Emergency Communication Services

If you are experiencing an immediate, life-threatening emergency, call 911.

How to Access Emergency Communication Services

The American Red Cross Hero Care Center is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with three options for requesting assistance.

Call Toll-Free

To speak to a Red Cross Emergency Communications Specialist call 1-877-272-7337.

Call Free from Overseas

Using a computer, smartphone or tablet, you can call the Hero Care Center for free.

Make a Call »

Download Our FREE App

Use the Hero Care App to access vital emergency and non-emergency resources for military members, veterans and military families.

Download it on the App Store, get it at Google Play, or text "GETHEROCARE" to 90999.

Submit a Request Online

Using a computer, smartphone or tablet, you can start a request for services and track its progress from anywhere in the world. For tips on using this self-service tool, please scroll down to watch our video.

Submit a Request »

Please Have Your Information Ready

When contacting the Red Cross, be prepared to provide the following information. If you do not have all of the information, please use the phone option.

Service member information

Full legal name

Rank/rating

Branch of service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard)

Social Security number or Date of Birth

Military unit address

Information about the deployed unit and home base unit (for deployed service members only)

Information about the emergency

Name and contact for the immediate family member experiencing the emergency (could be spouse, parent, child/grandchild, or grandparent)

Nature of the emergency

Where the emergency can be verified (hospital, doctors office, funeral home)

Who Is Eligible to Receive Emergency Communications?

Service members eligible to receive emergency communications regarding an immediate family member include:

On active duty in the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force or Coast Guard

An activated member of the Guard and Reserve of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces

A civilian employed by or under contract to the Department of Defense and stationed outside the Continental United States

A cadet or midshipman at a service academy; ROTC cadet on orders for training

A Merchant Marine aboard a U.S. Naval Ship

Things to Know

The American Red Cross does not authorize emergency leave for members of the United States military. The Red Cross role is to independently verify the emergency, enabling the service member’s commander to make an educated decision regarding emergency leave and then to provide transportation assistance and/or financial assistance if needed.

The American Red Cross facilitates emergency financial assistance on behalf of Military Aid Societies. These Aid Societies determine the financial assistance package that will be offered – a grant or a loan. The Red Cross is the mechanism to expedite access to these financial resources 24/7.