American Red Cross

The official account of the American Red Cross.

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

We are facing a national blood crisis, with summer blood donations falling to a four-year low. Your help is needed now to avoid surgery delays, postponed cancer treatments and strained emergency care.

Just three more donors at each blood drive this summer can end this crisis and stabilize the blood supply. Please don’t wait. Book an appointment to give blood now: https://t.co/d6CxDaYVjz

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

More than 200 Red Cross volunteers are supporting wildfire relief efforts in Washington as communities face one of the region's worst fire seasons in more than 30 years.

From sheltering families displaced by the Spokane-area wildfires to providing meals, relief supplies and emotional support, these volunteers are helping ensure no one faces this disaster alone.

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

“I wasn't prepared.”

When Connie Foy received an evacuation order Friday evening, she quickly left her Spokane-area home with her cat, Jethro, not knowing what she would find when she returned.

With no family nearby and no updates on her home, Connie found a safe place to stay at a Red Cross shelter. There, she received meals, comfort and a comfort kit with essentials like a toothbrush and face wash.

“You all have been angels,” Connie said. “I didn't know how badly I needed to wash my face and brush my teeth until I got here.”

Stories like Connie's are unfolding across the Spokane area, where more than 65,000 people have been displaced by devastating wildfires. As Red Cross volunteers support families impacted by the Spokane-area wildfires, disaster teams are also responding to wildfires burning across the West, from Washington to Southern California. More than 40 Red Cross shelters are open, providing a safe place to stay, meals, health services and other critical support.

This work is only possible because of compassionate supporters like you. Help us continue providing relief and hope to people affected by disasters big and small by supporting Red Cross Disaster Relief. Visit https://t.co/UtP69PEK98 or text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate. Every gift makes a difference. ❤️

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

Thousands of families across Spokane County are facing uncertainty after devastating wildfires forced widespread evacuations.

More than 65,000 people have been forced to leave their homes as fast-moving fires have burned over 7,700 acres and destroyed hundreds of homes. Hundreds of dedicated Red Cross disaster volunteers are on the ground, providing safe shelter, meals, emotional support and essential resources to those affected.

If you or someone you know has been impacted, here are resources to help you stay informed, get support and find ways to help.

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

Hi, Roger. Please don’t feel discouraged if there isn’t an immediate opportunity available to donate – patients still need you. We’d encourage you to make and keep appointments in the days, weeks and months ahead to help maintain a sufficient blood supply. You can also call 1-800-RED CROSS and one of our donor specialists would be happy to help you find and schedule an appointment. We appreciate your patience and support. ❤️

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

Ray Rossman Jr. has spent decades rolling up his sleeve, and he recently reached an incredible milestone: 33 gallons of blood donated! 🎉

Ray has been donating since he was 17 years old and says giving blood is simply part of who he is. For Father’s Day, his children surprised him with a display case for his donor pins and achievements.

But Ray is even prouder of the legacy of giving he’s passed on to the next generation. Three of his four children served as presidents of their high school Red Cross clubs, and his son, Ray III, is a 10-gallon blood donor who now works for @RedCrossNOH.

Thirty-three gallons later, Ray continues to show up for patients in need, proving that one simple act can make a lifesaving difference. ❤️

We are facing a national blood crisis, and a sufficient blood supply is critical for patients across the country. Make an appointment to give and help patients counting on lifesaving blood: https://t.co/J91hhhvcZ2

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

Hi Dave. The FDA eliminated blood donation eligibility based on sexual orientation, which previously restricted some gay & bisexual men from giving blood. Being a sexually active gay or bisexual man does not necessarily result in automatic deferral from blood donation. Now all potential donors, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, are asked the same questions & are assessed for eligibility based on individual risk factors. Learn more at https://t.co/0pbYYaaroc.

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

We're facing a national blood crisis — only the second one in our organization’s history. Blood donations have fallen to a four-year summer low, pushing an already strained blood supply to a critical level.

We are in dire need of donors to help patients counting on lifesaving blood for emergency surgeries, trauma care, cancer treatment, and other serious medical needs.

Just three more donors at each blood drive this summer can end this crisis and stabilize the blood supply. Please don’t wait. Book an appointment to give blood now: https://t.co/SiP8MUXtoY

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

These are just some of the heartbreaking images our teams have gathered from the ground in Wisconsin.

Families across Appleton, Menasha and Neenah are facing immense loss after Monday's tornado. Local volunteers with @RedCrossWIS are working around the clock to provide comfort, shelter and critical support to those affected. Teams are also assessing damage in impacted neighborhoods, distributing supplies, and working alongside community partners to help address urgent needs and support recovery efforts.

If you live in an impacted area and need help, call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit https://t.co/hh0CcbOpHQ to locate a shelter near you. For anyone wanting to support our disaster relief efforts across the country, please consider making a financial donation or volunteering your time. Every act of generosity helps families take their first steps toward recovery. ❤️

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

As Stevie Cook donated blood last month, she couldn't stop thinking about the strangers who helped save her son's life.

Last fall, her 15-year-old son was involved in a devastating crash — the UTV he was riding in was T-boned by a truck, and he was ejected from the vehicle. He suffered life-threatening injuries, lost a significant amount of blood and required emergency transfusions.

“It was rough,” Stevie said. “He suffered a brain bleed, and his head was shattered open. He was on a ventilator and in the ICU for a week.”

Although Stevie first donated blood in high school, she hadn't donated in quite some time. In fact, after being turned away several times over the years because of low blood pressure and other pre-donation screening requirements, she had begun to think she might never be able to donate again.

Her son's accident changed everything.

When a blood drive came to town earlier this year, Stevie was determined to roll up her sleeve. Her first attempt ended in disappointment when she didn't meet the blood pressure requirement. But she came back for the next blood drive to try again.

“When she said I passed the test, I about jumped up and screamed — I was so excited,” Stevie said.

This time, donating wasn't just about doing something good. It was personal.

“The whole time I was sitting there, I just kept thinking, someone did this on their lunch break and my son benefited hugely,” she said. “There's not enough words or feelings or emotions to express how thankful we are for such a simple act of kindness that saved our son's life. We are forever in debt to that person for that simple thing of donating blood.”

Today is an especially meaningful day for Stevie's family. The son whose life was saved by emergency blood transfusions is celebrating his 16th birthday, surrounded by the people who love him. He is back to being a typical teenager, working a summer job, preparing for his junior year of high school, and pursuing his dream of becoming a pilot.

“Look at my son,” Stevie said. “Somebody's donation saved his life.”

There’s a national blood crisis happening right now, and we need your help to ensure hospitals can meet patients' blood needs. If you’re able, please make an appointment to give: https://t.co/J4AQumTb4T

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

No one should have to choose between their safety and their pets during a disaster. We're grateful for partners like @PetSmartChariTs for helping support pet-inclusive disaster response efforts that keep families and their furry friends together when it matters most.

Learn how to make your own pet emergency plan: https://t.co/XioWvikwbI

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

If you only had minutes to evacuate your home, what's the first thing you'd think to grab? For Merry and Joe Pendergrass, it was their five dogs and three cats.

When the Aspen Acres Fire threatened their Colorado community, knowing there was a safe place for their pets made it easier to leave.

"When the sheriff knocked on our door," Joe said, "he told us there was a shelter for the people at Pathfinder, and there was also a shelter for all the animals."

That reassurance made all the difference. Many people hesitate to follow evacuation orders because they don't know where they can go with their pets. Thankfully, the @COWYRedCross partnered with a local animal shelter to support a co-located pet shelter, helping families stay close to their pets while knowing they were safe and cared for.

Merry and Joe were able to visit their pets, walk the dogs, and spend time with all eight animals while they waited for updates on the fire.

"I can definitely vouch for the animal shelter," Joe said. "If people are wondering what it's like, I can tell them they're doing a terrific job."

Merry and Joe's story is an important reminder for pet owners everywhere: Make a plan for your pets before disaster strikes. Include them in your family's emergency plan, prepare a pet emergency kit, and know where you'll go if you need to evacuate.

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

Thanks for your generous donation! If you have a valid email address on file, you will receive an email with instructions on how to redeem your Gift Card within 30 days of donation.

If it's been more than 30 days, please reach out to our customer care team by calling 855-210-1278 or by email at [email protected]. Thank you!

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

Volunteers like Linn Hughes are part of the reason why military families never have to face life's most challenging moments alone.

As a dedicated volunteer with the @RedCrossNTX since 2018, Linn supports our Hero Care Network. This 24/7 support system helps active-duty service members and their families navigate emergencies and major life events.

From the death of a loved one to the birth of a child, Hero Care Network volunteers help coordinate emergency communications and provide critical support, taking one less worry off the shoulders of the military community during stressful and emotional times.

“We help make sure they have the correct information so decisions can be made quickly," Linn said.

In 2025, Linn was recognized with a Service to the Armed Forces Excellence in Service Award for the difference she makes through her volunteer service. But her impact reaches far beyond the military community. Whether delivering relief supplies to people affected by disasters, helping families prepare for emergencies, or installing free smoke alarms in homes, Linn shows up with compassion and care.

“Sometimes people just need someone to be there,” Linn said.

Thank you, Linn, for always being there when people need it most. ❤️

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

It’s been a busy month for Red Cross volunteers as they respond to disasters across multiple states and territories.

• Out West, volunteers are supporting communities affected by major wildfires burning across multiple states, including Oregon, Colorado, Utah and Washington. Shelters are open for evacuees, and Red Cross teams are providing meals, emotional support, air scrubbers and N95 masks as dangerous fire conditions continue.

• Across the East, severe storms brought tornadoes and flooding from Kentucky to New England. Red Cross shelters have welcomed displaced families, while disaster teams are helping assess damage and support communities facing power outages, road closures and flooded homes.

• In Texas, Red Cross teams continue helping people recover from recent flooding while communities face another threat: extreme heat. Shelters remain open for anyone needing a cool place to stay, a meal, resources or a place to charge their phone as temperatures climb.

• In Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, Red Cross teams continue helping families recover after two super typhoons struck just 83 days apart. Volunteers are supporting shelters, clearing debris, and providing supplies, financial assistance, health services, and other resources to help communities recover.

How can you help when a disaster strikes? The best way to support our relief efforts is to donate. Your gift helps the Red Cross provide shelter, meals, relief supplies and comfort to people affected by wildfires, storms, flooding, and other disasters across the country. Every donation makes a difference for families facing some of their toughest days: https://t.co/xqXhXk51g9

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

Military spouse and volunteer Antoinette Richard knows what it's like to move, start over and build a new community from scratch. Now, as a pharmacist at a military base in Vicenza, Italy, she's helping others do the same.

“I can tell you from personal experience — I think moving, particularly overseas, can be really difficult to adjust to," Antoinette said. "A program like this was helpful for me as a volunteer, and I think it's helpful for other spouses because the hardest part when you go overseas is to kind of form a sense of community."

We've launched our first overseas pharmacy technician training class at the Vicenza Health Clinic through our Career Enhancement Program. The inaugural class includes three military spouses who are volunteering their time to gain valuable skills, support the military community, and find a sense of purpose.

“It's important when you have a familiar face, somebody that's a neighbor or you know your kids play together," Antoinette said. "That makes a really big difference when you are forming a relationship and kind of leveraging that relationship.”

These volunteers play an important role in helping pharmacy teams serve patients when staffing is stretched thin. As active-duty pharmacy technicians take on deployments and other assignments, trained volunteers help keep services running smoothly and ensure the community continues to receive the care it needs.

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

@FurrySapphire03 Hi Samantha. Donors who come give between Sept. 1-20, 2026 can only get exclusive American Red Cross x Hello Kitty® collectible item, while supplies last.

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

Tropical Storm Bertha is expected to bring heavy rain, flash flooding, strong winds, and possible storm surge impacts along parts of the Gulf Coast.

If you are in an area that could be impacted, take action now to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Conditions can change quickly, so make sure you're prepared before the worst weather arrives.

A few ways to keep safe:
• Stay off flooded roads.
• Move to higher ground before flooding begins.
• Charge your devices and monitor emergency alerts.
• Have an evacuation plan that includes your pets.

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

We are days away from a blood supply crisis — because there simply aren't enough blood donations coming in.

Doctors could have to make difficult choices about who receives blood transfusions and who has to wait. Your support during this time can help ensure every hospital patient continues receiving routine and timely medical care: https://t.co/GNhP9sbhsd

[American Red Cross @RedCross]

When he was just 2 years old, Troy was airlifted from Montana to Seattle, beginning a long journey of hospital stays, medical tests, procedures and treatments after being diagnosed with a rare immune disease. Along the way, he relied heavily on blood products to survive.

Nearly three-quarters of Troy’s blood supply had to be replaced. For his family, blood transfusions weren't just part of his treatment plan — they were lifesaving.

Troy is now a world away from the hospital bed where he spent his early childhood. Now 12 years old, he is healthy, active and doing all the things he loves.

“He plays baseball, basketball and football,” said Troy’s mother, Callie Ross. “He loves to camp, fish and hunt. He recently got a black lab puppy named Creed that will be his best buddy for the years to come. He will be a 6th grader next year, which is so hard to believe.”

For the Ross family, those everyday moments never feel ordinary.

Wanting to give back for the blood products that helped sustain Troy through his illness, the family launched their first TroyStrong blood drive in 2017.

“It started out as a way for us just to take our minds off of something beyond our control,” said Troy’s father, Wes. “It’s really turned into a way that we can pay it forward. For us to be able to help other people is really a gratifying feeling.”

Since then, TroyStrong blood drives have expanded across Montana, bringing together communities determined to help patients facing medical emergencies, cancer treatments, surgeries and other conditions requiring blood transfusions.

The impact has been remarkable. TroyStrong blood drives have collected 1,680 units of lifesaving blood and welcomed more than 300 first-time blood donors. Each donation represents an opportunity to help patients like Troy, whose survival depended on blood being available when he needed it most.

For the Ross family, every unit collected is a reminder of the donors who stepped up during one of the most difficult times in their lives. ❤️

We are experiencing an emergency blood shortage, and we are days away from a blood supply crisis — because there simply isn’t enough blood donations coming in. Help us beat the current shortage by scheduling an appointment to give blood or platelets: https://t.co/ibsYS7JvWv