Recovery, Inspiration and Caring for the Workforce - 20 Years After Hurricane Katrina

The Facts: Katrina – Largest Response Ever

August 29 marked the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s landfall in Buras, Louisiana, about 60 miles southeast of New Orleans. The Category 3 storm was the costliest in U.S. history, totaling $125B, and among the deadliest killing nearly 1,400 people.

New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin issued a mandatory evacuation order 21 hours before landfall. Although 80% of the city’s population managed to flee, 100,000 to 150,000 remained. When the storm struck, it breached levees guarding the city and 10 inches of rain placed 20% of the city underwater within hours, and 80% within days. The Louisiana Superdome, serving as a shelter for tens of thousands of residents, was beset by resource failures. Katrina caused the largest US migration since the 1930s Dust Bowl, with the city’s population down 20% from 2000. (Source: 1440 Daily)

As reported by the American Red Cross, the largest single disaster relief effort ever undertaken by the organization was the response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005. In addition to killing so many people, the storm left millions homeless. Hurricanes Rita and Wilma followed soon after, worsening the devastation. 

In the largest sheltering operation in its history, the Red Cross opened nearly 1,400 evacuation shelters in 27 states and the District of Columbia. More than 3.8 million overnight shelter stays were provided. More than 90 kitchens were set up to prepare meals. Five days after Hurricane Katrina made landfall, the Red Cross served nearly one million meals in a single day. More than 68 million meals were served during the response. More than 244,000 disaster workers, 95 percent of them volunteers, responded to help the hurricane survivors. More than 4 million people received emergency assistance through the Red Cross.

 

Perspectives: Kay Wilkins and Jack Herrmann on Hurricane Katrina, 9/11, Central Texas Floods and Care for the Workforce

Two Red Crossers’ share perspectives on being impacted, taking care of their staff, responding to big disasters and now what Red Cross is doing to support its workforce 20 years after Hurricane Katrina and 14 years after 9/11. Thank you to Kay Wilkins, Jack Herrmann and every single Red Cross responder!

“When I think back on Hurricane Katrina, I think of the resilience of people, how the landscape changed for all people affected and for the Red Cross. Red Cross demonstrated its ability to change and adapt. I also think of the stories of my staff, and how many of them had to work in a challenging environment that they were not trained for.”

– Kay Wilkins

Kay Wilkins

Kay Wilkins worked for the American Red Cross for 45 years, before retiring last February. She was the CEO for the Southeast Louisiana Chapter of the American Red Cross when Hurricane Katrina, and resulting rains and levee breaks, flooded 80% of New Orleans. Several years after Katrina, she was selected for President Barack Obama's "Champions of Change" program that honored everyday Americans doing extraordinary work to make a difference in their communities

During the response and recovery phases of Hurricane Katrina, Kay and her team worked tirelessly to meet the needs of her community, but at a time when others took only lessons about organizational response from Katrina, she declared that her chapter would become a leader in community preparedness and resilience building. Programs like “The Pillowcase Project” to help kids prepare for evacuation and “Senior Preparedness Packs” to help seniors be ready originated under Kay’s direction. The Pillowcase Project became a nationwide model for preparedness.

Following the hurricane, Red Cross was able to hire art therapists and teachers who were out of work due to the hurricane. The Pillowcase Program actually sprung out of a preparedness program piloted to help local college kids pack what they needed for evacuations into their pillowcases. The program was next tailored for children in grades 1 through 3, teaching them what to do if they were scared in a disaster. It involved lessons in disaster preparedness, what to take with you in your pillowcase during an evacuation, and teachers could send preparedness information for their families home with the children. The program evolved nationwide, with modules for earthquakes, fires, and other disasters for children K-3 then later K-6. 

When asked what she remembers first when thinking back on the Katrina response, Kay said, “I think of the resilience of people, how the landscape changed for all people affected and for the Red Cross. Red Cross demonstrated its ability to change and adapt. I also think of the stories of my staff, and how many of them had to work in a challenging environment that they were not trained for.” 

“We had AmeriCorps workers who only trained for three weeks then deployed, and they did Herculean things,” she remembered. “One in her late teens was managing a shelter when supplies were running out. She had to ration food and water. For example, one cup had a line drawn on it to the level that it could be filled for each person. She had to adapt and persevere. I still think of her today.”

“I also remember the faces of my chapter’s Board of Directors,” said Kay. “We’d meet in Baton Rouge, since people were scattered. We’d come together to identify unmet needs, and whichever Board member could best help, would step up and make the connections we needed… I also remember a particular conversation with Becky McCorry who had come to help from National Headquarters. We were discussing how to best help our staff face the next day. She said, ‘Focus on each hour, what you have to do that hour.’ I still think about her counsel. She was a much-needed advocate and mentor to me at that time.” 

Kay sees great progress in how the American Red Cross cares for its own disaster workforce now. “Katrina served as a starting point for conversation about how we take care of others, but not our own staff. We needed to not only see how workers were physically but also mentally. We also needed to be prepared to backfill for staff who were affected by a disaster directly.”

“Today there is more of an intentional desire to support staff,” she said. “I think Katrina, to a degree, overshadows Hurricane Ida, which was also devastating to so many. Our home was 87% destroyed by Ida, and Red Cross sent representatives to come check on me personally at my house every few days. They were great.”

“If we don’t take care of our employees and volunteers, we can’t shine as bright.”

Kay started with Red Cross as a volunteer lifeguard at Auburn University. In addition to leading the Southeast Louisiana Chapter after Hurricane Katrina, she also played a big role in Georgia as interim CEO and is the retired director of External Relations for the Southeast and Caribbean Division American Red Cross. and volunteers with the Red Cross. She especially likes her role as an executive sponsor (mentor) in the Caribbean. Kay still lives in New Orleans, has three kids and three grandchildren.

Her diligence and commitment to disaster survivors, her staff and the future of preparedness will forever be remembered by many a Red Crosser. When Kay retired, her staff in Georgia wrote, “Kay’s countless hugs, empathetic ear and kind heart have left a lasting impression on all of us. We are forever grateful.”

“Not all disasters are the same. A reaction can be triggered by some and not others. No matter how seasoned you are, you may not be immune to the psychological challenges caused by the next disaster or seeing news reports of a crisis years ago. There may be delayed affects. Be open to this, especially around anniversary dates.”
- Jack Herrmann

Jack Herrmann

We spoke with Jack Herrmann, Senior Director, Client Care in Disaster Cycle Services, after he had just returned from two weeks of R&R vacationing on a river cruise in the Netherlands and Belgium following his service as the Mass Fatality Task Group Chief in the Red Cross response to the Central Texas Floods. Jack also worked on TWA Flight 800 following 9/11, the recent DCA Airline crash in Washington D.C., Hurricanes Sandy and Rita, and the Pulse Nightclub Shooting. He lives in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Jack’s current leadership role for Red Cross national headquarters encompasses the Client Care Program including Disaster Health, Disaster Mental Health (DMH), Spiritual Care, Disaster Disability Integration, and more.

He worked as the Client Services Administrator for Disaster Heath, Mental Health and Spiritual Care services for two weeks in Baton Rouge, LA at the beginning of the Katrina response. For the 9/11 response he was a Disaster Mental Health volunteer in New York City, and the New York State Lead for Disaster Mental Health while living in Rochester.

We asked Jack what people should expect with the heightened retrospective news coverage around Hurricane Katrina and 9/11. He said, “Not all disasters are the same. A reaction can be triggered by some disasters and not others. No matter how seasoned you are, you may not be immune to the psychological challenges caused by the next disaster or seeing news reports of a crisis years ago. There may be delayed affects. Be open to this, especially around anniversary dates.”

“For example, I realized one year after 9/11 while having coffee on my porch that it felt like a fog just lifted from my brain,” Jack remembered. “I’d been walking around like this for a whole year after experiencing the trauma of others through my volunteer and professional work without really realizing it.”

One thing Jack is most proud of in all the years he’s been responding to disasters is the experience he acquired that enabled him to develop a disaster mental health course and implement it across the state of New York… “Therefore, expanding the DMH capacity of the state. This includes training mental health responders in how to work with families when the authorities are identifying or have identified their deceased loved ones through DNA samples.”

Jack shared that while currently the Red Cross does not have a consistent policy or practice on how the organization as a whole supports its workforce before, during and after a deployments, and it is largely inconsistently addressed across the nation – chapter to chapter, region to region, division to division – Red Cross did commission a workgroup 18 months ago to begin gathering information on what at the time was being done to support disaster workers, particularly post-deployment, and what the recommendations are for the future. Ultimately, and at a high level, the findings suggested the organization develop more comprehensive policy and practices that promote resilience building and supporting workers (and their families) before, during and after disaster deployment. Jack says, “These recommendations are being incorporated into Red Cross’ overall Disaster Mental Health Program Review, which identifies other directions for the future of the DMH program and will be presented to leadership in the coming couple months.”

“We also instituted a few targeted support programs following some of our more recent complex disaster responses, including the Maui Wildfires (2023), LA Wildfires (2025), American Airlines Crash (2025), and more recently the Central Texas Floods (2025),” said Jack. All these disasters involved multiple fatalities and as a result, the Red Cross wanted to ensure that they acknowledged the potential impact of responding to a mass fatality incident, and in some cases provided support to the responder both during and after their deployment.  

Shannon Green and Shannon Goodhue from Jack’s team provided some details of the support provided to deployed workers for those incidents, which included both mental health and spiritual care, but also some direct Red Cross related services, including financial support for those who were personally impacted in the disaster (i.e., LA Wildfires).

Shannon Green explained that DMH support was integrated across all levels for some of these disaster responses, “Providing consistent and compassionate care to staff throughout their disaster response experience.” On the ground, DMH staff offered both one-on-one and team-based support in the field and at different sites, facilitated targeted mini-workshops on self-care and compassion fatigue, and helped increase awareness about the emotional impact of disaster work. 

Help remained available around the clock to deliver psychological first aid and emotional support as needed. These efforts were reinforced through close collaboration between DMH and Workforce teams, which improved mutual understanding and streamlined referrals for mental health support. Communication between DMH and leadership was strengthened, enabling real-time feedback and coordinated planning. 

Visual tools such as signage, and DMH-identifying ribbons helped staff easily recognize support team members. Initiatives like “Mental Health Moments,” care packages, and on-the-job check-ins—whether individually or with teams—further reinforced a culture of care. Compassionate and consistent messaging through self-care reminders in daily Incident Action Plans and meetings helped embed wellness into the operational rhythm of their deployment. DMH team members continued their support through post-deployment responder check ins, “Welcome Home” calls, offering continued connection and care. 

“The outcomes of these efforts were successful in increasing access to mental health resources and created a greater sense for responders of being supported and appreciated,” said Shannon. “Together, these initiatives contributed to a more resilient, responsive, and emotionally healthy workforce during disaster relief operations.”  

More Great Resources and Insights

A Disaster Expert’s Guide To Preventing Employee Burnout, by Trevor Riggen, President of Humanitarian Services at the American Red Cross and a Forbes Councils Member. Published July 17, 2025.

https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2025/07/17/a-disaster-experts-guide-to-preventing-employee-burnout/

Champions of Change, under the Obama administration https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/champions/american-red-cross/kay-wilkins

“We're incredibly excited about our upcoming membership campaign, officially kicking off with "Summerfest" on June 10 at 3:00 p.m…Our goal is to expand our reach to current employees and volunteers, recognizing that the Red Cross family extends beyond alumni and retirees. We envision ARCAN as a vibrant social fabric, connecting individuals who share a passion for the Red Cross mission, regardless of their tenure or current status.”

Click the photo to link to the full video interview.  

The American Red Cross Alumni Network (ARCAN) is embarking on an exciting new chapter, building on a rich history of connection and service. Neal Gorman, ARCAN's Communications and Marketing Committee chair, recently sat down with ARCAN's President, Becky McCorry, to delve into the network's past, present and future. Here are some highlights from their insightful conversation:

Neal Gorman: Becky, it's fantastic to hear your passion for ARCAN. What truly excites you about bringing together past and present Red Cross individuals?

Becky McCorry: For me, Neal, it's about the enduring "family" that the Red Cross fosters. Whether someone served for a few years or dedicated their entire career, there's a shared love for the mission and countless "war stories" to share. ARCAN provides a vital space for these individuals – past employees, current employees and volunteers – to connect, learn from each other, and continue giving back to the Red Cross family.

Neal Gorman: That sense of connection is powerful. Why do you believe people should join ARCAN, especially as a relatively new group? What's our unique advantage?

Becky McCorry: It all comes back to the mission. Interestingly, the idea of Red Cross retirees connecting socially dates back to the 1970s, eventually leading to a formal advisory group for the Board of Governors.While the structure and focus have evolved, the fundamental desire to connect remains. ARCAN offers a way to rekindle those connections, share experiences, and for our more seasoned members, it provides a crucial retiree helpline. But looking forward, we aim to be a bridge between the past and the present, fostering mentorship and a continued sense of community for everyone who has been part of the Red Cross.

Neal Gorman: The historical context you provided is invaluable. It sounds like ARCAN is building on a strong foundation. You mentioned the retiree helpline – can you elaborate on that?

Becky McCorry: Absolutely. The retiree helpline is a vital service managed by our volunteers. We receive hundreds of calls annually, often from older retirees navigating automated systems, inquiring about benefits, or needing assistance with various administrative matters. Our volunteers provide that personal touch and guidance that can be so crucial.

Neal Gorman: That's a wonderful service. Now, let's talk about the future. ARCAN is launching membership drives soon. What can you tell our members about these efforts?

Becky McCorry: We're incredibly excited about our upcoming membership campaign, officially kicking off with "Summerfest" on June 10 at 3:00 p.m. However, we've been laying the groundwork strategically. We've updated our newsletter and website, making them more engaging and user-friendly. We've also formalized our bylaws to ensure a solid foundation for growth. Our goal is to expand our reach to current employees and volunteers, recognizing that the Red Cross family extends beyond alumni and retirees. We envision ARCAN as a vibrant social fabric, connecting individuals who share a passion for the Red Cross mission, regardless of their tenure or current status.

Neal Gorman: That's a fantastic vision! How can current members get involved in this exciting growth?

Becky McCorry: There are many ways! Firstly, simply by spreading the word about ARCAN to their former colleagues and current Red Cross friends. We'll be actively promoting membership through social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn. We're also encouraging members to think about the power of bringing in just a few new people. Even a modest increase in membership can significantly impact our ability to support our initiatives and have a greater presence in the community. Beyond joining, we also need volunteers within ARCAN to help with various initiatives – from outreach to technology support.

Neal Gorman: You also touched on the potential for mentorship and community involvement. Can you expand on that?

Becky McCorry: Absolutely. We've heard directly from Red Cross leadership about the need for mentors, and our alumni have a wealth of experience to share. Furthermore, our members are located throughout communities and possess a deep understanding of local needs. We envision ARCAN members serving on community boards, supporting blood drives, and acting as a vital link between the Red Cross and the communities it serves. Our collective experience and passion are a powerful asset.

Neal Gorman: This is truly inspiring, Becky. I’ve always looked at all my Red Cross leaders as mentors and I’m excited to have them back in my corner. It sounds like ARCAN is poised for a bright future, honoring its past while embracing new possibilities. Thank you for sharing your insights with us!

Becky McCorry: Thank you, Neal. It's an exciting time for ARCAN, and we encourage everyone who has been touched by the Red Cross to join us as we move forward together.

Mark your calendars! ARCAN's official membership drive kickoff, "Summerfest," will be held on June 10 at 3:00 p.m.  

Stay tuned to ARCAN's Facebook and LinkedIn pages for more details on how to join and get involved!

More to Consider from Becky's Insights: Understanding the Red Cross Today and How ARCAN Members Can Make a Difference

ARCAN President Becky McCorry recently discussed the American Red Cross Alumni Network with fellow board member and Communications and Marketing Committee chair, Neal Gorman. Becky emphasized the importance of the mission and the passion for it that unites past and current employees and volunteers. She also highlighted the idea of mentorship, learning from each other and the value of our shared experiences. Neal asked about the advantages of joining the fledgling group, to which Becky responded that it's about the mission and the passion for it. 

The Evolving Landscape of the Red Cross: Becky's conversation also shed light on the significant evolution of the American Red Cross structure. From a vast network of approximately 3,000 local chapters in the past, the organization has streamlined its operations to around 250 chapters today. This transition, driven by advancements in technology and a focus on efficiency, has reshaped how the Red Cross operates on a local level. While the structure has changed, the fundamental need for a community presence remains as vital as ever.

Your Role in Community Connection: As ARCAN members, your connection to local communities is invaluable. Becky emphasized that even without the traditional chapter structure, alumni can significantly contribute by understanding local needs, fostering relationships with community partners (like fire departments and churches for blood drives), and supporting Red Cross initiatives within their own neighborhoods. Consider how your experiences and networks can help maintain and strengthen the Red Cross presence where you live.

A Small Investment, A Big Impact: ARCAN operates on a lean budget, primarily funded through membership contributions. The annual $30 membership fee plays a crucial role in enabling the network's activities, from maintaining the retiree helpline and website to facilitating future engagement opportunities. As Becky pointed out, this modest investment is comparable to everyday expenses and collectively empowers ARCAN to support its members and the wider Red Cross family.

Looking Ahead: The Desire to Connect More IRL (in Person): The conversation also touched upon the membership's interest in potential future in-person gatherings. The desire for connection within the Red Cross community is strong, and it's happening now! Regional affinity groups are actively meeting, providing opportunities for alumni in specific geographic areas to connect, share experiences and network. Looking ahead, ARCAN envisions further strengthening local connections by developing more ARCAN “chapters” in communities across the country. This future growth aims to create even more opportunities for engagement, friendship and continued support of the Red Cross mission at a neighborhood level.

Click here to learn more and find a group near you: https://redcrossalumni.org/Affinity-Groups.

We Need You! Volunteer with ARCAN: Beyond joining, Becky issued a clear call for volunteers to help steer the direction of the alumni network. If you have skills or time to contribute to areas like outreach, technology support or event planning, we encourage you to get involved and help shape ARCAN's future. Specifically, we could use support gathering and recruiting great Red Cross guest speakers, help organizing local affinity groups (think volunteer chapters) and we need general support. Email us now to get started info@redcrossalumni.org.

The Measles & Malaria Partnership: Nearly 25 Years Saving Lives of Vulnerable Children Overseas

By Carol Miller

A deadly measles outbreak in Texas, and new cases identified in additional states, has healthcare officials, parents and others on edge. We thought this would be a good time to update ARCAN members on the effective work American Red Cross and partners have done since 2001 to address the Measles Epidemic in Africa and other countries, which saves lives and helps contain the spread of the disease. Many ARCAN members worked on, were touched by or donated funds to the Measles Initiative.

Following is a Q&A with James Noe (photo below) senior program manager of the Measles & Rubella Partnership at American Red Cross National Headquarters. 

Red Cross Protecting Kids from Measles & Rubella: One Shot at a Time...

1. Does the American Red Cross still donate a certain amount of money per year to the Measles & Rubella Partnership to vaccinate children overseas?  

The American Red Cross still provides money each year to the Measles & Rubella Partnership (M&RB) through our annual pledge. Since 2001, as an organization we have provide more than $191 million dollars to the Partnership. These funds are typically provided through a grant to the UN Foundation who then transfers it to UNICEF or WHO. Supported activities include the purchase of vaccine doses for use in M&RP supported vaccination campaigns or to programs to address bottlenecks to elimination in Middle Income Countries (MICs). While MICs continue to have a significant number of cases of measles and rubella and can in fact be responsible for the exportation of the diseases to neighboring countries, they are ineligible for funding from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance which provides resources to the vast majority of global immunization programs. The American Red Cross is one of the few avenues for critical funding support in MICs, so our annual pledge has become even more impactful.

2. What are your concerns about the current increase in Measles cases in some U.S. states?  

Parts of the U.S. are unfortunately trending downward in Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccination coverage for children. This leaves pockets of unvaccinated communities in states throughout the U.S., which sadly leaves thousands of children unprotected against one of the most contagious diseases in the world. While thought of by some as a mild disease, measles can result in serious complications including pneumonia, encephalitis of the brain and death. In 2023, more than 107,000 children, mostly under the age of 5, died from complications of measles. As part of the measles outbreak in West Texas, the first measles death in the U.S. was recorded since 2015, this was even more tragically a school age child who could have easily been protected through vaccination.

3. Does it still cost $1 per child vaccinated for Measles, or what is the new figure for a Measles vaccine, and one for the Rubella vaccine? 

Yes, in a low income country it still cost only $1 to vaccinate a child against measles. The $1 includes all associated costs such as the manufacturing of the vaccine by the Serum Institute of India, the transporting of the vaccines to the country, the maintaining of the cold chain through the entire journey, the materials including syringes, dilutant and burn boxes, and the wage of the healthcare worker to administer the vaccine to a child. For the combined measles and rubella vaccine, the cost goes up by $1 dollar for a total of $2 dollars to protect a child for life against both diseases with one shot.

4. What countries or regions outside of the continent of Africa has the Partnership vaccinated? 

While the vast majority of vaccination campaigns are conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa, as the region maintains the highest level of disease burden, the M&RP has supported vaccination campaigns in every world region. This includes high burden countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan and Indonesia as well as countries in the countries in Europe such as Kyrgyzstan and countries in the Americas Region like Haiti. Similarly, the American Red Cross has provided direct campaign support through Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies in countries including Haiti, India, Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines and Timor-Leste.  

5. When did GAVI become part of the partnership?  

While Gavi has been involved with the Partnership since 2010, they did not gain formal membership as a core partner until 2023. At that time, Gavi as well as the Gates Foundation were added as official partners triggering a rebranding from the Measles & Rubella Initiative to the Measles & Rubella Partnership. Along with the inclusion of Gavi and Gates this also signaled a key change to our operational strategy and framework as we became integrated into the World Health Organization (WHO) Immunization Agenda 2030 structure.

6. Where is the Partnership going to vaccinate this year?  

While the timing of campaigns depend on numerous factors and launch dates often slip, for 2025 the following countries are on the programmatic calendar for measles or measles/rubella vaccination campaigns:

·      Afghanistan

·      Bangladesh

·      CAR

·      Eswatini

·      Chad

·      Comoros

·      Congo

·      Congo DRC

·      Ethiopia

·      Gambia

·      Kenya

·      Lesotho

·      Niger

·      Nigeria

·      Pakistan

·      Somalia

·      Sudan South

·      Sudan South

·      Syria NW

·      Togo

·      Zimbabwe

·      Botswana

7. How, if at all, will the pause in USAID financial and human resources support from the U.S. government to other countries affect the ability of the Partnership to continue momentum in the Partnership’s goal? What challenges might it present?  

The pause in funding to USAID has the potential to have significant impacts on global immunization programs through the timing of the next Gavi replenishment cycle. Gavi is the largest funder for global immunization programs as a conduit for donor countries to provide financial resources to the efforts to control and eliminate vaccine preventable diseases in low-income countries. The U.S. has typically been one of the biggest donors to Gavi during their replenishments and were expected to provide roughly $300 million to support Gavi activities between 2026 to 2030.

8. Does the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still provide one of its staff members to work on the Partnership at the American Red Cross?For how many years is the staff member assigned? (it used to be 5 years) 

The tradition of having a U.S. CDC secondee support the American Red Cross’ Measles & Rubella Partnership unfortunately came to an end. The last CDC staff member to support our programs was Dr. Mary Agocs, who happily retired from the CDC following the conclusion of her tour and became a full time Red Cross employee. Currently she leads our program and is based in Geneva where she also helps to support coordination with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

9. Does Red Cross still lead administratively on the Partnership?  

The detailed summary of each M&RP Core Partner can be found here. One of many improvements of the rebranding from Measles & Rubella Initiative to Measles & Rubella Partnership is the formation of the Program Support Unit (PSU) that serves as the secretariat of the Partnership, taking on the administrative role. This was a welcome change supported by the American Red Cross and has created efficiencies within the Partnership. That said, the Red Cross still hosts numerous key activities including the bi-weekly Africa Region Measles and Rubella Call, planning and coordination of advocacy events, and finally the hosting of the M&RP Partners Meeting at Red Cross Square every two years. It should also be noted that the Red Cross served as the co-chair of the M&RP Management Team until May of 2024, at which point our term ended and UNICEF took over as co-chair.

10. An American Red Cross staffer ran across the U.S. to draw attention to the Measles Initiative in the early 2000's. Are there any examples of how you are raising awareness of the Partnership's work among U.S. audiences/advocates now?  

While we have not done activities as notable as the Measles Run in recent years, we still work closely with the Red Cross domestic Chapter Network to conduct advocacy and fundraising activities. We continue to work closely with Red Cross clubs and youth volunteers to raise awareness and funds through the Vaccinate a Village platform. In FY2024, 19 clubs participated in Vaccinate a Village and in FY2025 we have already surpassed that number with 31 clubs participating so far. In addition to our work with youth volunteers, we also have a strong partnership with the American Red Cross National Nursing Committee to conduct educational and advocacy outreach to targeted Congressional offices. This program is currently in its nineth year and has helped to train and mobilize hundreds of Red Cross nurses to meet with representatives from their states to educate them on the ongoing global burden of measles and rubella, and encourage them to support continued U.S. Government funding for the CDC’s measles and rubella elimination programs.  

For more information, view the Partnership video here. 

And see the Measles & Rubella Partnership web pages at RedCross.org here and at the Partnership website here. 

Ukraine: IFRC President Kate Forbes Reflects on the Scars of Conflict and the Long Road to Recovery

IFRC president Kate Forbes greets members of a Ukrainian Red Cross first responders team in Kyiv, Ukraine. Photo: Olha Ivashchenko/IFRC

Amid the suffering, Ukraine stands as an example of global solidarity and local leadership in humanitarian response. The road to recovery depends on the world’s continued, collective commitment. 

by Kate Forbes, IFRC President 

The drive from Warsaw in Poland to Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine, takes almost 15 hours. For some, this journey might feel like a trip to a distant land. But Ukraine is not far away—it is at the heart of Europe. What is happening here is not confined to this country or its people; its challenges resonate across the continent and beyond.

As we travel through Ukraine’s small towns and villages, the signs of conflict become unmistakable. Remembrance walls display the faces of fallen soldiers, each photo a testament to a life cut short. Yet the true pain of war is carried by those left behind—the mothers and fathers who have lost their sons, the wives who have lost their husbands, the sisters and brothers who have lost beloved siblings.

Now entering its fourth year, the protracted conflict has left deep scars—on its land and people. Now entering its fourth year, the protracted conflict has left deep scars—on its land and people. The future remains uncertain as conflict and devastation continue to reshape Ukraine’s story. Yet amid the suffering, Ukraine stands as a powerful example of local leadership in humanitarian response. It has also become a symbol of solidarity, as countries and communities in Europe and beyond have opened their doors, extending compassion and care to those displaced.

Ukraine’s crisis has tested the application of humanitarian principles. In a polarized global environment, where narratives often take sides, upholding neutrality and impartiality has become increasingly complex. One of the key lessons from the conflict in Ukraine is that while these principles remain vital, the foundation of all humanitarian action is the principle of humanity. 

Humanity—recognizing and responding to suffering simply because it exists. This principle, above all others, defines the true purpose of humanitarian work: saving lives, restoring dignity, and inspiring hope.

Members of a Ukrainian Red Cross emergency response unit taking part in a training exercise for evacuating people with limited mobility from the upper floors of apartment buildings. Photo: Olha Ivashchenko/IFRC

The spirit of humanity

The Ukrainian Red Cross exemplifies this spirit, adapting to unprecedented challenges and delivering life-saving assistance rooted in local communities. Witnessing their work firsthand, especially in frontline areas, I was reminded of the phoenix rising from the ashes. Against unimaginable odds, they have reinvented themselves, embodying the resilience and solidarity of the Ukrainian people. 

The IFRC network has also demonstrated this spirit of solidarity and compassion, providing critical support to the Ukrainian Red Cross and assisting Ukrainians in neighbouring countries. Across the network, 60 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies worldwide have mobilized 2.3 billion CHF to support humanitarian efforts for Ukraine and for people from Ukraine. 

Yet, after three years, the challenges remain immense. Millions are still displaced, struggling to rebuild their lives. With savings depleted and the cost-of-living soaring, many have no choice but to return home. But returning is not what it once was—houses, schools, hospitals, and livelihoods have been destroyed. Access to healthcare and education is a daily struggle. 

Women playing a crucial role

One aspect of this crisis that is often overlooked is the extraordinary role of women. While men have been fighting on the frontlines, it is women who have held families, communities, and livelihoods together. Millions of women have taken on the immense responsibility of caring for their children, elderly parents, and displaced relatives—often while struggling to earn an income, manage food shortages, and navigate the dangers of this conflict.

Humanitarian actors have worked tirelessly since the escalation of the conflict, yet the scale of need is overwhelming. The nature of the crisis has shifted—from emergency response to long-term recovery—requiring a broader, more strategic approach. Meanwhile, global fatigue and aid cuts, coupled with economic strain on host countries, threaten to overshadow the urgency of Ukraine’s plight.

To address the overwhelming needs of those affected by this crisis, a multidimensional approach is essential - one that goes beyond immediate relief. Recovery must be holistic, integrating sustained humanitarian aid, sustainable development, and political solutions. 

Invisible wounds

First and foremost, the protection of civilians must remain at the center of all interventions. Beyond the physical destruction, the war has inflicted deep psychological wounds. Addressing mental health and trauma is as crucial as rebuilding homes and infrastructure. It is easier to reconstruct cities than to heal invisible wounds that, if left unaddressed, may pass from one generation to the next. 

Investing in initiatives that restore dignity and support mental well-being is essential to ensuring that Ukraine’s future is not shaped by the unhealed pain of this conflict. Since the escalation of the conflict, our National Red Cross Societies have been providing mental health services in Ukraine and 25 European countries. It is important to continue these services, as the conflict in Ukraine has led to an estimated 15 million people needing mental health and psychosocial support.

Secondly, rebuilding Ukraine requires a vision of inclusion and resilience. This means prioritizing local leadership, investing in education and healthcare, and creating opportunities for different groups, including women. Their role in sustaining Ukraine through this crisis must be recognized—not just in rhetoric, but in policies that prioritize their inclusion in decision-making, economic recovery programs, and long-term peacebuilding efforts. It is critical to foster an environment where Ukrainians lead their own recovery.

Finally, the world must acknowledge the broader geopolitical dimensions of this crisis. Humanitarian actors cannot operate in isolation; their work must be reinforced by diplomatic and political efforts that pave the way for long-term stability and recovery. The challenge now is to sustain humanitarian assistance for millions of people while all eyes suddenly turn to the peace process. The human cost of this conflict cannot be forgotten, and the needs of those affected must not be overshadowed by political negotiations.

As our cars move further from Kyiv, I carry these reflections with me. Ukraine’s locally driven humanitarian response, despite its challenges, is a testament to the power of people’s resilience and solidarity.

https://www.ifrc.org/article/ukraine-ifrc-president-kate-forbes-reflects-scars-conflict-and-long-road-recovery

Welcome to 2025 - A Message from Becky McCorry

The new year brings fresh energy and ideas, and I’m honored to serve as president at a time when these things are so crucial for ARCAN.

Before we talk business, I want to mention our Red Cross colleagues whose homes, loved ones and communities are in the paths of the devastating wildfires in southern California. Our hearts and support are with you, and also all those bringing disaster relief. Please be safe and stay in touch as things progress. 

We’re hitting the ground running in 2025 and I couldn’t be more excited to be working with the new leadership as we plan for improving our offerings and growing our membership. Join me in welcoming our new board members Yvonne Bell-White, Megan Chamberlain and Neal Denton; and in sharing our appreciation to those handing off their batons, board members Mary Buszuwski, Randy Hutson and Matt Meyer, for your exceptional time and talents.

Our goals for 2025 include:

• building a solid foundation to expand ARCAN, 
• growing our membership, 
• continuing to provide services important to retirees and alumni, and
• become financially stable. 

The membership has remained flat over the last few years. There are fewer retirees and therefore fewer people joining the organization. Also, since the inception of ARCRA, lifetime memberships have been offered but they have been discontinued to ensure the financial sustainability of ARCAN. We are at a crossroads because there are 1,252 members of which 594 are Lifetime (not paying annual dues). 

As an alumni network, our membership will grow organically while also providing a space for folks leaving the Red Cross to continue to connect around the mission. Our surveys with members and followers on social media have shown a strong desire to connect and gather with others who have left the organization. ARCAN wants to be the social fabric that brings them together. We’re looking forward to more ways of coming together and opportunities for you to volunteer or participate!

Please enjoy the January newsletter. We welcome your feedback and ideas on it and all our communications tools and initiatives as ARCAN forges ahead. Feel free to connect with me anytime at president@redcrossalumni.org.

Cheers to a Happy Healthy 2025!

ARCAN President

ARCAN 2024 Overview

The Retiree Connection, our helpline where volunteers help Red Cross retirees navigate their pension and benefits, assisted nearly 250 pensioners.  

New and traditional events grew in participation as we worked to find new ways to bring members together. The March webinar with Kate Forbes had more than 70 attendees; October’s inaugural Homecoming event had 75; and the recent Fireside Chat with Trevor Riggen had 55. One attendee commented, “It was awesome to be with so many legends!” 

The new website averaged 600 unique users per month, and 100 organic searches (visits coming through a search vs. clicking a link provided) per month.  

The updated newsletter was read by more than 60 percent of our members. Alumni feature stories and memorials tended to be read the most. Event registrations and the website Member Directory and Homepage also had a high number of clicks.  

ARCAN social media channels connected more than a thousand alumni and friends on Facebook and LinkedIn and promoted ARCAN membership and offerings.   

ARCAN Update from Becky McCorry

•  

  Mary Buszuwski steps down as President of ARCAN

  In November, after leading the transition and launch of the American Red Cross Alumni Network, Mary Buszuwski cut short her term as President to focus on family health issues.  

  Mary said, "It's been an incredible honor to serve on the Board and I am confident under the leadership of every Board member ARCAN will continue to achieve success in the future. I will certainly continue to support ARCAN from the sidelines. My very best wishes to each of you and your families for a wonderful holiday season."

  On behalf of Board and the entire membership, we thank Mary for her remarkable contributions to ARCAN during such an important season and wish her and her family the very best. As Vice President, I will continue to fulfill the duties of the President, until my term as President officially begins on January 1, 2025.

  ARCAN members have elected new Board members and Officers for 2025 – 2027

• Sumner Hutcheson III will serve a second two-year term on the Board.
• Neal Denton, 
• Yvonne Bell-White, and 
• Megan Chamberlain will serve their first terms. 

•  

  The Board of Directors elected officers

• President - Becky McCorry
• Vice President - Jono Anzalone
• Secretary - Joan Pankey
• Treasurer - Mark Hague

If ARCAN members have interest in serving on a committee; or have ideas for or skillsets around new programs and services, please reach out to us at info@redcrossalumni.org.  We welcome member involvement as we continue this journey.

We hope you enjoy the holidays with your families and loved ones. We’re looking forward to exciting new things for ARCAN in 2025.

Warm regards,

Becky McCorry, President Elect

American Red Cross Alumni Network

A Note from ARCAN President, Mary Buszuwski

Hello Red Cross Alumni!

It’s such a great time to be a part of ARCAN! Since we launched in June, dozens of members have been joining and renewing at an exciting pace. There is new energy—I’m sure you’ve felt it—and a ramping up of participation as we create more and more opportunities for all of us to connect and engage.

Membership has long been our foundation of support, but we need your help to reach the next level and create a truly thriving community where we can support each other and the spirit and mission that unite us. As the year draws to a close, I hope you will consider making a financial gift to ARCAN.

The ARCAN Board has nominated four new candidates to join our Board of Directors beginning January 2025. We’ll reach out to members this month with the slate of nominees and instructions on how to vote. 

Finally, I’ve been recovering from hip revision surgery the past couple of months that is taking much longer than expected. I want to thank ARCAN vice president Becky McCorry, secretary Joan Pankey, treasurer Mark Hague, past president Harold Brooks and the Board for their extra efforts and seamless operations in my absence.

Happy Holiday Season!!!

Please help me welcome our newest ARCAN members:

Deepest condolences go out to Dick’s family and loved ones...

Esteemed former American Red Cross President, Richard (Dick) Francis Schubert (November 2, 1936 – July 12, 2024) passed away in Fairfax, VA.

Services will be held on September 28, 2024 at 10 a.m. at the McLean Presbyterian Church, 1020 Balls Hills Road, McLean, Virginia.

A graduate of Yale Law School he served as U.S. Under Secretary of Labor. He was formerly president and vice chair of Bethlehem Steel; Founding Chair of International Youth Foundation and Peter Drucker Foundation; a founding board member of Management Training Corporation; and chaired the National Job Corps Assn and Nazarene Compassionate Ministries.

Following Dick’s retirement in 1982, he was president of the American Red Cross, from 1983-1989, at a time when the organization was threatened with a potential fiscal crisis. Gaining a reputation as a tough but fair president with a strong business orientation, he reorganized national headquarters, promoted improved staff performance, introduced strategic planning to help guide the organization into the future, and led the Red Cross into the computer age. During his tenure, the Red Cross also began a major AIDS public education initiative, built the Holland Laboratory for Biomedical Sciences in Maryland, and diversified the sources of its funding support.

See the full obituary  here:

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/washingtonpost/name/richard-schubert-obituary?id=55749349

This year it seems we are in a “summer of change.” Have you felt it? Embarking on our journey to transform ourselves into an alumni network is definitely one of the best changes! As of the writing of this newsletter ARCAN has 36 new members since we launched a few weeks ago on June 11. This is two and half times the number of new members that joined in all of 2023. And while a number of those up for membership renewal seemed to be waiting  for the ARCAN launch, the high rate of re-ups since June 11 also shows strong support of the changes. It’s so good to be growing!

ARCAN’s new social media channels are becoming a real gathering place, boasting more than 600 members on our Facebook group and more than 500 followers on LinkedIn! They’re sparking great conversations as group members post photos and share memories. We’re also getting valuable feedback through the platforms that will help us plan programs and gatherings. Follow the links to join the conversation. 

The new website is also seeing a huge upswing in visitors who are finding updated stories about alumni, Red Cross news, career articles, retirees and more. Explore what’s new!

I also know most of us have been feeling the impact of our changing climate this summer. I remember when summers here in upstate New York meant days in the 70’s and “heat waves” were temperatures in the low to mid 80’s and the chance to head to a local lake or the town pool to go swimming. Red Crossers have spanned the nation this summer in response to weeks of blistering heat, tornadoes where they shouldn’t be happening, wildfires that defy their seasons, and the earliest U.S. hurricane landfall in recorded history. 

On July 1, the new President and CEO of the American Red Cross, Cliff Holtz, shared his intention to prioritize the climate crisis. His vision includes “building on the Red Cross's strong foundation to adapt to the growing frequency and intensity of disasters, and developing sustainability efforts with a focus on underserved communities across all service delivery.” See the story below. We are looking forward to working with Cliff and in support of the Red Cross under his leadership.  

We’ll also be helping ARCAN members get ready for disasters and emergencies of all types in our July webinar. Elizabeth Bubel, senior associate of preparedness, will walk us though the newest and upcoming features of the American Red Cross Emergency App as well as answer technical questions. Register through the Event listing.  

A summer of change and so much of it real progress. We hope you are encouraged to find new ways to connect and engage with your fellow alumni. We can't wait to see what the fall brings!

Mary

American Red Cross Alumni Network launches member organization for former Red Cross employees 

The American Red Cross Alumni Network (ARCAN) launched today as a member organization for former employees of the American Red Cross. President, Mary Buszuwski, welcomed members transitioning from the Retiree Association and prospective new members on behalf of the Board of Directors. 

"ARCAN has great promise – new purpose and relevance offer potential to rally Red Cross alumni and grow our membership, and with that, our ability to support one another and influence change to make a positive difference through our Red Cross channels, and in so many other ways.

"The transition from a retiree association to an alumni network has been years in discussion and months in development. I want to congratulate all of us today – with special thanks to our board and committee members -- and encourage you to keep your sleeves rolled up! Today’s launch is just the beginning."

Buszuwski highlighted some of the organization's new offerings. The new name and mission come with a full toolkit of marketing and communication components for everyone to explore: 

• A new  website  welcomes potential members with a theme of CONNECT, ENGAGE and INSPIRE, and alumni stories, programs and resources for members
  
• Please note that the website is at a new domain –  redcrossalumni.org 
  
• New ARCAN  LinkedIn  and  Facebook  pages are currently public, but strictly monitored, to allow members to build community. Please join the conversation!
  
• Social Media 101 – Our Comms/Mktg team will host a workshop,  June XX, at XXXX,  to help members connect with ARCAN, friends and colleagues via Facebook and LinkedIn
• The ARCAN newsletter has a fresh new look and content designed to engage our broader membership, while also keeping the focus on what has always united us.

Please remember to share the news about ARCAN with Red Cross friends and colleagues who may be interested in their new eligibility to join.