Devastation in Ukraine: How the Red Cross is Helping

Thank you my red-cross volunteer friend Lt Col Charlie Brown for posting the perspective fro redcross.org unattributed author.
In addition to Red Cross, Samaritan's Purse and Shelter Box USA are providing onsite help and relief for Ukrainian refugees
While the American Red Cross has many noble goals and people, the International Committee of the Red Cross has been laundering money. Be careful where and who you donate to.

Franklin Graham, President of Samaritan's Purse, talks about Samaritan’s Purse’s relief efforts to help Ukrainian refugees.
https://rumble.com/vw8w77-franklin-graham-talks-about-samaritans-purses-relief-efforts-to-help-ukrain.html



Background from the link you shared {[.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/2022/ukraine-red-cross-delivers-aid-to-families.html?]}
"As fighting in Ukraine continues, the Red Cross is providing lifesaving aid to those in need — both in the country and in neighboring areas. More than two million people have fled Ukraine to nearby countries and an estimated 18 million — a third of the country’s population — will need humanitarian assistance. As the fighting intensifies, so does the dire humanitarian situation and needs on the ground.

“Many of the people affected were already vulnerable before the conflict and now face an even harsher situation as they are losing their homes and their livelihoods, being forced to seek shelter wherever they can or fleeing their country in search of safety. They urgently need food, water and shelter, but also emergency medical care, protective measures and psychosocial support to avert an even greater humanitarian catastrophe,” said Birgitte Bischoff Ebbesen, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Regional Director for Europe.

In Ukraine: Aid Amidst the Violence
Over the past eight years, teams have been on the ground delivering assistance to at-risk families including providing food, fuel for heating, medical supplies and support for housing.
Under mortal danger to themselves, Red Cross teams are still working tirelessly to help people and communities impacted by conflict. Around the clock, teams are providing emergency aid amid fear and uncertainty. As of mid-February, Red Cross teams have:
Distributed more than 90,000 food and hygiene parcels to families on the move across Ukraine, including Mariupol.
Provided first aid training to more than 12,000 people in metro stations and bomb shelters.
Delivered more than 32 tons of food, blankets, medicine, medical supplies, trauma kits and household items.
Assisted with the evacuation of people with disabilities.
Distributed critical care items to over 7,000 people seeking safety from shelling in bomb shelters.

In the coming weeks, Red Cross volunteers will increase their work reuniting separated families, providing food and other household items, and increasing awareness about areas contaminated by unexploded ordnance. The current needs are tremendous, critical among them include water delivery, support to health facilities and medical care for families wounded.

In Neighboring Countries: Help to Those Fleeing their Homes
People impacted by the conflict are heartbroken, as they are forced to flee from their homes. Red Cross and Red Crescent teams in the region are rolling up their sleeves to assist with the dire humanitarian crisis as it unfolds. In Poland, Hungary, Moldova, Belarus, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Lithuania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Red Cross volunteers are supporting displaced people.

Teams are:
Distributing food, water, clothing, bedding, hygiene sets, blankets and even handing out SIM cards so that families can stay connected amid the turmoil.
Providing medical care at border crossings.
Supplying baby products and services for children.
Pitching tents and preparing shelters for refugees who need a comforting place to sleep and feel safe.
Providing psychosocial support for those who are physically, mentally and emotionally stressed.
Helping connect people to other essential services.


Role of the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross has deployed international crisis responders to Poland, Moldova, Hungary and Romania to provide humanitarian relief in support of the international Red Cross operation helping families who fled their homes. These highly trained crisis responders—who are lending skills such as information management, GIS systems, communications and leadership—are supporting on-the-ground relief efforts alongside local teams, including the Polish Red Cross, Moldovan Red Cross and Romanian Red Cross.

Additionally, in line with its work supporting military families, the American Red Cross has sent trained staff to Europe to support emergency communication needs of U.S. military members, so they can stay in touch with family members back home. The Red Cross Hero Care Network is a Congressionally-chartered program that connects service members and their families in times of need. Red Crossers are also distributing comfort kits, containing hygiene items and other necessities to service members and U.S. State Department staff.

Blood Services
At this time, the American Red Cross is not shipping blood products to Ukraine. The American Red Cross does not ship blood products outside the U.S. without a specific request from the U.S. Department of State, from the United Nations, or unless we have a request from affected Red Cross or Red Crescent societies abroad.

Can I Volunteer or Donate Goods?
In countries around the world, Red Cross and Red Crescent organizations have their own staff and volunteers who are trained to respond to large-scale disaster operations. The American Red Cross sends highly specialized and experienced professionals with technical skills and expertise abroad only after the Red Cross or Red Crescent team requests assistance. Those not already on the Red Cross’s international disaster roster will not have the opportunity to deploy at this time. We encourage you to connect with your local Red Cross chapter for future opportunities or to visit redcross.org/volunteer for more information.

While we are grateful for the outpouring of support, it’s important to know that neither the American Red Cross, nor our global Red Cross partners, are accepting the donation of in-kind goods such as food, clothing, blankets or toys at this time. These items can be difficult to manage on the ground and divert resources from our mission. Other charitable organizations are better suited to manage such donations.

International Humanitarian Law
ICRC called on authorities to adhere to international humanitarian law and to protect civilians and infrastructure delivering essential services, including power and water facilities, schools and hospitals. Peter Maurer, president of the ICRC, requested protection for humanitarian action so that aid agencies can maintain access to civilians. ICRC has also called for parties to agree to terms so safe passage of civilians is possible.

Protecting Red Cross Workers
The Red Cross emblem is strictly regulated under humanitarian law. In armed conflict, it may be used by medical staff and facilities, including army medics and vehicles. It may also be used by Red Cross and Red Crescent workers, vehicles, facilities and the humanitarian relief they bring.

Resources for People Affected by the Conflict
The ICRC has published a list of resources for people needing urgent help in Ukraine, including medical care, evacuation support, mental health support, shelter and safety tips.
The IFRC Psychosocial Center also has resources for talking to children about war.
For people fleeing the war in Ukraine, the European Union (EU) lists a comprehensive guide including rights when crossing the border into an EU country, eligibility for temporary protection and applying for international protection, as well as the rights of travel inside the European Union.


How to Find a Missing Loved One
Those unable to get in touch with US citizens missing in Ukraine or Russia should contact the US Department of State Overseas Citizens Services Office online or at [login to see] .

Telecommunication systems in the region have been affected. Some family members are still able to keep in contact with each other, but the situation is rapidly changing as fighting continues. As of now, the majority of affected civilians have been maintaining their own family links via cell phones. Red Cross teams continue to work together to assess how to help restore family links given considerable challenges on the ground.

How Can I Learn More about the Red Cross response?

ICRC and IFRC have a comprehensive list of resources, including maps, press releases, videos, photos and stories, further expanding upon Red Cross relief efforts in the region."

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Excellent share Lt Col Charlie Brown , I will pass this on to Facebook ma'am.