AWTR Show #844: Hero Care Network: American Red Cross

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

Here are this week’s top stories:

Pfizer Vaccine Receives FDA Approval

Last Monday, the Food and Drug Administration granted “full approval to Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine,” reported AP News. This is the first of three primary COVID-19 vaccines used in the U.S. to be granted FDA approval. “More than 200 million Pfizer doses have already been administered in the U.S.” Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock said, “The public can be very confident that this vaccine meets the high standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality the FDA requires of an approved product.”

Afghan Woman Gives Birth on C-17

An Afghan woman gave birth on a U.S. Air Force C-17 last week, reported Military.com. “The mother went into labor during the flight and Air Force medical crews at Ramstein helped deliver the child in the cargo bay of the aircraft.” “The woman began experiencing complications due to low blood pressure . . . the aircraft commander descended to increase air pressure . . . a decision that helped stabilize and save the mother’s life.” The mother and baby are reported to be in good condition. The Air Force also shared that “aeromedical evacuation crews had been dealing with various medical emergencies during Afghanistan evacuation flights.”

Check out this week’s other top stories here.

Resource Recon with Kayla and Brooklyn

This week’s resource is beyond Army Wife Network—it’s Operation Homefront. Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families so they can thrive—not simply struggle to get by—in the communities they’ve worked so hard to protect. Since March 2020, Operation Homefront has given out more than $1.4 million in COVID-19 relief to military families.

Empowerment Patrol Report with Amanda

Do you know someone who deserves recognition for helping make a difference? We’re always looking to recognize military spouses and organizations who have empowered you. If you have someone in mind, you can nominate an individual here or an organization here.

Thank you!

Thank you for tuning into this week’s episode. Please leave a five-star rating and review on Apple podcasts, then send us a screenshot of your review to info@armywifenetwork.com or DM us on Facebook or Instagram @armywifenetwork to receive a special in-real-life gift as a thank you on behalf of AWN. We appreciate your engagement and support.

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