In the News - 2008
Wednesday, December 31, 2008 — Red Cross Partners Respond to Crisis in Gaza
As Israeli attacks on Gaza and Palestinian rocket fire on Israel continue, residents are in need of medical assistance and basic commodities. The Palestine Red Crescent Society and Magen David Adom are meeting medical needs through their ambulance and hospital services. The International Committee of the Red Cross is supporting these efforts by providing medical kits, blood units and additional ambulances. Read more
Tuesday, December 30, 2008 — Kelly Garrison, American Red Cross Greater Long Beach Chapter, Long Beach, CA.
No matter where I go, I'll always strive to be a part of the American Red Cross. Read more
Friday, December 26, 2008 — The Road to Recovery: Meet the People You Help Every Day
Whether it’s a large event that ends up on the nightly news, or one that gets tucked away in the back pages of the newspaper, disasters of any kind bring upheaval to people’s lives. It is gifts to the Disaster Relief Fund that help them start over. Read more
Wednesday, December 24, 2008 — It Takes a Lot of Volunteers to Sort a Million Cards
Unexpected mail brought smiles to more than a million faces this holiday season. Read more
Monday, December 22, 2008 — Red Cross Spreads Holiday Cheer at Walter Reed Army Hospital
Red Crossers visit all the patients—wounded warriors, retirees, dependents, veterans. Red Crossers visit the Pediatric Unit, the Psychiatric Unit, all the floors. There is holiday cheer for everyone; no one is forgotten. Read more
Friday, December 19, 2008 — Recent Harris Poll Confirms Strong and Growing Trust in the American Red Cross
According to the November poll, 88% of Americans have “a great deal” or “a fair amount of trust” in the Red Cross. Read more
Friday, December 19, 2008 — Dashing Safely Through the Snow
The American Red Cross has some good safety tips for this winter season, even if you’re not riding in a one-horse open sleigh or roasting chestnuts on an open fire. Read more
Tuesday, December 16, 2008 — Krysta Meinzer, Henderson County Chapter, Hendersonville, N.C.
I volunteered for the Hometown Heroes project of the American Red Cross. The Hometown Heroes (HH) project recognizes that ordinary people in the community do extraordinary things to help others, like administering CPR to save another's life. Read more
Friday, December 12, 2008 — The Season for Giving
Every day the Red Cross responds to more than 200 disasters across America, from the big tornadoes and hurricanes to the house fires that never make news. Each day the Red Cross is on the scene with food, shelter and comfort. Read more
Wednesday, December 10, 2008 — Youth Volunteers Contribute Mightily to the Holiday Mail for Heroes Program
Mathew Oclander, at 15, has two Holiday Mail for Heroes programs under his belt. Read more
Tuesday, December 09, 2008 — Gearing Up in the Capital for the National Day of Giving
The arrival of a frosty chill in the Washington, D.C. area is no match for Red Cross volunteers and employees as they get ready for the National Day of Giving for the American Red Cross, which takes place Saturday, December 13. Read more
Monday, December 08, 2008 — First Lady Joins Red Cross Volunteers to Prepare Holiday Mail for Heroes
What a great holiday surprise. Read more
Monday, December 08, 2008 — Donate at Western Union U.S. Agent Locations
Donate to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund at any of its more than 45,000 U.S. Agent locations. Read more
Friday, December 05, 2008 — Send a Card, Thank a Hero
This holiday season, team up with the American Red Cross and bring good cheer. Read more
Friday, November 28, 2008 — Giving Thanks for Our Heroes
Think of the many traditions that you and your family have during the holidays. Read more
Friday, November 21, 2008 — Send a Card. Bring a Smile.
Are you addressing your holiday cards this Thanksgiving weekend? Read more
Friday, November 14, 2008 — Red Cross Offers Continuing Education Credits
The Red Cross has been approved as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). Read more
Wednesday, November 12, 2008 — Be Sure to Send Your Holiday Card to Service Members and Their Families
When you are sending your holiday cards this year, don't forget to send an extra card for our Service Heroes. Read more
Monday, October 13, 2008 — Fighting the mosquito menace in India, one net at a time
Sleeping is always a gamble in the village of Thengapattinam, along the southern coast of India. Read more
Thursday, August 14, 2008 — One Year Later: Red Cross Helping Peru Earthquake Survivors Rebuild
Last summer's massive earthquake left this region of Peru crumbled, infrastructure destroyed, and nearly 140,000 people homeless. Although the spotlight has moved on, the American Red Cross is still on the ground, working with the Peruvian Red Cross to help families rebuild physically and mentally. Read more
Friday, August 08, 2008 — Florida Volunteer Inspired by Memories of a Red Cross Toothbrush
Dee appreciates the tremendous difference small kindnesses can make to people who have been robbed by circumstances or tragedy of their possessions, home and family. Read more
Friday, July 11, 2008 — Red Cross Reunites Siblings Separated by WWII
Monday, June 30, 2008 — American Red Cross President Visits China Earthquake Zone
Seven weeks after the powerful 8.0 earthquake claimed more than 70,000 lives in China, Gail McGovern, the new president and CEO of the American Red Cross is in China seeing the needs of the survivors. Read more
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 — Serving Together
Reedsburg, Wisconsin. Volunteers working through the Trinity Baptist Church prepare more than 14,300 meals since opening a field kitchen. Read more
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 — Volunteers Bring Comfort to Evacuees
Volunteers Bring Comfort to Evacuees Read more
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 — Red Cross ERVs bring relief to flood victims in Jefferson County
More than two weeks after the heavy rains began, the rivers are finally cresting in Jefferson County as volunteers frantically fill sandbags to save their homes. Read more
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 — Alma Powell Honored at Red Cross Tiffany Circle Dinner
Powell was saluted as a distinguished American for her legacy of service to the American Red Cross. Read more
Wednesday, June 11, 2008 — Red Cross Alerts Public to Scam Targeting Military Families
The Office of Investigations, Compliance and Ethics has been alerted to a scam targeting the families of military staff. A caller contacts a spouse or another family member of a military staff person and identifies himself/herself as a representative of the American Red Cross. Read more
Tuesday, June 10, 2008 — Partnering with Tribal Governments
Along a narrow road, an American Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) cuts through the dust as it winds through the scorched and desolate tribal lands of San Diego County. In the distance, smoke rises above the tree line and flares of red and orange speckle the horizon. Read more
Monday, June 09, 2008 — Beat the Heat with Red Cross Safety Tips
As the sweltering summer heat sweeps the nation, the American Red Cross reminds everyone to take precautions against heat related incidents. So many simple measures can be taken to significantly reduce the chance of getting heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Read more
Monday, June 09, 2008 — Hassmiller Award Supports Nurse Involvement in Disaster Response
Some men give their wives diamonds. Red Cross volunteer Susan Hassmiller received an award endowment instead. Read more
Friday, June 06, 2008 — Beat the Heat with Red Cross Safety Tips
The United States is only half-way through tornado season and meteorologists are already referring to it as the deadliest since 1998. According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an average of about 1,200 tornadoes and 60 tornado-related deaths are reported in the United States every year. Their prediction is that 2008 will likely exceed that average. Read more
Friday, June 06, 2008 — Possible Record Setting Tornado Season - Red Cross on the Scene
The United States is only half-way through tornado season and meteorologists are already referring to it as the deadliest since 1998. According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an average of about 1,200 tornadoes and 60 tornado-related deaths are reported in the United States every year. Read more
Friday, June 06, 2008 — American Red Cross Leads Roundtable Discussion on China Earthquake
President Bush and leaders from the private and public sector discuss relief effort and long-term needs Read more
Thursday, June 05, 2008 — Quincy Jones Rallies Relief Following International Disasters
When music legend and humanitarian Quincy Jones saw the devastation and destruction that resulted from the earthquake in China and the cyclone in Myanmar he, like millions of others, was troubled by the images of immense suffering. Read more
Thursday, June 05, 2008 — A Celebration of Inspiration and Hope
The American Red Cross Heritage of Service Dinner, held May 14 at the American Red Cross, honored six of its most dedicated partner corporations, organizations and a Red Cross volunteer for their excellence in supporting Red Cross programs and services. Read more
Tuesday, June 03, 2008 — Couple Crisscrosses the Country to Recruit New Blood Donors
Linda and Jim Parker aren’t the kind of people who sit around talking about a bad situation. Taking action to correct the problem is their style. Read more
Thursday, May 22, 2008 — Cindy's Service
Cindy Redmond, a military spouse, has found that volunteering for the Red Cross is a very satisfying way to give back to her community. Read more
Thursday, May 15, 2008 — Red Cross Alerts Public to Myanmar Relief Email Scam
The American Red Cross does not advertise for donations using a yahoo domain as a contact address. Read more
Thursday, May 01, 2008 — Raised to Do Right
Watching family members serve others led Elizabeth Quintana to do the same with the Red Cross. Read more
Wednesday, April 30, 2008 — One Voice, One Red Cross
This week, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is leading a Global Communications Forum, attracting nearly 90 communication professionals from more than 60 countries. Read more
Wednesday, April 30, 2008 — Blood Donor Gets A+ for Effort
A Pennsylvania man who needed a blood transfusion to survive infancy has been repaying the favor ever since Read more
Tuesday, April 29, 2008 — Tornado Damage Comes to Light
Food and emotional support are the first steps to ensuring that tornado victims are on the road to recovery Read more
Monday, April 28, 2008 — Riding to the Rescue
Partners in life, a Mississippi couple share disaster relief duties as well. Read more
Thursday, April 24, 2008 — A little early, but just in time
Based on field reporting by Matthew Marek, head of programs in Haiti for the American Red Cross Read more
Wednesday, April 23, 2008 — ‘Rock to Eradicate’: A Measles Fundraiser with an Edge
Red Cross volunteers host a night of music in support of the Measles Initiative. Read more
Monday, April 21, 2008 — Office of Investigations, Compliance and Ethics Warns about Email Scam
An email claiming that the Red Cross, in collaboration with the Romania Government, is asking for donations to help the people in Tecuci, Romania. This is an email scam. Read more
Thursday, April 17, 2008 — Measles Deaths Down, but Challenges Remain
A global initiative to fight measles has cut deaths by 68 percent since 2001, but more than 600 children still die each day from a disease that's almost unknown in the United States. Read more
Tuesday, April 15, 2008 — Filling in the Blanks
Unable to learn what happened to family members missing since the Holocaust, an Oregon woman turned to the Red Cross for help. Read more
Thursday, April 10, 2008 — Strong Waters, Stronger Friendships
Chased from their home by flood waters, a Missouri couple receive shelter from the Red Cross, then help their neighbors recover. Read more
Thursday, April 03, 2008 — The American Red Cross Provides Reassuring Link for Military Personnel and Families
The Red Cross is a trusted and reliable link that joins more than 1,000 military families each day with emergency communication messages. Read more
Wednesday, April 02, 2008 — Participants Review "Ready When the Time Comes" Strengths and Challenges
Designed to train corporate volunteers to respond to local disasters, the program is mid-way in a three year pilot. Read more
Wednesday, April 02, 2008 — Family Reunited after Liberian Civil War
The American Red Cross, as a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, provides assistance to families separated by armed conflict, disaster, or humanitarian emergencies. Read more
Tuesday, April 01, 2008 — Pets on the Go – 5 Tips for Traveling With Your Pet
Careful planning and preparation can make traveling with your pet an enjoyable experience. Read more
Thursday, March 20, 2008 — Preventing Poisoning with Common Sense
Since 1962, National Poison Prevention Week has helped to educate people and help them prevent dangerous poisonings. More than 2 million poisonings are reported each year across the country. Read more
Sunday, March 16, 2008 — Red Cross Busy as More Storms Hit Georgia
One day after a tornado cut a path of destruction through Atlanta, more storms swept across Georgia and into South Carolina, prompting the Red Cross to open additional shelters and continue conducting damage assessments. Read more
Thursday, February 28, 2008 — Red Cross Comforts Residents after Earthquake
When a disaster occurs, Red Cross volunteers provide not only food and shelter but also peace of mind. Read more
Monday, February 25, 2008 — 'Band Together: To Fight Measles'
Red Cross volunteer unites local musicians and bands to produce a CD to help prevent measles. Read more
Tuesday, February 19, 2008 — Volunteers Support Each Other through Emotion, Stress of Tennessee Tornado Response
Following a disaster, it can be easy to forget that Red Cross mental health volunteers also help shoulder the stress and sorrow. Read more
Friday, February 15, 2008 — Like Daughter, Like Mother
One mother follows in her daughter’s footsteps, responding to disasters and teaching classes for the Red Cross. Read more
Thursday, February 14, 2008 — Red Cross Supports Bill to Raise AED Awareness
AEDs, which are becoming popular in many public places, will become mandatory in schools if Congress agrees. Read more
Thursday, February 14, 2008 — Family’s Roots Go Deep into Soil Now Strewn with Debris
Emotions run high as one family devastated by Southern storms begins to heal and count their blessings. Read more
Tuesday, February 12, 2008 — Emotional Support Vital to Recovery in Peru
Shaken up after last August’s earthquake in Peru, a little boy speaks again with the help of the Red Cross. Read more
Monday, February 11, 2008 — Family Receives New Home From Red Cross and Partners
When Hurricane Katrina hit, Christina Rivera and her three children ages 14, 12 and 4, evacuated the home they had been renting in Lucedale, LA. The damage from the storm was so great and Christina was uncertain about whether they would have their own home again. Thanks to help from the American Red Cross Hurricane Recovery Program and the local partnership with Habitat for Humanity, Christina and her family once again have a home of their own. Read more
Monday, February 11, 2008 — Red Cross Efforts Continue After Storms
A line of thunderstorms and tornadoes swept across the midsection of the United States last week, killing more than 50 people, injuring scores of others, and destroying dozens of homes and buildings. Read more
Tuesday, February 05, 2008 — Gardens lend a helping hand in Sri Lanka
As you enter Nilanthi’s backyard in a resettlement village in Dadalla Read more
Monday, February 04, 2008 — Lending a Hand to Trace the Past
With time growing scarce, a $75,000 grant will help bolster efforts of the American Red Cross Holocaust and War Victims Tracing Center to reunite Holocaust survivors with loved ones. Read more
Friday, January 11, 2008 — Red Cross Employees Alerted About Email Scam
We have been made aware of communications circulating via email claiming that the Red Cross Donation Department is looking for employees in the European Region. The email states a salary and asks anyone over 21 to apply for the position by forwarding their resume to Human Resources Department at an address that is not affiliated with the American Red Cross. Read more
Thursday, November 15, 2007 — In the Maldives, the Birth of a Movement
Renowned for its unique blend of island culture and Islamic tradition, the Maldives is a hidden treasure of immense beauty and serenity.Yet beneath this tranquility rests the constant threat of flooding and other natural disasters. Read more
Friday, October 12, 2007 — From Hurricane Katrina Survivor to Red Cross Employee
During Hurricane Katrina, Hattiesburg, was hit hard. Read more
Thursday, September 20, 2007 — Hurricane Survivor Inspired to Help Others
Donna Carter lost her home and belongings after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans two years ago. Read more
Thursday, September 06, 2007 — Red Cross Helps A Survivor Who Has Unending Perseverance
Loyalty is important to Russell Parnell. It is one of the defining qualities in his life. Read more
Wednesday, August 29, 2007 — Red Cross Helps Texas Couple toward Long-Term Recovery
When the Whites returned to Beaumont, their house was in ruins. Read more
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 — Red Cross Partnerships Give One Man a New Outlook
Client Recovery Specialists act as advocates for their clients. Read more
Monday, June 25, 2007 — American Red Cross Urges Increased Commitment to Accountability in Post-Tsunami Recovery
The American Red Cross hosted a meeting of key stakeholders to further the discussion of the benefits of impact assessment in recovery programming and to rejuvenate the momentum for the implementation of the Tsunami Recovery Impact Assessment and Monitoring System (TRIAMS). Read more
Tuesday, May 29, 2007 — New Scam Targeting Military Spouses
The American Red Cross representatives typically do not contact military members/dependents directly and almost always go through a commander or first sergeant channels. Military family members are urged not to give out any personal information over the phone if contacted by unknown/unverified individuals, to include confirmation that your spouse is deployed. Read more
Thursday, May 10, 2007 — American Red Cross and FAO team up to restore fisheries and aquaculture in tsunami-affected communities
The American Red Cross and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have announced the launch of a new partnership to support the recovery of fishing communities in Indonesia's Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Province affected by the 2004 tsunami. Read more
Thursday, February 15, 2007 — American Red Cross and IOM Open New Homes in Indonesia
Each day over the past 13 months has been a struggle for Cut Sriyani. When the Dec. 24, 2004 tsunami demolished her community near Banda Aceh, Indonesia, Sriyani lost all that she loved the most in life – her husband, three children, other family members, friends and her home. Read more
Wednesday, December 27, 2006 — Red Cross responds to emerging needs of tsunami survivors
Two years after a tsunami devastated the Sri Lankan coastline and forced thousands of people to resettle inland, many families have settled into new homes. This includes families who have moved to a brand new community in Walahanduwa near the southern city of Galle. While the people in this community are thankful for their new homes, conditions around the homes have deteriorated to the point that residents face a renewed threat of illness and disease. Read more
Wednesday, September 13, 2006 — Measles Initiative Partners Launch Integrated Health Campaign in Indonesia
It’s a rare occasion to be in a room filled with screaming, crying children and see only smiles on mothers’ faces. Read more
Friday, September 08, 2006 — Strengthening Indonesian Communities through Disaster Training
Over the past several months, the people of Indonesia have endured a series of unrelenting catastrophes. Read more
Wednesday, August 30, 2006 — Restoring Clean Water in the Maldives
It’s tough to imagine having water problems on an island located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, but that is exactly what thousands of people in the Maldives are facing. Read more
Wednesday, August 30, 2006 — Clean Water Makes Communities Healthier in Sri Lanka
For many people, getting a drink of water is as easy as turning on a faucet or grabbing a bottle from the refrigerator, and most people in developed countries don’t think twice about their sanitation system, unless, of course, it’s not working properly. Read more
Friday, July 07, 2006 — Educating Teachers to Help Children in Sri Lanka
In the days and weeks following the December 2004 tsunami, the American Red Cross psychosocial support team visited dozen of schools in southern Sri Lanka to help children overcome their emotional trauma. Read more
Wednesday, May 31, 2006 — Clean Water Makes Communities Healthier in Sri Lanka
For many people, getting a drink of water is as easy as turning on a faucet or grabbing a bottle from the refrigerator, and most people in developed countries don’t think twice about their sanitation system, unless, of course, it’s not working properly. Read more
Tuesday, April 18, 2006 — “Malaria Free Aceh” Campaign Launches in Indonesia
Everyone has experienced it – the buzzing sound of mosquitoes interrupting a restful night's sleep. Read more
Tuesday, February 07, 2006 — American Red Cross Fights Measles in the Maldives
The American Red Cross, its Measles Initiative partners and the Government of the Maldives are working hand in hand to eliminate measles from this Indian Ocean archipelago. Read more
Monday, January 23, 2006 — A New Year brings New Homes to Families in Sri Lanka
For people around the globe, each new year is an opportunity for a fresh start and a chance to leave behind the worries of the previous year. Read more
Sunday, December 25, 2005 — Tsunami Recovery: In Their Own Words
When the tsunami rushed ashore on the morning of December 26, 2004, it brought devastation across more than a dozen countries. Read more
Tuesday, December 06, 2005 — Red Cross, Red Crescent shelters take shape in Aceh
“The aim is to get everyone out of tents as soon as possible,” said Kevin Duignan, the Federation’s construction project coordinator. Read more
Tuesday, December 06, 2005 — After The Tsunami: Residents of Sri Lanka Clean Their Environment
On most days, the residents of Hambantota could be found fishing in the Indian Ocean, playing cricket in the hot sun or chatting with neighbors under a coconut tree. Read more
Tuesday, November 29, 2005 — Red Cross societies team up to bring safe water systems to Pulo Aceh
Life on the remote island of Pulo Aceh is challenging in the best of times. It got even more difficult after last December’s devastating earthquake and tsunami wiped out one-third of its villages and damaged 80 percent of those remaining. Read more
Thursday, November 10, 2005 — Impacting Indonesian Communities Through Psychosocial Training
Sanusi Ismail is a busy philosophy professor in Indonesia’s Aceh province; he is also a survivor of last December’s tsunami in the Indian Ocean. Read more