09/19/16 — Red Cross offers app to help military, vets

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Red Cross offers app to help military, vets

By From staff reports
Published in News on September 19, 2016 9:53 AM

The American Red Cross has unveiled its new free Hero Care mobile application designed to help members of the military, veterans and their families identify and access both emergency and non-emergency Red Cross services from anywhere in the world.

Some features of the app include:

* Request Red Cross emergency services including an emergency message or assistance with emergency travel or emergency financial aid.

* 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.

* Locate information on key government resources such as MilitaryOneSource, VA Benefits and Services, Department of Labor VETS, the VA Caregiver Support Program, and SAMSHA Community Health Support Services.

"When an emergency happens, accurate information, easy access to services and time are of the essence, especially for military families," said Barry Porter, regional CEO of the Red Cross in Eastern North Carolina. "That's why the Red Cross has designed the new Hero Care App -- whether you're the parent of a child joining the military, a military member, a military spouse or a veteran, the Hero Care App will connect you to vital services and guide you to valuable resources that will help alleviate stress during emergencies and provide important information right at your fingertips."

Content in the Hero Care App is available in both English and Spanish, and the call center is staffed 24/7 with multi-lingual translation services.

The Hero Care App is available to download for free in app stores, by texting 'GETHEROCARE' to 90999 or by clicking on the following link from a mobile device http://3cu.be/sharehc.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.

The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.

For more information, visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or check Twitter at @RedCross.