and Social Services for the local Red Cross.
"However, people may not be as aware of the Red Cross' ability to assist families facing long separations and stressful situations that occur when a service member deploys," said Meldrum.
The Red Cross program called "Get To Know Us Before You Need Us" encourages the public to learn about available Red Cross services for the community-based military members and their families before their military service member is deployed. The sudden separation of families faced by those who serve in the National Guard and Reserve can be especially burdensome and place serious financial and emotional strain on families. The American Red Cross can assist these families through services, which include confidential counseling, problem solving, financial assistance and appropriate referrals.
"All to often, family members of the National Guard and Reserve do not know about available Red Cross services. Service member families can find peace of mind knowing there is help right here in our community and that the Red Cross can provide a safety net if times get tough and difficult needs arise," said Meldrum.
It is important to know that the American Red Cross can help . . .
- Contact Service members in the event of an emergency, critical accident, illness, birth or death of a service member's immediate family. Red Cross is the only organization designated to verify the situation and relay messages and emergency leave requests.
- When an emergency requires a service member to come home to family or a financial need arises at home; the Red Cross can help facilitate financial assistance.
- If a long absence of communication between service member and their family occurs, the Red Cross can submit a Health and Welfare Inquiry anywhere our military serves in the world.
- With guidance on how to prepare for mobilization.
- By providing caring consultation, advocacy, information and referral for a variety of health, emotional and supportive services.
Members of military families should keep close at hand specific information on their service member. This includes their full name, social security number, address where they are deployed to, home base unit and the phone number of the American Red Cross.
For more information on sending an emergency message, finding assistance or volunteering to help, please contact the American Red Cross in Muskegon at 231-726-3555 or 1-800-813-8111 and/or our Fremont office at 231-924-9860 or 1-800-639-2946.
