Military service can create unique challenges for service members, veterans, caregivers, and their families. The American Red Cross provides confidential assistance and connections to resources throughout North Carolina and around the world.
Available services include emergency communication, referrals to community programs, deployment support, wellness workshops, caregiver resources, and access to certain forms of emergency financial assistance.
Emergency Communication Through the Hero Care Network
The Red Cross Hero Care Network is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It helps military families communicate with service members during emergencies at home, including:
- The death, critical illness, or serious injury of an immediate family member
- The birth of a child
- Other urgent situations requiring a service member’s attention
Red Cross representatives can verify the emergency and send a confidential message to the service member’s military command, including when the person is deployed, stationed overseas, or serving aboard a ship.
The Red Cross does not approve emergency leave. The service member’s commander makes the final leave decision based on the verified information provided.
To begin an emergency communication request, call the Hero Care Center at 1-877-272-7337 or visit the Emergency Communication Services webpage.
Information to Have Ready
Providing complete information can help the Red Cross process an emergency message quickly. Be prepared to share:
- The service member’s full legal name
- Rank or rating and branch of service
- Date of birth or Social Security number
- Military unit address and unit details
- The name and contact information of the family member experiencing the emergency
- A description of the emergency
- Contact information for the hospital, physician, funeral home, or other organization that can verify the situation
Emergency Financial Assistance
Through the Hero Care Network, the Red Cross may help eligible individuals request emergency assistance from a military aid society. Assistance may be available for needs such as:
- Emergency travel
- Food and temporary shelter
- The burial of a loved one
- Other urgent expenses
Military aid societies determine eligibility, the type of assistance provided, and the amount awarded. Potentially eligible applicants include active-duty service members, activated National Guard or Reserve members, certain immediate family members, military retirees, and spouses or surviving spouses of retirees.
Veterans generally are not eligible for this particular financial assistance unless they are medically retired. However, veterans and their families may still receive information, referrals, and help locating other community resources.
Review the requirements on the Red Cross Financial Assistance webpage.
Information and Community Referrals
The Red Cross connects military members, veterans, and their families with local, state, and national programs. Depending on the need and available services, referrals may include:
- Food, clothing, and temporary shelter
- Mental health and counseling services
- Financial or legal counseling
- Caregiver respite and support
- Employment resources
- Veterans’ cemetery and burial benefit information
- Other military and veteran assistance programs
Visit the Information and Referral Services webpage to learn more.
Support During and After Deployment
Red Cross deployment services help military families prepare for and manage the practical and emotional challenges of separation and reunion. Programs may include:
- Pre-deployment preparedness resources
- Psychological First Aid workshops
- Stress-management and mind-body workshops
- Post-deployment support
- Reconnection workshops for service members and families
Learn more about available programs through the Red Cross Deployment Services.
Wellness Resources for Military and Veteran Families
The Red Cross offers free, confidential wellness workshops designed for service members, veterans, spouses, children, caregivers, and other family members. Many workshops are led by current or former mental health professionals and may be available in person or virtually.
Workshop topics can include:
- Managing stress and difficult transitions
- Improving family communication
- Supporting children during military transitions
- Using mindfulness and relaxation techniques
- Reconnecting following deployment
- Building coping skills and resilience
Explore current options on the Red Cross Wellness Workshops webpage.
Military and Veteran Caregiver Support
The Military and Veteran Caregiver Network connects caregivers from all eras and relationships. Available resources may include:
- Online caregiver communities
- Peer support groups
- One-on-one and group mentoring
- Caregiver education and training
- Self-care and wellness resources
- Connections to local assistance programs
Finding Red Cross Assistance in North Carolina
The American Red Cross North Carolina Region serves communities across the state through local chapters and offices. Residents can use the chapter directory to locate the office serving their county.
Find a Red Cross location in North Carolina
For urgent military or veteran assistance, contact the Hero Care Center at 1-877-272-7337. Assistance is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
If someone is experiencing an immediate, life-threatening emergency, call 911.
