Listen to “EXTREME DISASTERS CREATE CONTINUOUS NEED FOR RED CROSS AID” on Spreaker.
The first 50 days of 2025 have set a whirlwind pace as American Red Cross volunteers have responded to more big disasters than days so far this year — including record wildfires in southern California and devastating floods in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. This comes on the heels of 2024, which saw the second-highest number of billion-dollar disasters in a single year marked by extreme events like Hurricanes Helene and Milton. 1
In the face of these trends that have upended thousands of lives, Red Cross volunteers are now responding to nearly twice as many major disasters than a decade ago — and relying on generous donations to be able to deliver emergency shelter, food, relief supplies, financial assistance and more.
These major disasters are also taking a hidden toll on communities and exacerbating people’s long-term health problems. That’s why the Red Cross makes sure that people have access to basic health care and emotional support at emergency shelters after disasters. This can include helping to replace lost prescription medications and medical equipment.
What’s more, these massive events are on top of everyday crises like home fires and storms — which are just as devastating to the families suffering from them. All told, generous donations make it possible for Red Cross volunteers to respond every 8 minutes to help families in need across the country.
Anne McKeough, chief development officer, American Red Cross, will discuss these disaster trends and how donations fuel the organization’s response to help ensure no one faces a crisis alone. She’ll also talk about how people can get involved by giving donations to help people affected by disasters big and small.
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