Government Relations

Our Responsibilities:

• Representation before Congress and State Legislatures for the coordination and development of policy statements and testimony

• Coordination of any requests and responses to the executive and legislative branches

• Coordination and development of position statements before federal advisory committees and other forums

• Articulation of Red Cross policy positions before representatives of executive branch agencies
• Coordination and development of policy positions articulated by Red Cross staff serving on external task forces and committees
• Advance notice of policy statements made by Red Cross employees in articles submitted for publication to scientific journals

The below priorities help increase visibility of the American Red Cross among government officials and strategic partners, advocate for public policy priorities, identify and pursue future funding and cost saving opportunities and strengthen relationships with the US Congress, Federal agencies, state and local officials, and other nonprofit organizations.

Increased Awareness of Role in Disaster Planning and Response

• Educate government officials and strategic partners on Disaster Services

• Enhance support and funding opportunities for disaster response, infrastructure, readiness and response

• Collaborate with government and strategic partners to increase the nation’s capacity to respond to human-caused and natural disasters

• Engage government officials and strategic partners to assist in efforts to better serve diverse communities

Expanded Understanding of Preparedness, Health and Safety Initiatives

• Educate government officials and strategic partners on Preparedness, Health and Safety

• Build support for the Red Cross Health and Safety training as a recognized state and federal standard

Increased Engagement in Biomedical Services

• Engage elected officials in a campaign to raise awareness of the need for blood and increase donor participation to maintain a stable, sustainable blood supply

• Develop strategic relationships with diverse partners to focus on the need of increased donations from minority communities

• Introduce legislation at state level to lower blood donor age to 16 with parental consent

Increased Awareness of Services to the Armed Forces (SAF) Activities

• Engage government officials and strategic partners to raise awareness of SAF and further SAF priorities

• Enhance support and funding opportunities for Services to the Armed Forces

• Educate government officials and strategic partners on international services programs and International Humanitarian Law

Strengthen Relationships with Key Community Partners

• Support enterprise-wide needs of internal support departments

• Engage non-profit partners on select sector-wide priorities before government

• Improve communications and relationships between local American Red Cross chapters, blood regions, BOG members and senior NHQ staff with federal and state lawmakers and executive branch agency officials

• Create opportunities to place local Red Cross representatives before state and federal officials through Hill visits, site visits, orientations and briefings

• Build awareness of and support for March is Red Cross Month

• Jennifer Pipa, Vice President Disaster Programs - September 29, 2021 Before the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
• Koby J. Langley, Senior Vice President, International Services and Service to the Armed Forces - June 24, 2021 in Support of Funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies
• Koby J. Langley, Senior Vice President, International Services and Service to the Armed Forces - May 19, 2021 in Support of Funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies
• Jennifer Pipa , Regional Executive Officer Central Florida Region - April 12, 2018 Before the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation in Support of Funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• Harold Brooks, Sr. Vice President, International Services – April 15, 2016 Before the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies in support of funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• Suzy DeFrancis, Chief Public Affairs Officer – July 9, 2013 Before the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee, Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications

• Harold Brooks, Sr. Vice President, International Services – May 6, 2013 Before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies in support of funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Global Immunization Program

• Sherri L. Brown, SVP, Humanitarian Services - April 24, 2013 Before the Committee on Veterans Affairs United States Senate - Call to Action: VA Outreach and Community Partnerships

• Gail J McGovern, President and CEO of the American Red Cross - February 14, 2013 Before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means. Hearing on Tax Reform and Charitable Contributions