American Red Cross

This Memorial Day, we honor the U.S. service members who gave their lives to protect our country. We pause in remembrance and gratitude for their sacrifice. You can mark the day in meaningful ways: - Visit a national cemetery to place flags or flowers. - Pay your respects at a local war memorial. - Observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time with a minute of silence. - Volunteer to support service members, veterans, and military families in your community.

@MaltaRedCross volunteers took on small fires during a training where they learned how to use a fire extinguisher and what to do if a fire happened. If you ever need to use one, remember these steps and the acronym PASS: 1. Pull the pin out. 2. Aim low and point the extinguisher at the base of the fire. 3. Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly. 4. Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

The unofficial start of summer ─ Memorial Day weekend ─ is here, and many people are looking forward to lighting up a grill. But did you know that grilling sparks more than 10,000 home fires on average each year? To avoid this, follow these safety tips: - Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use. Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited. - Never grill indoors. Keep it out in the open and away from any buildings, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire. - Make sure small children and pets stay away from the grill. - Use the long-handled tools made for cooking on the grill to help keep the chef safe.

Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross 145 years ago, inspired by the global Red Cross network she encountered while traveling through Europe after the Civil War. She returned home determined to create an organization that would bring relief and protection to injured service members and communities in crisis. For 23 years, Clara led the Red Cross with compassion and purpose. Under her guidance, we responded to its first disasters at home and abroad, supported the U.S. military during the Spanish-American War, and helped lay the foundation for safety training programs that continue today. More than a century later, her legacy lives on in every act of service. We continue Clara’s mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering by: - Helping families recover from disasters, here at home and around the world. - Supporting members of the military and their families. - Collecting and delivering lifesaving blood to patients in need. - Teaching critical lifesaving skills like first aid and CPR.

Veteran U.S. Army Specialist Rose’s future changed forever after he was injured while serving in Iraq. “I was angry and lost my purpose," Rose said. "But the Red Cross helped me find it." Rose had always dreamed of becoming a doctor. Concerned about the cost of education, he enlisted in 2005 as a paramedic, knowing he would likely be deployed to a combat zone. While unloading a storage rail car — a routine task — a mortar struck, severely injuring the right side of his body and parts of his brain. While recovering in the Wounded Transition Unit, doctors told him his chances of walking again were slim. "I felt like something has been stolen from me," Rose said. His recovery was long and difficult, including four surgeries and hundreds of hours of rehabilitation. But one of the most meaningful parts of his healing came from his connection with Red Crosser, Debbie Dustman, at Fort Lewis. Debbie began working for the Red Cross after college. She was inspired by her mom, who served as a Donut Dolly during the Vietnam War. Debbie supported service members and their families through emergency communication services, health support, and volunteer opportunities. Rose became one of those volunteers himself, finding a place to stay engaged and rebuild his sense of purpose. “If I wasn’t actively receiving medical care, I was there,” Rose said. “I felt like I was supposed to be there. Debbie always made me feel included and important. It was a large factor in my ability to get better.” Rose ultimately regained the ability to walk and medically retired from the military in 2014. In June 2025, he walked across the stage earning a bachelor’s degree in social science. Today, he continues his academic journey, pursuing a Ph.D. in history. This Military Appreciation Month, we are inspired by the resilience and service of veterans like Spc. Rose. We're honored for our mission to be part of the journey to rediscovering purpose and possibility.

Four months after the floods in Mozambique, many families are still recovering from the loss of homes, livelihoods and access to basic services. In Xinavane, the @CruzVermelhaMOZ, with support from @IFRC, distributed vouchers for essential food items to around 580 families affected by the floods earlier this year. This assistance is being provided under the IFRC Emergency Appeal for the Mozambique floods, with the generous support of the @RedCross.

You might feel tempted to jump in after seeing someone struggling in the water, but that can put you in danger, too. A panicked swimmer can accidentally pull you under. Instead, remember these steps: - Shout to get the attention of a lifeguard, if one is nearby. - If there is no lifeguard, call 911 or tell someone else to call. - Reach out with an object — such as a stick or towel — and pull the person to safety. - Throw a floating object — like a buoy or life jacket — to help them stay afloat.

We're honored to celebrate @KateForbes_IFRC on being named to the 2026 @TIME 100 Philanthropy list! A lifelong humanitarian and former American Red Cross volunteer, Kate has been a trailblazer during her time as @IFRC president. She launched the Red Cross Family Fund to support the families of humanitarian workers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and she spearheaded the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel — now supported by over 100 countries. Leading with heart and humanity, Kate continues to turn compassion into action, sparking hope across the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement. Read more about this well-deserved recognition: rdcrss.org/4wv8dQ2

Patrick is one of the many Red Cross and Red Crescent workers who show up every day for people. He's currently supporting two humanitarian crisis responses alongside the @IFRC in Kenya and Somalia, where people have been affected by extreme drought. In his role, Patrick is helping get food, water, health services, and cash assistance to people in need. In moments of crisis like these, it’s humanity that brings us together. #RedCrossDay #RedCrescentDay #UnitedInHumanity

As a nurse, Jessica Simones was no stranger to CPR. But she never imagined she would have to use those skills to save her own daughter's life. “Nothing prepares you for doing it on your own child,” Jessica said. “I’ll never get that image out of my head.” When her daughter, Jocelyn, was pulled from a lake without a pulse and not breathing, Jessica sprang into action. With spotty cell phone service as they tried to call for help, she knew Jocelyn’s life depended on her. Drawing on years of medical training and experience, Jessica performed CPR until Jocelyn began to respond. She continued to closely monitor her daughter until they reached the hospital. Doctors later told the family that even a one-minute delay could have changed the outcome. But thanks to her mom, Jocelyn made a full recovery. In recognition of her heroic actions, the @mnredcross presented Jessica with a Lifesaving Award. Today, Jocelyn is following in her mom’s footsteps, planning a future career in medicine. This National Nurses Week, we honor Jessica and nurses everywhere who make a lifesaving difference — not only on the job, but in their homes and communities. Thank you for all that you do. ❤️

@HCAhealthcare We couldn't deliver our mission without partners like @HCAHealthcare — thank you!

When communities face their toughest moments, partnerships matter. For 20+ years, HCA Healthcare and the @RedCross have supported disaster response and preparedness. Read about our impact: bit.ly/3PadjQW.

In moments big and small, the strength of a community is built by neighbors who take the time to show up, lend a hand, and look out for one another. Ways to be a good neighbor: - Bring in their trash can when you notice it's still out. - Offer to pet sit or water plants when they're away. - Start a meal train to support them through a major life event. - Share your chicken eggs! - Slow down when driving through the neighborhood. - Call just to check in. - Volunteer to help your community. Be the neighbor everyone can count on! Step up when it matters most by signing up to become a Red Cross volunteer: rdcrss.org/4cBW2cw

@SherryDarlingNJ Your donations have helped countless patients over time. Thank you for making such a lasting impact, Sherry! ❤️

Donated my 80th pint today. I deserve a 10 gallon hat. #redcross #donateblood

Military service shapes lives far beyond those who wear the uniform. On average, military children move between six and nine times during their K-12 education — about three times more than their peers. That often means starting over in a new neighborhood, school, and community again and again. This Month of the Military Child, we honor the adaptability and resilience of these young people who serve alongside their families in their own way. Take the time to let a military kid in your life know they are seen, valued and supported. ❤️

Wildfires are burning across the southern U.S., fueled by dry, windy conditions and ongoing drought. Many homes have been destroyed, and evacuations continue in states like Georgia and Florida, where more than 50,000 acres of land burned this week — an area roughly equivalent to about 38,000 football fields. Meanwhile, other states have burn bans in place, like North Carolina and South Carolina. As the risk of wildfires grows, taking these steps can keep you and your family safe: 1) Create a wildfire evacuation plan and know multiple ways out. 2) Pack a go-bag with essentials like water, medications and important documents. 3) Sign up for local emergency alerts and warnings. 4) Clear dry leaves and debris from around your home. 5) Avoid outdoor burning and activities that can spark fires.

Volunteering with the Red Cross helped teenager Hannah Kirksey discover what she wants to do for the rest of her life. Inspired by her father’s military service, Hannah devoted more than 1,000 volunteer hours last year alone, including participating in the American Red Cross VolunTEEN program in North Carolina. Through the program, she supported military clinics and hospitals alongside our Service to the Armed Forces team, gaining hands-on experience that helped shape her future. “I got to see some truly, truly amazing things,” Hannah shared. “That was when I knew I wanted to be a part of medicine. This is my passion. This is my calling.” While volunteering at Navy Medical Center Lejeune, Hannah observed care in the emergency department, labor and delivery, the neonatal intensive care unit, and surgical settings. The experience inspired her plan to study public health and pursue a pre-physician assistant track in college. Growing up as a military child meant frequent moves and long separations. By age 12, Hannah and her family had relocated six times. Her father, an active-duty U.S. Marine who served for more than 20 years, deployed 16 times. Hannah hopes her journey helps shed light on the resilience of military-connected youth. “You cannot grow without going through growing pains,” Hannah said. “The experiences and the resilience that I have from it is only something I could have gained by being a military child.” Through it all, Hannah learned that service extends beyond the uniform. “It’s not just the person that is actively in the Marine Corps,” Hannah said. “The entire family serves.” This Month of the Military Child and beyond, we’re proud to support young volunteers like Hannah — helping them serve their communities, discover their passions, and become who they’re meant to be.

The most important picks are the ones who know how to save a life. We teamed up with 20 NFL Legends for lifesaving CPR and AED training. As coaches in their communities, they're prepared make the right call when an emergency breaks the playbook. Side by side, these respected voices in football are proving that skill and leadership don’t end with the final whistle. They show up in the critical moments that matter most. This training is part of our ongoing partnership with the NFL and a shared commitment to safer, stronger communities. Through the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, we’re working together to champion CPR education, emergency action plans and access to AEDs in schools and athletic spaces nationwide.

Typhoon Sinlaku has moved north of the Mariana Islands, weakening as it tracks farther into the Pacific on Thursday. While Guam avoided a direct hit, the storm still brought strong winds and heavy rain to the island. The Northern Mariana Islands, including Saipan and Tinian, experienced the most severe impacts. Powerful winds tore roofs from homes and buildings, downed power lines, and left many communities without electricity and water. Our team of staff and volunteers are working alongside local partners to assess damage and support communities as recovery efforts begin across the region. Here's more on how the Red Cross is helping those affected by Typhoon Sinlaku: rdcrss.org/41X952d

After retiring from the U.S. Army, Brandon Hittle missed the connection and camaraderie that come with serving alongside fellow soldiers. He found that sense of purpose again through the Red Cross. Brandon is part of our expeditionary mobile workforce, a dedicated group of Red Crossers who deploy to remote locations around the world to support the needs of service members. From facilitating emergency communications to promoting wellness and respite, they help bring care and comfort wherever it’s needed most. For Brandon, joining this team offered a meaningful way to remain part of the military community. At Camp Karliki in Poland — an isolated base where soldiers have limited connection to the outside world — he built meaningful relationships during respite events like summer movie nights and cookouts. "I just want to be there as someone to lend an ear and give them inspiration," Brandon said. For many service members on base, this is their first deployment overseas. Having someone there who understands military life can be a powerful source of comfort. Brandon is proud to support service members far from home, and we’re proud to have him furthering our lifesaving mission.

Heather Ann Olson, a dedicated Red Cross volunteer in Illinois since 2016, knows the devastation of severe weather all too well: She was 12 years old when a tornado destroyed her family's home. Heather Ann was inspired by the Red Cross of Illinois volunteers who showed up and gave her family hot chocolate and emergency response items. Because of that positive impact on her life, she became a volunteer years later to help others after disasters in her community. Then, in March, Heather Ann’s story came full circle. Another tornado tore through her community, once again damaging her home and vehicles. "The tornado blew out the windows of my home and we had a tree fall through the dining room," Heather Ann said. "It threw one of our cars across the street and totaled all of them." After assessing her own damage and picking up the pieces of her life, she did what she’s always done — show up for others on their toughest days. "I couldn't respond right away, but as soon as we were able to secure a vehicle, I was able to come out and help," she said. "If I can offer people just a little bit of comfort on one of the worst days they are ever going to have, that makes it all worth it." "For me, being there is the most rewarding thing. To see someone take that breath and say to them, 'It's going to be okay,' means the world to me. We are going to get through this together."