Red Cross and Mercy Corps Provide Humanitarian Aid in Ukraine

Portland, OR. As war erupts in Ukraine, the Red Cross is vowing continued support for the at-risk families in the region. International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been on the ground for years, delivering urgent assistance — food, fuel for heating, medical supplies, and support for housing — to those living close to the line of contact in eastern Ukraine. The Red Cross also supports U.S. Military families in the area.

The International Red Cross is boots on the ground helping those who are injured in Ukraine.

The combination of cold temperatures, COVID-19 and chronic uncertainty made basic needs a challenge in recent years. Red Cross teams now in Ukraine will continue their work to repair vital infrastructure, support health facilities with medicines and equipment, and support families with food and hygiene items.

Women and children walk in eastern Slovakia after fleeing the conflict in neighboring Ukraine. Peter Lazar / AFP

“We already see the immediate consequences for civilians, with the latest intensification triggering new displacement,” International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Peter Maurer said, noting that residents have already endured eight years of conflict. “Now I fear increased suffering, with the potential of massive casualty numbers and extensive destruction of civilian objects like water and electricity plants, as well as mass displacement, trauma, family separation, and missing persons,” Maurer said.

The Role of the American Red Cross

In line with its work supporting military families, the American Red Cross is sending 30 trained staff to Europe to support the emergency communication needs of US military members. 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. (Donations of

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. Maurer requested protection for humanitarian action so that aid actors like the Ukrainian Red Cross, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the wider Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement can maintain access to civilians.

Assistance Contacting Family

Those unable to get in touch with US citizens missing in Ukraine or Russia should contact the US Department of State Overseas Citizen Services Office online or at 1-888-407-4747.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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Another nonprofit is also planning outreach and asking for donations.

From Mercy Corps:

Mercy Corps is deeply concerned about the humanitarian catastrophe in Ukraine and the surrounding area that is now unfolding, and threatening many lives and livelihoods. We see risks of food shortages and huge numbers of women, men, and children forced to flee from their homes. The destruction of infrastructures like hospitals and health services could lead to a rapid spread of diseases, including COVID-19.

Mercy Corps is mobilizing a team to the region to assess where help is most needed. We anticipate providing emergency cash assistance as well as supporting local organizations that know their community needs best. Mercy Corps provided humanitarian assistance in Ukraine following the 2014 conflict, helping over 200,000 people with emergency cash, food, water, and sanitation supplies.

All over the world, Mercy Corps works alongside communities to help families affected by disasters, conflict, and climate change. Your gift today to our Humanitarian Response Fund can help us meet the immediate needs of those facing crises like the current catastrophe in Ukraine, and in 40+ countries across the globe, working to build a future where everyone can prosper.

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Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.