No military spouse wants to think about what to do in an emergency when their spouse isn’t home. How do they get the message to their service member? The good news is that the American Red Cross is available 24/7 in cases of emergencies via the Hero Care Network.

The American Red Cross gathers information about emergencies, verifies the emergency, and then gets the message to the correct chain of command. Emergencies that qualify are death or severe illness, urgent time-critical family emergency (such as a birth), and emergency financial assistance. Another piece of good news is that anyone can initiate the call. However, the emergency has to involve an immediate family member, which are listed below:

* spouse

* kids

* parents (including in-laws)

* brother (including in-laws)

* sister (including in-laws)

* only living blood relative

* grandparents

* fiancé(e)

* domestic partner

Key pieces of information that they need are listed below:

* service member first and last name

* rank

* branch of service

* last four of social

* date of birth

* military unit address

* phone number (can be the number for rear detachment)

* name of family member that is involved

* relationship of family member involved

* family member contact information

* nature of the emergency

* where can the emergency be verified (contact information)

You can contact the Hero Care Network 1-877-272-7337 or use the Hero Care App.

Yolanda M. Gainwell is a humanitarian, mother, and proud Army spouse of an active-duty soldier. Yolanda makes volunteerism and serving her community a priority, holding leadership and support roles in various military and community organizations. Yolanda is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she continues her altruistic service focusing on implementation of programs and services impacting critical issues and quality of life for people of color. Yolanda is married to Lt. Col. Anterrio C. Gainwell, United States Army, and they have two children, AJ (22) and Jazzmine (21).

If you want to check out more about the American Red Cross, you can check our their website or connect with them on social media via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok. If you need to contact the American Red Cross after hours, call 1-877-272-7337.

News 6 with Jolene

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