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Emergency Communication Services

Emergency Communications

Emergency Communications

The Red Cross Hero Care Center can help you reach your active duty service member during an emergency at home. 

The Red Cross Hero Care Center can help you reach your active duty service member during an emergency at home. 
If you are experiencing an immediate, life-threatening emergency, call 911. 

How to Access Emergency Communication Services

The American Red Cross Hero Care Center is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with three options for requesting assistance.
Number One

Call the Hero Care Center

Call toll free at +1 877-272-7337 to speak to a compassionate specialist.

Number Two

Call Free from Overseas

Call the Hero Care Center using wi-fi free on any a computer, smartphone, or tablet.

Make a Call »

Number Three

Download the FREE Hero Care App

Use the Hero Care App to access vital emergency and non-emergency resources for military members, veterans and military families.

 

Download it on the App Store, get it at Google Play, or text  "GETHEROCARE" to 90999.

Number Four

Submit a Request Online

Using a computer, smartphone or tablet, you can start a request for services and track its progress from anywhere in the world. For tips on using this self-service tool, please scroll down to watch our video. 

Submit a Request »

Please Have Your Information Ready

When contacting the Red Cross, be prepared to provide the following information. If you do not have all of the information, please use the phone option.
Service member information
 
  • Full legal name
  • Rank/rating
  • Branch of service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard)
  • Social Security number or Date of Birth
  • Military unit address
  • Information about the deployed unit and home base unit (for deployed service members only)
Information about the emergency
 
  • Name and contact for the immediate family member experiencing the emergency (could be spouse, parent, child/grandchild, or grandparent)
  • Nature of the emergency
  • Where the emergency can be verified (hospital, doctors office, funeral home)

Who Is Eligible to Receive Emergency Communications?

Service members eligible to receive emergency communications regarding an immediate family member include:

 
  • On active duty in the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force or Coast Guard
  • An activated member of the Guard and Reserve of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces
  • A civilian employed by or under contract to the Department of Defense and stationed outside the Continental United States
  • A cadet or midshipman at a service academy; ROTC cadet on orders for training
  • A Merchant Marine aboard a U.S. Naval Ship

Things to Know

The American Red Cross does not authorize emergency leave for members of the United States military. The Red Cross role is to independently verify the emergency, enabling the service member’s commander to make an educated decision regarding emergency leave and then to provide transportation assistance and/or financial assistance if needed.

The American Red Cross facilitates emergency financial assistance on behalf of Military Aid Societies. These Aid Societies determine the financial assistance package that will be offered – a grant or a loan. The Red Cross is the mechanism to expedite access to these financial resources 24/7.

Tips on Submitting a Request Online

Additional Services for Military and Veteran Families

Henry Ayala sits at his desk, speaking on the phone and looking at his computer while doing his work through the American Red Cross Hero Care Center.
Financial Assistance

The American Red Cross works in partnership with military aid societies to provide quality, reliable financial assistance to eligible applicants 24/7/365.

Apply for Financial Assistance
A Red Cross volunteer poses showing something to a uniformed servicemember on a mobile phone.
Information and Referrals Services

The American Red Cross offers confidential services to all members of the military, veterans, and their families by connecting them with local, state and national resources.

Explore Information and Referrals Services
The American Red Cross provides comfort kits to all new recruits soon after their arrival at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma.
Deployment Services

Whether your family is facing its first deployment or the next of many, the American Red Cross has developed workshops, information and support services to help you with the practical and emotional challenges.

Explore Deployment Services
American Red Cross volunteer Bill Mullikin greets and assists active-duty service members, veterans and their families who come to the Reynolds Health Clinic at Fort Sill for care.
Services for Veterans

The American Red Cross offers confidential services to all veterans and their families by connecting them with local, state and national resources.

Explore Services for Veterans
A Red Cross volunteer points something out on the phone of a uniformed servicemember.
Military and Veteran Caregiver Network

Caregivers from all eras and services are invited to join and exchange experience, empathy, education and encouragement. 

Join the Caregiver Network
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