The official account of the American Red Cross.

Joined June 2007
5,210 Photos and videos
Extreme heat is a leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S., and many states could experience record heat this weekend. If you’re spending time outdoors, stay safe by drinking plenty of water, wearing sunscreen, and taking frequent breaks in the shade. Share this post to help others stay safe, too.
1
12
13
2,256
For military families, every new chapter comes with unique challenges — and moments worth celebrating. Recently, our Service to the Armed Forces team — alongside Tiffany Circle members — hosted a special baby shower for moms and moms-to-be in the @RedCrossTXGC region, bringing military families together to celebrate and prepare for what’s ahead. The event provided essential support, from diapers and baby supplies to CPR training and other helpful resources, while also creating space for military spouses to connect and build community. Military life comes with unique challenges, especially during times of transition like welcoming a new child. We’re proud to stand beside service members, veterans and their families at every stage, offering support during deployments, emergencies and the moments in between. ❤️
8
18
2,334
In Camp Lejeune, N.C., comfort sometimes arrives on four paws. Jenni, a golden retriever, is part of the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces program, offering quiet moments of calm to military members and their families. Whether visiting a clinic, a workspace or a community gathering, her presence brings something simple and calming. For many in the military community, life moves fast and often comes with stress, change and uncertainty. Therapy dogs like Jenni help create space to pause. A wagging tail or a gentle nudge can ease tension, lift spirits, and remind people they’re not alone. Through the Red Cross animal visitation program, therapy dogs support service members, veterans and their families by providing emotional comfort and connection. These visits can help reduce stress and anxiety while fostering a sense of well-being in demanding environments. The work of our therapy dogs is rooted in those small, meaningful moments — sitting beside someone after a long day, greeting a child with a familiar smile, or simply being present. For many of our service members, even the smallest gesture of comfort can make a lasting difference.
8
10
43
3,407
Your help is urgently needed! After a dangerous drop in scheduled appointments, we're asking donors of all blood types to give to help keep the blood and platelet supply strong this summer. When you come to give blood or platelets through June 28, you’ll receive a $15 e-gift card to the merchant of your choice as a thank-you. Make an appointment to donate blood today: rdcrss.org/4aAKKUh
1
15
22
2,808
It's finally summertime, and a little preparation goes a long way. These essentials will make your life easier if the power goes out or if you're facing hot weather.
5
20
28
3,190
We’re facing a dangerous drop in scheduled appointments. Donors of all blood types are urgently needed to help patients who are counting on lifesaving blood following accidents, during surgeries, and for treatment of conditions such as sickle cell disease and cancer. Help us keep the blood and platelet supply strong this summer by scheduling an appointment to give: rdcrss.org/3RRaFR8
8
56
44
4,607
This Memorial Day, we honor the U.S. service members who gave their lives to protect our country. We pause in remembrance and gratitude for their sacrifice. You can mark the day in meaningful ways: - Visit a national cemetery to place flags or flowers. - Pay your respects at a local war memorial. - Observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time with a minute of silence. - Volunteer to support service members, veterans, and military families in your community.
3
26
47
3,556
The unofficial start of summer ─ Memorial Day weekend ─ is here, and many people are looking forward to lighting up a grill. But did you know that grilling sparks more than 10,000 home fires on average each year? To avoid this, follow these safety tips: - Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use. Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited. - Never grill indoors. Keep it out in the open and away from any buildings, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire. - Make sure small children and pets stay away from the grill. - Use the long-handled tools made for cooking on the grill to help keep the chef safe.
2
13
22
3,297
Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross 145 years ago, inspired by the global Red Cross network she encountered while traveling through Europe after the Civil War. She returned home determined to create an organization that would bring relief and protection to injured service members and communities in crisis. For 23 years, Clara led the Red Cross with compassion and purpose. Under her guidance, we responded to its first disasters at home and abroad, supported the U.S. military during the Spanish-American War, and helped lay the foundation for safety training programs that continue today. More than a century later, her legacy lives on in every act of service. We continue Clara’s mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering by: - Helping families recover from disasters, here at home and around the world. - Supporting members of the military and their families. - Collecting and delivering lifesaving blood to patients in need. - Teaching critical lifesaving skills like first aid and CPR.
5
27
49
5,210
Veteran U.S. Army Specialist Rose’s future changed forever after he was injured while serving in Iraq. “I was angry and lost my purpose," Rose said. "But the Red Cross helped me find it." Rose had always dreamed of becoming a doctor. Concerned about the cost of education, he enlisted in 2005 as a paramedic, knowing he would likely be deployed to a combat zone. While unloading a storage rail car — a routine task — a mortar struck, severely injuring the right side of his body and parts of his brain. While recovering in the Wounded Transition Unit, doctors told him his chances of walking again were slim. "I felt like something has been stolen from me," Rose said. His recovery was long and difficult, including four surgeries and hundreds of hours of rehabilitation. But one of the most meaningful parts of his healing came from his connection with Red Crosser, Debbie Dustman, at Fort Lewis. Debbie began working for the Red Cross after college. She was inspired by her mom, who served as a Donut Dolly during the Vietnam War. Debbie supported service members and their families through emergency communication services, health support, and volunteer opportunities. Rose became one of those volunteers himself, finding a place to stay engaged and rebuild his sense of purpose. “If I wasn’t actively receiving medical care, I was there,” Rose said. “I felt like I was supposed to be there. Debbie always made me feel included and important. It was a large factor in my ability to get better.” Rose ultimately regained the ability to walk and medically retired from the military in 2014. In June 2025, he walked across the stage earning a bachelor’s degree in social science. Today, he continues his academic journey, pursuing a Ph.D. in history. This Military Appreciation Month, we are inspired by the resilience and service of veterans like Spc. Rose. We're honored for our mission to be part of the journey to rediscovering purpose and possibility.
6
13
46
3,563
American Red Cross retweeted
May 20
Four months after the floods in Mozambique, many families are still recovering from the loss of homes, livelihoods and access to basic services. In Xinavane, the @CruzVermelhaMOZ, with support from @IFRC, distributed vouchers for essential food items to around 580 families affected by the floods earlier this year. This assistance is being provided under the IFRC Emergency Appeal for the Mozambique floods, with the generous support of the @RedCross.
10
15
2,466
You might feel tempted to jump in after seeing someone struggling in the water, but that can put you in danger, too. A panicked swimmer can accidentally pull you under. Instead, remember these steps: - Shout to get the attention of a lifeguard, if one is nearby. - If there is no lifeguard, call 911 or tell someone else to call. - Reach out with an object — such as a stick or towel — and pull the person to safety. - Throw a floating object — like a buoy or life jacket — to help them stay afloat.
6
23
26
3,134
We're honored to celebrate @KateForbes_IFRC on being named to the 2026 @TIME 100 Philanthropy list! A lifelong humanitarian and former American Red Cross volunteer, Kate has been a trailblazer during her time as @IFRC president. She launched the Red Cross Family Fund to support the families of humanitarian workers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and she spearheaded the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel — now supported by over 100 countries. Leading with heart and humanity, Kate continues to turn compassion into action, sparking hope across the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement. Read more about this well-deserved recognition: rdcrss.org/4wv8dQ2
6
13
33
3,119
Patrick is one of the many Red Cross and Red Crescent workers who show up every day for people. He's currently supporting two humanitarian crisis responses alongside the @IFRC in Kenya and Somalia, where people have been affected by extreme drought. In his role, Patrick is helping get food, water, health services, and cash assistance to people in need. In moments of crisis like these, it’s humanity that brings us together. #RedCrossDay #RedCrescentDay #UnitedInHumanity
21
9
41
3,344
As a nurse, Jessica Simones was no stranger to CPR. But she never imagined she would have to use those skills to save her own daughter's life. “Nothing prepares you for doing it on your own child,” Jessica said. “I’ll never get that image out of my head.” When her daughter, Jocelyn, was pulled from a lake without a pulse and not breathing, Jessica sprang into action. With spotty cell phone service as they tried to call for help, she knew Jocelyn’s life depended on her. Drawing on years of medical training and experience, Jessica performed CPR until Jocelyn began to respond. She continued to closely monitor her daughter until they reached the hospital. Doctors later told the family that even a one-minute delay could have changed the outcome. But thanks to her mom, Jocelyn made a full recovery. In recognition of her heroic actions, the @mnredcross presented Jessica with a Lifesaving Award. Today, Jocelyn is following in her mom’s footsteps, planning a future career in medicine. This National Nurses Week, we honor Jessica and nurses everywhere who make a lifesaving difference — not only on the job, but in their homes and communities. Thank you for all that you do. ❤️
28
18
72
6,173
In moments big and small, the strength of a community is built by neighbors who take the time to show up, lend a hand, and look out for one another. Ways to be a good neighbor: - Bring in their trash can when you notice it's still out. - Offer to pet sit or water plants when they're away. - Start a meal train to support them through a major life event. - Share your chicken eggs! - Slow down when driving through the neighborhood. - Call just to check in. - Volunteer to help your community. Be the neighbor everyone can count on! Step up when it matters most by signing up to become a Red Cross volunteer: rdcrss.org/4cBW2cw
67
28
117
26,491
Military service shapes lives far beyond those who wear the uniform. On average, military children move between six and nine times during their K-12 education — about three times more than their peers. That often means starting over in a new neighborhood, school, and community again and again. This Month of the Military Child, we honor the adaptability and resilience of these young people who serve alongside their families in their own way. Take the time to let a military kid in your life know they are seen, valued and supported. ❤️
19
16
47
8,780
Wildfires are burning across the southern U.S., fueled by dry, windy conditions and ongoing drought. Many homes have been destroyed, and evacuations continue in states like Georgia and Florida, where more than 50,000 acres of land burned this week — an area roughly equivalent to about 38,000 football fields. Meanwhile, other states have burn bans in place, like North Carolina and South Carolina. As the risk of wildfires grows, taking these steps can keep you and your family safe: 1) Create a wildfire evacuation plan and know multiple ways out. 2) Pack a go-bag with essentials like water, medications and important documents. 3) Sign up for local emergency alerts and warnings. 4) Clear dry leaves and debris from around your home. 5) Avoid outdoor burning and activities that can spark fires.
9
18
45
5,430
Volunteering with the Red Cross helped teenager Hannah Kirksey discover what she wants to do for the rest of her life. Inspired by her father’s military service, Hannah devoted more than 1,000 volunteer hours last year alone, including participating in the American Red Cross VolunTEEN program in North Carolina. Through the program, she supported military clinics and hospitals alongside our Service to the Armed Forces team, gaining hands-on experience that helped shape her future. “I got to see some truly, truly amazing things,” Hannah shared. “That was when I knew I wanted to be a part of medicine. This is my passion. This is my calling.” While volunteering at Navy Medical Center Lejeune, Hannah observed care in the emergency department, labor and delivery, the neonatal intensive care unit, and surgical settings. The experience inspired her plan to study public health and pursue a pre-physician assistant track in college. Growing up as a military child meant frequent moves and long separations. By age 12, Hannah and her family had relocated six times. Her father, an active-duty U.S. Marine who served for more than 20 years, deployed 16 times. Hannah hopes her journey helps shed light on the resilience of military-connected youth. “You cannot grow without going through growing pains,” Hannah said. “The experiences and the resilience that I have from it is only something I could have gained by being a military child.” Through it all, Hannah learned that service extends beyond the uniform. “It’s not just the person that is actively in the Marine Corps,” Hannah said. “The entire family serves.” This Month of the Military Child and beyond, we’re proud to support young volunteers like Hannah — helping them serve their communities, discover their passions, and become who they’re meant to be.
8
13
45
5,581
The most important picks are the ones who know how to save a life. We teamed up with 20 NFL Legends for lifesaving CPR and AED training. As coaches in their communities, they're prepared make the right call when an emergency breaks the playbook. Side by side, these respected voices in football are proving that skill and leadership don’t end with the final whistle. They show up in the critical moments that matter most. This training is part of our ongoing partnership with the NFL and a shared commitment to safer, stronger communities. Through the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, we’re working together to champion CPR education, emergency action plans and access to AEDs in schools and athletic spaces nationwide.
12
16
39
4,471