American Red Cross @RedCross

For military veteran Cory Paul, a peaceful night catching fireflies turned frightening when a snake bit his 6-year-old daughter, Adeline. "She was really panicked and screamed, 'A snake bited me! A snake bited me!'" At first, Cory thought she may have run into thorns or let her imagination take over. But when he looked closer, he saw several small puncture wounds on her legs. As a 15-year Red Cross employee who served in the U.S. Army National Guard, Cory knows a thing or two about preparedness. But when it comes to your child, even the smallest moment can feel overwhelming. Unsure if a trip to the emergency room was warranted, Cory opened the Red Cross First Aid app. "The first thing it tells you is to call 911," Cory said. "That really helped boost my confidence level, knowing that was the right thing to do." When first responders arrived, they confirmed Adeline was bitten by a copperhead, a common venomous snake. She was taken by ambulance and later airlifted to the nearest children’s hospital, with her dad by her side the entire time. At the hospital for nearly three days, Adeline received antivenin treatment, frequent leg measurements, and physical therapy. The swelling made it challenging and painful for her to walk. But just days after returning home, Adeline was back to playing outside and being a kid. The experience didn’t leave her fearful. Instead, it inspired her to want to become a zoologist when she grows up. Cory is not only proud of how Adeline handled the experience, but also of working for an organization that provides lifesaving resources. His advice to parents in a situation like this: "Stay calm and don't hesitate to call 911 if you're not sure. You almost think about the worst possible outcome, but if you can take a couple of deep breaths, you can figure out the next step." We’re so proud of parents like Cory who stay calm, step up in critical moments, and show up for their kids when it matters most. Way to go, Dad! ❤️

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Hi, we’re very sorry about this experience you described. This is not the experience we want for our donors. We would like to look into this further and tried to send you a DM, but it looks like your messages may be closed. If you’re able to enable them or send us a message, we’d really appreciate the chance to connect. Thank you.

New merch, folks — we’re teaming up with Looney Tunes to celebrate the red, white and you! Come give blood or platelets June 29 through July 12 and score an iconic Red Cross x Looney Tunes T‑shirt, while they last. Make an appointment to give: rdcrss.org/4eK9oDp

For more fire safety information, visit: rdcrss.org/4uSvx8B

With kids home for the summer, now's a great time to do a quick home fire safety check. Summer schedules can look a little different, and it's easy to forget the simple steps that make a big difference in an emergency. Take a few minutes to revisit your family's fire escape plan, which can help everyone feel more confident and prepared if the unexpected happens. Check the link in the comments for more tips on helping kids stay safe and prepared.

When Edward Kuan was just 15 years old, he found his dad unresponsive on the kitchen floor. He was in cardiac arrest. With his younger brothers watching, Edward leaned on the skills he learned as a lifeguard. He called 911 and began CPR, continuing until first responders arrived. While his dad's prognosis was poor at first, he ultimately survived and recovered due to Edward's calm and decisive action. As his dad watched proudly, the @RedCrossNorCal Region honored Edward with a Lifesaving Award for his heroic actions that day. Because of Edward’s quick thinking, a father and son were given something priceless: more time together. Protect the hearts of the dad or father figure in your life by getting trained in CPR.

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When it's hot outside, small mistakes can quickly become serious health risks. Make sure you're not making these common ones! During hot weather, you should drink water regularly, even if you don't feel thirsty. Limit time in direct sunlight, wear lightweight clothing, and take breaks if you're working or spending time outdoors.

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Hi Andy - Thank you for your willingness to help. We’re sorry to hear that you encountered a long wait at these recent appointments and we'd like to ensure that your feedback is passed on to customer care for follow up. Would you please email us at [email protected] regarding your experiences? Thank you.

Most cardiac arrests happen outside of the hospital, and in those moments, nearly 75% happen at home. It could be someone you love who needs help — and you who steps in. If you think someone is in cardiac arrest: 1. Call 911 right away and have someone get an AED, if available. 2. Start CPR by pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest — about two inches deep at 100 to 120 beats per minute. 3. Keep going until you see signs of life or help arrives. Taking a CPR class helps you master these steps and gives you the confidence to act in a real-life emergency.

Volunteer Inès de Truchis is deepening her connection to the military community through her passion for wellness. Originally from France, Inès was a gymnast before moving to the United States to support a work opportunity for her husband. It was here that she pursued her yoga teaching certification, eventually leading classes at the U.S. Coast Guard Base in San Pedro, California. Today, she brings that skillset to her role as a Mindful Movement instructor with the @RedCrossLA. Inès first joined the Red Cross as a volunteer to help bridge language gaps, supporting families navigating French-to-English barriers. She has now expanded her role, using her background in mindfulness to support service members at installations like the Space Force Base in El Segundo. Mindful Movement workshops began overseas to help service members and their families manage stress and anxiety through intentional movement. Now expanding stateside, the program offers practical tools like gentle stretching and breathing exercises to promote relaxation and resilience. “I would like them to put aside their stress and enjoy the present,” Inès said. “When they leave, I hope they feel more relaxed and at peace.” Her connection to the military runs deep. Inès’ husband served in the French Navy Reserve, and her family has a long history of service — something that continues to inspire her work today. Volunteers like Inès are invaluable to the military community, helping service members find moments of calm, strength, and connection.

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Being prepared for your beach day is giving best friend energy. In Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1953, these four women were among hundreds of students attending American Red Cross National Aquatic Schools across the country. They learned everything from swimming safety to lifesaving first aid and brought that knowledge back to their communities.

We're facing an urgent situation: Patient care could be impacted in the weeks ahead due to a steep drop in scheduled blood donations. We need blood donors to help patients who are counting on lifesaving blood following accidents, during surgeries, and for treatment of conditions such as sickle cell disease and cancer. You can help by scheduling an appointment to give blood or platelets: rdcrss.org/4fLIbCv

@JDHill184885951 I'm sorry to hear that you are experiencing issues with your account. Can you please email [email protected] and include your name, date of birth and email address so we can look into this for you? Thank you!

Extreme heat is a leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S., and many states could experience record heat this weekend. If you’re spending time outdoors, stay safe by drinking plenty of water, wearing sunscreen, and taking frequent breaks in the shade. Share this post to help others stay safe, too.

For military families, every new chapter comes with unique challenges — and moments worth celebrating. Recently, our Service to the Armed Forces team — alongside Tiffany Circle members — hosted a special baby shower for moms and moms-to-be in the @RedCrossTXGC region, bringing military families together to celebrate and prepare for what’s ahead. The event provided essential support, from diapers and baby supplies to CPR training and other helpful resources, while also creating space for military spouses to connect and build community. Military life comes with unique challenges, especially during times of transition like welcoming a new child. We’re proud to stand beside service members, veterans and their families at every stage, offering support during deployments, emergencies and the moments in between. ❤️

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In Camp Lejeune, N.C., comfort sometimes arrives on four paws. Jenni, a golden retriever, is part of the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces program, offering quiet moments of calm to military members and their families. Whether visiting a clinic, a workspace or a community gathering, her presence brings something simple and calming. For many in the military community, life moves fast and often comes with stress, change and uncertainty. Therapy dogs like Jenni help create space to pause. A wagging tail or a gentle nudge can ease tension, lift spirits, and remind people they’re not alone. Through the Red Cross animal visitation program, therapy dogs support service members, veterans and their families by providing emotional comfort and connection. These visits can help reduce stress and anxiety while fostering a sense of well-being in demanding environments. The work of our therapy dogs is rooted in those small, meaningful moments — sitting beside someone after a long day, greeting a child with a familiar smile, or simply being present. For many of our service members, even the smallest gesture of comfort can make a lasting difference.

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@ElevanceFND We're grateful for your partnership!

Your help is urgently needed! After a dangerous drop in scheduled appointments, we're asking donors of all blood types to give to help keep the blood and platelet supply strong this summer. When you come to give blood or platelets through June 28, you’ll receive a $15 e-gift card to the merchant of your choice as a thank-you. Make an appointment to donate blood today: rdcrss.org/4aAKKUh

It's finally summertime, and a little preparation goes a long way. These essentials will make your life easier if the power goes out or if you're facing hot weather.

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We’re facing a dangerous drop in scheduled appointments. Donors of all blood types are urgently needed to help patients who are counting on lifesaving blood following accidents, during surgeries, and for treatment of conditions such as sickle cell disease and cancer. Help us keep the blood and platelet supply strong this summer by scheduling an appointment to give: rdcrss.org/3RRaFR8