Giving Help and Giving Back: The Red Cross and its Fight Against COVID-19

By Jake Verga, Communications Volunteer

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“It is an honor to work side-by-side with service members whose kind and caring manner creates a positive atmosphere. I observe people genuinely happy and relieved when leaving the clinic. That tells the story of a job well done. 'Hope remains eternal' is my message. I feel it each time I arrive at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.”

- Marianne Wyble, Red Cross Volunteer, Walter Reed

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On March 11th, 2020, the World Health Organization labeled COVID-19 as a global pandemic. And just two days later, the President of the United States declared that very pandemic a national emergency.

Now, a full year after COVID-19 swept across America, with a nationwide vaccination effort underway and case numbers beginning to grow smaller, things seem to be getting better. But a lot has happened since last March. 

COVID-19 has had far-reaching effects on almost every aspect of life, from education to grocery shopping. But periods of hardship help highlight the empathy and perseverance that make the human experience unique and special. Nothing exemplifies this more than those volunteering in the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region, who over the past year have dedicated their time helping those who need it most. 

One of the most active volunteer locations for the Red Cross during the pandemic has been Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Walter Reed’s Senior Station Manager, Kristen Farren, who helps coordinate volunteers, spoke about what they have been doing to make a difference. 

In conjunction with medical center staff, volunteers have been on-site, working to provide cloth masks to patients and visitors to the hospital. Over the course of many months, thousands of masks were brought in and distributed to those who needed them. Kristen couldn’t stress enough how the volunteers and administrators at the Red Cross are extremely grateful for those who went out of their way to donate. On top of help with the masks, volunteers helped sanitize essential items such as clipboards and pens, making the visitation process safer. 

The Daughters of the American Revolution generously donated cloth
face coverings to the Walter Reed team in the spring of 2020.

As well as mask distribution, the Red Cross also partnered with a nonprofit organization called Feed the Fight. Feed the Fight is based in the D.C. Metro Area and began as a neighborhood effort that ended up growing into a multi-state network of volunteers. The organization works to both help patronize local restaurants, while also helping support front-line workers. Using monetary donations, the organization purchases meals from local restaurants and then donates these meals to healthcare workers who are fighting the pandemic every day. The Red Cross helped organize and distribute these meals in March, April, and May, when the country was experiencing its most tumultuous period as the virus was rapidly spreading. These meals made the staff feel very appreciated.

The Walter Reed team delivered lunches from Mission BBQ and Jetties
to the staff thanks to Feed the Fight during the pandemic.

Since the start of the year, Red Cross volunteers at Walter Reed have expanded their duties, and are now assisting the Covid vaccination initiative. The Red Cross has around five people each day who work on administrative tasks, such as organizing essential paperwork for the vaccination process, as well as helping patients and providing snacks and water. It has been great for both the hospital, as well as for the volunteers. Before being able to help in the vaccination effort though, local Red Cross administrators had to seek approval from Command and Red Cross National Headquarters to have the volunteers on-site and ensure that all volunteers have the proper equipment to match that of the staff working at the clinic. 

Janice Chance, a Maryland native, gold star mother, retired nurse, and long-time Red Cross volunteer, has been working at Walter Reed reflects on her work.

Red Cross volunteers, Janice (left) and Mindy, on location at the
COVID vaccination site helping to sanitize and distribute clipboards and paperwork.

“I get the chance to work alongside other Red Cross workers. And also service members, because they have them on duty as well. Whatever the need is, that's what we do. One minute I’m putting together forms, the next I’m cleaning clipboards and pens. I could be giving directions, helping people any way I can. I am so grateful and blessed to be able to help men and women get the vaccine. If I can do something to help and expedite the process, I will do it. I will do whatever I can. Because that’s how things get better.” 

Volunteers providing support at the vaccination site, helping sign patients in,
assisting in the observation area, providing snacks and water, and checking them out
after they have completed the process.

The more recent Red Cross initiatives don’t stop at aiding the vaccination efforts in person. Volunteers have assisted with making phone calls to hospital beneficiaries to let them know about the availability of the vaccine. Other phone calls have been made in conjunction with the Armed Forces National Day of Service, checking in on service members to tell them about possible vaccine availability through the Veterans Affairs office. Making personal contact with people via the phone has been an incredibly useful tool to get information out to those who need it about the vaccine. 

“My calls to Walter Reed patients over the age of 75 gave me a tremendous feeling of satisfaction. I could tell immediately that I was making a significant contribution after so many months of not volunteering in person at Walter Reed,” says Stephen Peth, a Red Cross Group Leader and volunteer at Walter Reed.  

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“Many of the patients were totally unaware of the opportunity to get a vaccination and required a lot of time to explain exactly what they needed to do. Some of the patients were in their 90s and a couple over 100. And, they were so appreciative. Each call made my day and I was eager to dial the next.”

- Stephen Peth, Red Cross Group Leader and Walter Reed Volunteer 
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As the pandemic begins to ease up, but still continues to affect our lives, it is always heartening to see the difference a single person can make when they decide to help those around them. We appreciate every one of our volunteers who set out to make the world a better place, especially during such trying times.

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You can join us too!

• To learn more about the Service to the Armed Forces programs, click here. 
• Make a difference in your community. Click here to become a Red Cross volunteer. 
• To make a donation to your Red Cross, click here.
• Click here to learn more about donating blood with the American Red Cross near you. 

Hero of the Day

By: Andrew Klein, Communications Volunteer 

Albert Jennings stood in the grass in his pajamas and bare feet watching smoke and fire spread from near his kitchen to other parts of the wood-frame house. 

Minutes ago, he and his family – his wife Alanda, his five-year-old daughter Aiden, and his two-year-old son, August – like him, were asleep in their beds.

The fire was spreading rapidly. The fire department had not yet arrived.

All photos courtesy of Albert Jennings

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“Watching my house on fire was most upsetting. But, I felt a sense of relief. My family was safe.”

- Albert Jennings

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Aiden told the story, “The hot water heater had stopped working and Dad put water on the stove so that we could have a warm bath. But, instead, we were tired and went to bed. The pot was left on the stove.” 

Prior to the fire, a smoke alarm had been installed in their home by the Baltimore County Fire Department as part of the American Red Cross “Sound the Alarm” campaign. As part of this campaign, the Red Cross teams up with local fire departments all over the country to install smoke alarms where they are missing or no longer working and provide preparedness information. The free alarms – complete with installation – come with the admonition for the family to have a fire escape plan and practice it. 

Aiden had pushed everyone in the family to develop and then practice the plan. Not knowing at the time how important this would be.

When the smoke from the fire set off the alarm, it woke Aiden. The five-year-old sprang into action. She went to her parent’s bedroom. 

“I shook Dad awake,” said Aiden. She then woke her brother. 

Following the rehearsed plan, everyone escaped. And when outside they all met in the pre-arranged spot “by a tree” outside the house. Everyone was safe.

As the fire trucks arrived that night, Albert sent Alanda and the kids down the street to Grandma’s house.

Aiden said it all.

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"We were okay... because we had a safe place to be."

-Aiden Jennings, 5
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Albert said he saw Aiden as, “the hero of the day.”

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"Without the smoke detector and an evacuation plan... who knows. 

Kitchens could be replaced, not loved ones.”

- Albert Jennings

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Every day, seven people die in home fires, most often in homes without working smoke alarms. That’s why the American Red Cross launched our Home Fire Campaign in 2014 to save lives. Sound the Alarm is a critical part of the campaign. Through our home visits, the Red Cross installed more than 2.1 million free smoke alarms and prepared more than 2.3 million people for home fires. 

Home fires claim seven lives every day, but you can help change that. You can help keep your family safe – follow these 2 simple steps to help prepare your family to escape from a home fire.

1. Practice a 2-Minute Fire Drill 

Practice your 2-minute drill (from home to a safe meeting place) at least twice a year. Everyone in your household should know two ways to escape from each room in your home. In a real fire, remember to get out, stay out and call 911. Never go back inside for people, pets, or things. Download your escape plan worksheet here.

2. Test Your Smoke Alarms Monthly

Test your smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button. You should hear three beeps, letting you know the alarm is working. Don't hear the beeps? Then it's time to change the batteries, if your model requires them. If your smoke alarm is 10 years old, it's time to get a new alarm because the sensor becomes less sensitive over time. Learn more about smoke alarms here.

I Am Asian and An American Red Cross Volunteer

by Jenny Chang, Communications Volunteer

I am an Asian-American. I rejoined the American Red Cross during a time of major unrest and instability towards the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community because beyond what I look like, I am a person. And as a human being, I have an interest in helping and connecting with other people in times of need, regardless of their race, religion or economic background.

Being a part of the Red Cross allows all people to be there to support one another during a crisis—plain and simple. Why? Because a crisis affects everybody whether it be a natural disaster or a community fire, and in times like these most people just want to help each other.

Jenny (with friend Shay Fu) as a Disaster Action Team Member
with Red Cross New York Region in 2010

Personally, it hurts me to know that in the past year, people of my own racial background have been targets of blame for what is essentially a time of crisis with the coronavirus spreading around the world. I have become very saddened by these reactions that are without merit. COVID-19 is an international public health crisis causing devastation to 219 countries, affecting more than 148 million people and caused the deaths of more than 3 million people. It requires a global response to stop its spread and people helping people to bring hope to one another.

As a humanitarian, I want to be a source of positive connection during these challenging times. What I’ve always valued about being part of the Red Cross was the fact that volunteers literally came from all kinds of backgrounds. However, the one thing we all had in common was the need to band together and be there for people in need, whatever and wherever that need may be. No questions asked.

In fact these beliefs are based on two of the seven Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross:

• Impartiality – It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavors to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.
• Universality – The Red Cross is a worldwide institution in which all societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other.

I missed being around people who believe in these principles and who are open, filled with good, and are just wonderful human beings. These are the people I relate to, no matter what I look like. I am proud to be Asian, proud to be a humanitarian, and honored to be part of an organization dedicated to helping everyone in need.

I know that while I am interacting with the public through the Red Cross, I may come across people – even those that I might be trying to help – who might think otherwise. But that is OK and it won’t stop me from continuing to support them because if they ever are in need of Red Cross assistance, I also know that particular crisis is about them, their need and their losses. And I would want them to understand that I am there for them, no matter what they may feel.

For me, rejoining the Red Cross and interacting with the public as a humanitarian is my way of telling society that I may be Asian, but I am also a person who chooses to be there to help others through their darkest days. And no matter the circumstances, I will extend my hand to help everyone and hopefully bring comfort that we can get through this together.

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May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a month where we recognize the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.

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You can join the Red Cross too. Click here to become a Red Cross volunteer. 

Invasion: Clara Barton International Humanitarian Law Competition

 By: Andrew Klein, Communications Volunteer          

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“A few weeks after Country A crossed the border into Country B, an international mission, including the International Red Cross and Red Crescent, was sent to the region to evaluate and report on the crisis. The situation in northeast Country B is undeniably grim. However, the worst may be yet to come.

More than 2 million people live in northeast Country B. Since fighting began, over 215,000 people have been driven from their homes. While roughly half of these internally displaced people (IDPs) have returned, more than 100,000 people remained displaced, including tens of thousands of women and children” 

Country A believes strongly their actions are justified because Country B’s northern provinces have been hiding places for rebels who kill and maim in their effort to overthrow Country A’s government. Country B sees this as an oil-rich land grab with limited evidence of the accusation about the rebels. (A fictional account derived from reporting on real events)”

https://www.icrc.org/en/war-and-law

What really is justified under the law? What happens to all the displaced people? Whose responsibility is it to keep the utilities working, food available, and law and order in place? Who pays for this? Is this a humanitarian crisis? If so, will others in the region help? 

Many questions and many reference documents from conventions, treaties, and law. Diplomats and lawyers will be needed. Aid and assistance will be of paramount importance to the hundreds of thousands seeking to survive.

How is this resolved?

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is an international humanitarian movement with approximately 97 million volunteers, members, and staff worldwide, and was founded to protect human life and health, to ensure respect for all human beings, and to prevent and alleviate human suffering.

International humanitarian law (IHL), also referred to as the laws of armed conflict, is the law that regulates the conduct of war. It is a branch of international law which seeks to limit the effects of armed conflict by protecting persons who are not participating in hostilities, and by restricting and regulating the means and methods of warfare available to combatants.

 

International humanitarian law, like the Red Cross and Red Crescent, is inspired by considerations of humanity and the mitigation of human suffering. It comprises a set of rules, established by treaty or custom, that seeks to protect persons and property/objects that are, or may be, affected by armed conflict, and limits the rights of parties to a conflict to use methods and means of warfare of their choice. 

Sources of international law include international agreements – the Geneva Conventions, customary international law, general principles of nations, and case law. It defines the conduct and responsibilities of belligerent nations, neutral nations, and individuals engaged in warfare, in relation to each other and to protected persons, usually meaning non-combatants. It is designed to balance humanitarian concerns and military necessity, and subjects warfare to the rule of law by limiting its destructive effect and mitigating human suffering.

As in almost any disagreement, each side – or multiple sides – has their own perspective, rationale, and reasoning which justifies, to them, what they did or did not do – or why what others did is not right. It is not hard to imagine the above scenario is viewed very differently by all the direct and indirect parties to these events. Often, the United Nations or similar international bodies gather representatives of the parties in conflict, allowing debate and legal considerations to be aired. These are complex, emotional, and politicized gatherings. And while almost all parties subscribe to the rule of law, interpretation of events and the law produce vigorous, even boisterous, discussions.

The American Red Cross, in partnership with the Clara Barton Competition Corporation and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), organizes and sponsors a competition to continue the spirit of Clara Barton’s work – the founder of the American Red Cross.

Some participants of the Clara Barton IHL Competition

The Clara Barton International Humanitarian Law Competition is a simulation-based, experiential legal competition designed to expose rising professionals to the practice of IHL and to real-world challenges facing IHL practitioners during armed conflict. The Clara Barton IHL Competition is open to students currently pursuing Juris Doctor (J.D.), Bachelor of Laws (LL.B), or Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees at law schools in North, Central, and South America, as well as students attending United States and Canadian military academies and institutions. The 2021 Competition was held remotely during the weekends of  March 13-14, and March 20.

Final Round of the Competition

The Competition tests participants’ knowledge of international humanitarian law and public international law, as well as their ability to present, advocate for, and defend legal positions. This year, four teams made it to the verbal, debate-style face-off semi-finals. These were American University, the US Military Academy, the University of Buenos Aires, and the Loyola School of Law. The University of Buenos Aires was judged the champion. There are essay competitions that also brought some law schools, college undergraduates, and smart high schoolers into the international law discussions around topics of Child Soldiers and Girl’s Education.

The University of Buenos Aires team after finding out they won!

It is a challenging world out there and this competition is a chance to see and hear from the scholars who are likely to be part of the future of war and peace, justice, and the rule of law.

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International Committee of the Red Cross: https://www.icrc.org/

The 2021 Competition Clara Barton International Humanitarian Law Competition: https://www.clarabartoncompetition.org/

American Red Cross Missing Maps Program

 By: Medha Gaddam, Communications Volunteer

In the fall of 2019, Hurricane Dorian, a category 5 Atlantic hurricane and the most intense tropical storm in history to hit the Bahamas, left vast devastation behind. Knocking out power, telecommunications, and water, the disaster destroyed around 13,000 homes, leaving approximately 70,000 people homeless. 

Exacerbating the situation, many areas were not well mapped out. This left first responders helpless in some cases as they did not know the original number of buildings and roads to accurately analyze the true extent of the damage. After an urgent call, around 107 mappers mapped 9,000 buildings and 16,000 roads in five days through the Missing Maps initiative. Consequently, first responders were able to scope the environment and carry out response measures effectively. This is just one example of the impact the Missing Maps program has had on preparedness efforts for vulnerable communities. 

“The original inspiration for the Missing Maps program was the work done by mapping volunteers after the Haiti earthquake in 2010”, says Rachel Levine, the Missing Maps Program Coordinator. 

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When first responders are not aware of where people live or where buildings and other infrastructure are located, it is impossible to gauge the impact of disasters and help citizens as effectively as possible. 

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In 2014, the Missing Maps partnership was created to mend these gaps by mapping the world’s vulnerable communities. 

“The founding members of this program are the American Red Cross, the British Red Cross, Doctors without Borders, and Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT). [They] thought well, what if we didn’t have to do that data scramble? What if we worked with communities early, and supported preparedness programming?” 

Six years later, Rachel believes that the biggest change in the program is an immense increase in the number of volunteers and knowledge.

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“Missing Maps is a collective. Our founding members are now joined by about 15 other NGO’s, and each organization contributes some magic that helps us reach our shared goals.”

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Art Shaw, Partnership Officer for the American Red Cross of the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region explains that the mission of Missing Maps is, “to create digital maps that are up-to-date so that either before, during, or after a disaster, people have an idea of where the roads are, where the buildings are, and how many people are living in each building”. 

Volunteers for Missing Maps range from young students starting as new mappers, progressing into event leads. These volunteers do their work through Open Street Map (OSM). 

“[Open Street Map] is an open-source environment where you go in and mark buildings, streams, and roads in a certain area. It works its way down to someone who lives in the village, who can pull up the information that the volunteers saved. They can then go door to door and put addresses on the buildings, tell us how many people lived in the buildings, etc.” states Art. 

Mapping can be done individually or in groups through events called mapathons. Thus far, over 1500 mapathon events have been conducted in 65 countries around the world. The most recent Missing Maps event in our local region was held on January 19, 2021. It consisted of 3 Mapathon Sessions with participants from countries around the world including America, EMEA, and APAC/Japan. 

“[It] is something we offer our corporate clients to get virtually engaged with Red Cross, and with McAfee, we did three programs in one day, which is unusual!” 

There were 295 attendees who by the end, had mapped 3,830 buildings - a record number for one day. 

Another case where Missing Maps aided affected communities in recovering was in 2014, after the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan. Around 1,600 mappers worked to map these areas on OSM, resulting in 4.7 million edits to the system. However, areas change with time and multiple homes, roads, and other infrastructure were left unmapped. Therefore, Missing Maps volunteers visited Leyte and Tacloban (two communities in the Philippines) in November of that year and worked to map government buildings, clinics, and other essential areas in the islands. The villages had changed once again three years later, when volunteers visualized the islands using UAVs (drones), processed the images using OpenDroneMap (ODM), and finally uploaded them into OSM. 

In 2017, when Hurricane Maria - the worst storm in 80 years - hit Puerto Rico, it resulted in major damage to the infrastructure of the island. 

Art explains, “The coast, the big cities, and the resorts were all mapped very well. However, the interiors of the island were not mapped at all. Red Cross was able to identify where cell phone service was knocked out by using OSM data, and we were able to set up satellite dishes as well as create mobile hotspots in those places. Citizens were then able to call their relatives and loved ones to let them know that they were safe.” 

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Today, the Missing Maps initiative has grown to 72,000 volunteers, who over the years have mapped a total of 37 million buildings and around 1 million km of roads in OSM. 

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The most recent organizations to join the effort are the German Red Cross and CROWD2MAP Tanzania. 

When asked about her personal experience as the Missing Maps Program Coordinator and her thoughts as a volunteer, Rachel says, “I started with the American Red Cross as a volunteer mapper before the Missing Maps project was founded. When I returned to the DC area after grad school, the American Red Cross had started the project more formally and I joined the GIS team to support. So I would say the project had had a big impact on me personally! To anyone looking to get involved in an idea they find interesting, I highly recommend volunteering! Most projects have opportunities for volunteers to make real impact, and it’s a great learning opportunity. I’m particularly inspired by our young people volunteers. They have really made this project their own and I love watching them progress from new mapper to event leads!” 

You can sign up to volunteer for Missing Maps at www.missingmaps.org. 

Service to the Armed Forces: Helping Military Members, Veterans, and their Families

Written by: Stephanie Babyak, Communications Volunteer

SAF Regional Specialist, Tommy Bolin  

Senior SAF Regional Specialist Tommy Bolin spends his work day helping military members, veterans, and their families. One vet struggles with PTSD, a wife needs to reach her husband posted overseas to let him know of a death in the family, another needs housing. However, in late Fall 2020, a most unique case landed on his desk, a mystery involving a World War II Navy war hero and an all-out effort to reunite his family with his personal effects. 

Two years ago, Chris Reilly’s daughter, an officer in the U.S. Army, completed a tour of duty at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington State and moved home to her parents while she attended graduate school. The moving van shipping her belongings and those of other soldiers traveled the country from the West Coast to the final destination of the Reilly home in Delaware, making stops along the way. At the Reilly's, everything remaining in the truck was unloaded. 

As Chris and his daughter culled through the piles of boxes, they uncovered a large, leather briefcase that neither of them recognized. Inside the unlocked briefcase were letters the Navy vet had written to his finance, along with his passport, driver's license, and military medals and citations, including a Silver Star Medal, the U.S. Armed Forces decoration for valor in combat.

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“If you read those letters, you’re reliving history and understanding what it was like to be in World War II because, as you know, most of the World War II vets are no longer with us.”

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Army veteran Chris Reilly 

Determined to return the Navy hero’s personal effects to his family, Chris contacted agency after agency – the moving company, insurance company, Navy Personnel Command, Veterans of Foreign War, the Veterans Administration – all with no luck. Because Chris was not family and lacked legal authorization, privacy laws prevented the agencies from sharing information. Then someone suggested Chris contact the American Red Cross.

“I called the 1-800 RED CROSS number, they assigned me a case number, and said someone would contact me," said Chris. 

The briefcase contained the Navy hero's personal effects,
including a Silver Star medal and letters to his fiancé.

Based in Wilmington, Tommy Bolin was first assigned the case. Then, the San Diego Red Cross office also got involved as the WWII vet, who died in 1993, was from San Diego. Working with the Red Cross and a genealogist, Chris finally connected with the Navy veteran’s nephew who accepted the briefcase, letters, and medals.

This story is an example of the many ways the American Red Cross helps military members, veterans and their families prepare for, cope with, and respond to, the challenges of military service. 

Since 9/11, the Red Cross has served more than 1 million military families. Service to the Armed Forces volunteers provide home comforts and critical services on bases and in military hospitals around the world. We support military families during deployments and emergencies and we continue serving our nation’s veterans after their service ends. 

NC&GCR Red Crossers distributed stockings from Operation Quiet
Comfort and the Red Cross at a holiday event at Walter Reed
National Military Medical Center.

The Service to the Armed Forces program in the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region (NC&GCR) supports military personnel, veterans, and families on 27 separate military installations in the region, at five Veteran’s Administration Hospitals, and throughout the community. Key installations supported include: Fort Meade, Quantico Marine Corps Base, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Fort Belvoir, Joint Base Andrews, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, the US Naval Academy, and the Pentagon. 

There is a team of over 1,000 active volunteers supporting the SAF mission throughout the region. 

Volunteers range from civilian to active duty, from administrative through PhD, RN and MD who practice to the full extent of their credentials. During the summer months, we add a robust program of youth volunteers with our VolunTeen programs. 

Here are some of the key ways the American Red Cross helps military and their families: 

• 

  Last fall, volunteers delivered Girl Scout
  cookies, stress balls comfort kits, and
  e-cards  to raise morale and support our
  military partner and veteran communities.

  Financial Assistance: The Red Cross partners with the military aid societies to help service members and their families get emergency financial assistance 24/7. 
• Information and Referral Services: The Red Cross provides counseling, guidance, information, referrals and other social services for all military personnel and their families. 
• Deployment Services: Before, during, and after deployments, the Red Cross provides training information, and support for military members and their families. 
• Resiliency/Reconnection Workshops: The American Red Cross has developed the Reconnection Workshops for all military families to assist them with managing the challenges of reintegration, and to
  help them build resiliency skills that make it easier to rebound from setbacks and difficulties. Click here to learn more.
• Holidays for Heroes: Holidays for Heroes offers individuals, corporations and community entities (church/temple groups, schools, community centers, etc.) the opportunity to support the unique work that the American Red Cross in the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region is doing for the local military and veteran community. Click here to learn more.

The American Red Cross has also launched a new online, self-service tool called the Hero Care Network. This free tool gives military families more flexibility and expanded access to help during times of crisis by allowing them to quickly communicate emergency messages 24/7 via computer, tablet, or even by smartphone. 

To download the free Hero Care App to get access vital emergency and non-emergency resources for military members, veterans and military families.  Or text: "GETHEROCARE" to 90999 

 

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You can join us too!

• To learn more about the Service to the Armed Forces programs, click here. 
• Make a difference in your community. Click here to become a Red Cross volunteer. 
• Click here to learn more about donating blood with the American Red Cross near you. 

My Red Cross Story: Miss Virginia 2020, Katelyn Page

Katelyn Page, Miss Virginia 2020

Written by: Clarice Nassif Ransom, Communications Volunteer

Volunteer: Katelyn O. Page, Miss Virginia 2020
Resides: Prince William County, Virginia
Years of volunteer service: Ongoing since the age of 16

Highlights of American Red Cross Volunteer Work: 

• Ongoing blood donor; hosted an American Red Cross blood drive as Miss Virginia 2020
• Deployed as a Shelter Associate during Hurricane Laura
• Deployed as a Disaster Cycle Services Caseworker for Hurricane Laura recovery
• Served as the American Red Cross Ambassador and Miss Virginia 2020 at the Annual Charity Golf Classic Fundraiser at the Robert Trent Jones Golf 
• Served as a volunteer at U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Lying in State

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"My best advice is that you will never have enough time to do everything on your plate. However, if it is important to you, you will make time. 

Volunteering is everything, and you always get back more than you give."

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Meet Katelyn O. Page, Miss Virginia 2020, and an avid American Red Cross volunteer. Katelyn began her journey volunteering with the American Red Cross when she was 16-years old.

“I have donated with the American Red Cross since I was just 16-years old through blood donations,” said Katelyn. 

“Once I knew the impact that my O- blood type could make for others, I knew that I had to continue donating and encouraging others to join me.”

Kaitlyn is a regular O- blood donor. Only 7% of the population have O- blood.
Due to the versatility for transfusions, it is in high demand, but one of the rarest
 blood type's and  first supply to run out during a shortage.

Through donating blood, Katelyn feels she has helped save lives.

“Per the American Red Cross, just one blood donation can save up to three lives,” said Katelyn. 

“Something beautiful is that the American Red Cross has let me know some of the hospitals where my blood has gone to. That is the most tangible way that I know I have helped save a life.”

Katelyn continues helping others in need by volunteering wherever disasters occur. 

“The American Red Cross goes where the need is, during times of both calm and disaster,” said Katelyn.

“The American Red Cross ensures that various aspects of public health and disaster are addressed.”

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Katelyn rolled-up her sleeves and became a more active American Red Cross volunteer.

“At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, I knew that I had to support the American Red Cross in any way that I could,” said Katelyn. “The COVID-19 pandemic inspired me to take a more active role. As such, I serve as a Disaster Cycle Services Caseworker, which allows me the opportunity to support others during their greatest time of need.”

Katelyn has also been deployed as an American Red Cross volunteer nationally, serving on the frontlines helping others to recover in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura, a destructive Category 4 hurricane that slammed Louisiana in late August 2020, causing loss of life and devastation of property. Katelyn worked in an American Red Cross shelter and was able to build strong connections with the people she served, helping to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and even the birth of a baby born during Hurricane Laura.

Katelyn deployed multiples times in support of Hurricane Laura
during this historical and devastating hurricane season.

“One connection that I will always cherish is a family whose child was born during the hurricane,” said Katelyn. “The family was heartbroken to not have a home to bring their baby to, but they explained that the American Red Cross made the shelter feel like home. During that time, we truly saw that home is where your loved ones are, it is not a building nor space.”

Katelyn (second from the right) in Lousiana with some fellow
volunteers supporting those affected by Hurricane Laura.

Katelyn encourages everyone to volunteer. 

“My best advice is that you will never have enough time to do everything on your plate,” said Katelyn. 

“However, if it is important to you, you will make time. Volunteering is everything, and you always get back more than you give.”

Katelyn devotes her reign as Miss Virginia 2020 to volunteering.

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“Serving as Miss Virginia 2020 has provided me with the opportunity to inspire other young people to do hard things, and to strive to reach a goal that they may have previously thought unattainable.” 

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Katelyn served as the American Red Cross Ambassador and
Miss Virginia 2020 at the Annual Charity Golf Classic.

“I have dedicated my reign to promoting child advocacy and advocacy in young people. It is my hope that young people will become advocates themselves. The American Red Cross has helped me to do this work.”

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You can join us too! 

To become a volunteer, visit redcross.org/volunteer.

To make a financial donation, visit redcross.org.

To make an appointment to donate blood, visit redcrossblood.org