The American Red Cross provides a worldwide system of emergency related services to members of the military and their families. These services include:

• A global communication network for services members and their families suffering a family crisis.
• Verification of emergencies to assist military commanders in making informed decisions regarding regular and/or emergency leave.
• Access to after-hours financial assistance (AER, etc)
• Confidential counseling, information and referral.

To initiate a Red Cross emergency communication message (ECM), service and family members can call 877-272-7337 any time day or night. Deployed service members are encouraged to contact their local servicing Red Cross office (determined through command), or phone 877-272-7337.

Emergency Communication
SAF keeps military personnel in touch with their families following the death or serious illness of an immediate family member, the birth of a child or other family emergencies.

Counseling
The Red Cross offers counseling, information, referrals and other social services to military families

Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS)
The American Red Cross found that many military families do not know about Red Cross services to military personnel. In an effort to educate these family members, the Get to Know Us program is implemented at MEPS.