How the American Red Cross assists in times of war:

• Services for the military and their families

Each day, the Red Cross relays news that can’t wait between members of the military and their families. The organization sends urgent messages such as the birth of a child or the death of a family member. The Red Cross also mobilizes and deploys Red Cross workers into the area of conflict. The workers distribute comfort items donated by the American public, visit hospitals and remote locations as well as provide confidential counseling and social services.

Locally, the Genesee-Lapeer Chapter can assist family members of military personnel with emergency communication; health and welfare inquiries; information, referral and advocacy; humanitarian reassignment and hardship discharge; veterans services; and emergency financial assistance.

• Humanitarian Aid

As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the American Red Cross supports the provision of humanitarian relief to war victims during an armed conflict. This support includes the following types of activity - providing food, water, emergency relief and technical assistance to civilians without access to these basic necessities; visiting prisoners of war and civilian detainees held in relation to conflict to ensure that their conditions and treatment comply with the basic principles laid out in international humanitarian law and exchanging messages to and from members of separated families.

• Blood Needs

The American Red Cross collects almost half of the nation’s blood supply. Should the need arise, the American Red Cross will work together with our partners in the blood banking community, to meet the blood needs of civilians and military personnel.

The American Red Cross is not a government agency. We rely on the assistance of caring supporters like you to deliver our critical services. The American Red Cross urges you to support our essential services. You can help members of the U.S. military and their families through the American Red Cross as we provide assistance and comfort. Your gift to the American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services will support the nationally coordinated Red Cross services provided to military families across the country and to American service men and women located throughout the world.

You can also help those affected by this crisis and countless others around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need.

Call (810) 257-0747 or send donations to the American Red Cross Genesee-Lapeer Chapter, 1401 S. Grand Traverse, Flint, MI 48503. Please mark your contribution (on the memo line of your check) to one of the following :

1. Local Armed Forces Emergency Services
2. National Armed Forces Emergency Services
3. International Response Fund

• Donate Blood

The blood banking community is prepared to support the military’s blood needs when and if it is called upon. In order to ensure in advance that patients are protected with a safe and adequate supply, the Red Cross urges the public to help by donating blood as frequently as every eight weeks. To make an appointment, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.

• Get Prepared

There are simple steps that the American public can take to be prepared for any type of disaster. They include: make a plan, build a kit, get trained and volunteer. Brochures are available at the Genesee-Lapeer Chapter by calling 810-766-6411.