American Red Cross

Donna Johns remembers the day a landslide destroyed her home like it was yesterday. “It was like slow motion,” she said. It happened after Hurricane Helene when she was at home with her husband and grandson. The wall in front of her bulged and then exploded with water, burying Donna under a pile of debris. Her husband narrowly escaped the collapsing roof in another room, and her grandson Jamie was also buried under debris and had to be rescued by first responders. Thankfully, Donna and her family escaped the heart-wrenching situation. They found refuge at a Red Cross shelter, where they received help close to the hospital where her grandson was being treated for his injuries. Months later, the Johns continue their recovery like so many other families impacted by Helene. They recently received additional recovery assistance from the Red Cross to help cover their rent and other necessary expenses. Thanks to generous donors like you, we’re able to provide financial help to those who still face obstacles in their recovery after disasters. This support empowers them to address their unique needs with dignity and independence.

When the Vanuatu Red Cross learned about water issues happening in a small village, they jumped into action to identify a solution. As they celebrate the installation of two huge water tanks, they are also planning additional support for those affected by an earthquake, including a cash assistance program. #HumanitarianAid #CleanWater #DisasterRelief

Dennis Connelly remembers the day his life started to slip away. Twenty-two years ago, his daughter found him unconscious and hemorrhaging in the bathroom. This terrifying moment was the beginning of a seven-year journey to get a liver transplant. Dennis lived in what he calls a diminished state. His family became caretakers, adjusting to his daily routine, medications and bouts of ammonia buildup in his bloodstream that left him confused and disoriented. “With liver failure, it doesn’t clean your blood well and that affects your brain,” Dennis said. “You don’t know who you are, you don’t know where you are or who anybody is.” For several years, Dennis received blood and plasma transfusions as his health declined and his liver inched closer to failure. When he finally underwent transplant surgery, he required even more transfusions. He estimates that he received at least 100 units of blood products before and during his liver transplant. “It’s such a blessing,” Dennis said. “I’ve seen my daughter grow up, graduate high school and then graduate nursing school at Emory. “Every day is an adventure when you’ve been given a gift of staying alive. It’s a lot of work, but compared to the alternative, it’s got to make you smile. I look at the positive and look for that sunshine. I’ve been given such a gift that I can’t keep it to myself. I have to share.”

Check out these growth opportunities this spring. 🌱 You can build both a stronger community and your skillset when you volunteer with us. We need people who can: - Provide comfort and hope after a disaster. - Prepare your community for emergencies. - Deliver lifesaving blood to hospitals. - Support military members, veterans and their families. Learn about our most needed positions and apply: https://rdcrss.org/4lhrXBm

Every community needs to be prepared — a fundamental practice that Trevor Riggen, Red Cross president of humanitarian services, shares in his recent Forbes article. With a greater number of disasters occurring across the country, even more communities that rarely experience extreme weather are now at risk. Learn what actionable steps we can all take to enhance our community's resilience and readiness for future disasters: https://rdcrss.org/4kMq2EC

Alisha Chambliss is a Red Crosser who is there for people when they need it most. “That feeling of helping people and feeling like my job actually meant something was something I liked,” Alisha said. Alisha works in our Hero Care Center, which supports military members, veterans and their families. She plays a key role in helping service members receive communications from their loved ones about births, deaths or other emergencies. “We’re trying to help these service members get home to help their family with these emergencies and give that support,” Alisha said. "It really just makes me feel good when people say, ‘Thank you for your service.’" People like Alisha help make the Red Cross a place where your career can be a force for good. Learn more about what it means to work here: https://rdcrss.org/4cjW3QI

We’re blushing over these cities that celebrated Red Cross Month and Giving Day with us! Every year, cities across the country join us in March to honor our dedicated volunteers and celebrate our lifesaving mission by lighting up their landmarks, attractions and buildings in red. Do you recognize any of these spots? Check out some of the coolest displays of red and let us know if you caught any of them in your city. #RedCrossMonth #HelpCantWait

Supporting community health has been part of our mission for over 140 years. Our roots trace back to our founder Clara Barton, who previously aided wounded soldiers during the Civil War. During her tenure leading the Red Cross, she continued to care for people by rallying volunteers, doctors and nurses to help those affected by major disasters like the 1889 Johnstown Flood in Pennsylvania. Today, Red Cross volunteers continue her legacy using their kind hearts and unique talents to serve communities in need. This Red Cross Month, help us celebrate and acknowledge the incredible humanitarians who make our mission possible by sharing words of encouragement and tagging your favorite Red Crosser in the comments. #RedCrossMonth

We're always amazed by the people who bring our mission to life! Meet Brad Zerivitz, our senior director of visual communications. Brad's passion for exploring the world extends beyond his professional role — he's an avid cyclist and even biked across Africa last year! Read more about his career path and discover how we support people as they pursue their interests both inside and outside of the office. #RedCrossCareers #NonProfitCareers

Imagine spending your summer on our creative and talented National Communications Team. If you're a native Spanish speaker, we have internship opportunities for you to gain valuable professional experience while supporting our lifesaving mission. Learn more about these positions and apply. ⬇️ - Spanish Translator / Proofreader Intern: https://rdcrss.org/4cduGYw - Spanish Terminologist Intern: https://rdcrss.org/41Ongao