The American Red Cross is utilizing new technology-based solutions to help prepare communities and deliver disaster relief services faster and more effectively. These technology solutions are made possible by partners like technology giant Lenovo, based in Morrisville, N.C. Lenovo is a long-standing partner of the Red Cross and has committed to a $450,000 donation over three years to go towards the further development of these solutions that enhance disaster response operations through technology in North Carolina and across the county.

When disaster strikes in different parts of the country or the world, Red Cross responds. Even during the pandemic, emergencies do not stop and neither does the work of the Red Cross. The Red Cross remains dedicated to fulfilling our mission to alleviate human suffering and ensuring that all people affected by disasters receive food, shelter, comfort and hope. 2020 has witnessed an extremely active hurricane and wildfire season amongst a coronavirus pandemic and the role of technology has never been more critical.

With well-regarded and established software solutions vendor Esri, the Red Cross has developed a groundbreaking IT support system for disaster-event-management called the Red Cross Virtual Interactive Event Wizard, or RC View. RC View enables the Red Cross and our partners to share a visual situational awareness and draw on near real-time data to better manage disaster operations. The RC View technology is used by the Red Cross every single day across the country. In North Carolina, it was recently used to plan resources and strategy for Hurricane Isaias preparations, response, and recovery.

“This gift is incredibly important to our work and we are grateful for Lenovo’s support,” said Barry Porter, Regional CEO American Red Cross Eastern North Carolina Region. “Because of Lenovo, we can continue to process information before, during, and after a disaster so that families can be helped more efficiently.”

“At Lenovo, we believe smarter technology can transform the way communities prepare for and respond to disasters,” said Libby Richards, North America community engagement manager at Lenovo. “By investing in the American Red Cross and RC View, Lenovo is supporting the organization’s ability to communicate and share important data before, during, and after a crisis.”

As a Red Cross partner, Lenovo has provided support in many different ways, including frequent blood drives since 2005, along with donating technology, and financial support to aid in disaster responses.