ARCAN Update by Becky McCorry, President 

April 2026

We are excited about our first ARCAN in-person gathering, which will be in Philadelphia on September 25-27 and held in partnership with the American Red Cross Overseas Association (ARCOA) and a group of former and current Red Cross disaster services staff and volunteers. 

This “3Union” will bring together a range of former and current Red Crossers to meet in person to reconnect and reminisce, share stories and strengthen the bonds that have always made this network so special. While we all worked in different parts of the organization, our Red Cross experience unites us.

Our members tell us that one of the reasons they are part of ARCAN is to reconnect and this event is a great opportunity to do that in person! 

This gathering is open to both current and former American Red Cross employees and volunteers —we hope to create an event that reflects the full breadth of our shared experience. I believe it may be the start of more partnerships and collaborations among Red Cross alumni groups. Look for more information in the days and weeks ahead.

Red Cross Pension Management Changes

Another matter of interest to a number of ARCAN members is the change occurring to the administration of the Red Cross pension. The bottom line is that your pension amount should not change; what will be different is the insurer issuing the pension payments.

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Just In Time for Memorial Day and the beginning of summer… 

American Red Cross expert Connie Harvey shares practical, expert-backed tips to help keep children safe in and around the water in an AAA article by Lisa Beach. 

“The American Red Cross wants people to know that drowning is preventable,” says Connie Harvey, director of Aquatics Centennial Campaign and Survival Programs at the American Red Cross. “There is no ‘one thing’ that prevents drowning. It takes layers of protection to help keep your loved ones safe.”

Water Safety for Kids: What Everyone Should Know

On a hot day, it doesn’t take long for kids to race toward the nearest pool, lake, or wave pool. But while the water promises fun, it also carries risk—especially for children.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 in the US and the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for kids ages 5 to 14. 

Start with Layers of Protection

Harvey points to the American Red Cross’ Circle of Drowning Prevention, which highlights these “layers” of water safety in simple steps: 

• Provide close, constant attention to children you’re supervising in or near water. 
  
• Fence pools and spas with adequate barriers, including four-sided fencing that separates the water from the house and yard. 
  
• Make sure every family member learns swimming and water safety survival skills. 
  
• Children, inexperienced swimmers, and boaters should wear US Coast Guard–approved life jackets. 
  
• Always swim in a lifeguard-protected area. 
  

Full story here