For many people, being prepared for an emergency involves creating an evacuation plan, putting together a list of phone numbers, stocking up on food and first aid supplies, or making sure the car always has a full tank of gas. Planning ahead becomes even more crucial when a loved one serving our country gets notice of deployment.

The American Red Cross has a long history of supporting military members, veterans and their families. Whether you're the parent of a child joining the military, a military member, spouse or a veteran, the American Red Cross Hero Care App provides valuable resources and services that can help alleviate stress during emergency and non-emergency situations.

In 2016, over 35,000 veterans and military families contacted the American Red Cross for assistance by telephone. The Hero Care App allows military families to securely store information on their service member in case of a personal emergency at home, such as illness or death of a loved one. Through the app, family members can initiate a request for Red Cross services including emergency messages, requesting assistance with travel, and emergency financial aid requests. 

Important App Features:

• Securely and easily access information about their service member in the case of an emergency, including updated information as they move or change duty assignments.
• Access non-emergency Red Cross behavioral health assistance including financial assistance and free local workshops for military kids and spouses.
• Find local resources and information provided by trusted community partners like Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), Blue Star Families, Military Child Education Coalition, United Way, Goodwill, Easter Seals, and others.

During a personal or medical emergency, it is quite possible that you aren’t going to have time to make a phone call or sit on hold until someone can take the call. Downloading the Hero Care Network mobile app now can help get military families in touch with Red Cross teams, if those vital services are ever needed.

The call center that the app connects to is staffed 24/7 and has multi-lingual translation available for those that do not speak English, allowing all military members, veterans, and their families to have the easiest access to support during emergencies big and small.

The Hero Care App is free and available in both the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Users can also get the app by texting “GETHEROCARE” to 90999.

24 Hour Services to the Armed Forces Assistance: 877-272-7337

International Restoring Family Links Helpline: 844-782-9441