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First-time blood donor, Phillie Phanatic, rolled up his furry sleeve and gave blood like a champ. The Red Cross thanked the Phillies for partnering to inspire more people to step up to the plate. 

A national blood crisis was declared this week for the second time in American Red Cross history. Blood donations are critically needed to help ensure lifesaving blood products remain available for patients who depend on them every day. Please consider donating ASAP.  

Schedule Your Blood Donation.

Issue 13, ARCAN News - August 2026

ISSUE AT-A-GLANCE

President's Corner

It’s hard to believe that the 9/11 terrorist attacks were nearly 25 years ago. Some days, it feels like it was just yesterday; other times it feels like it was eons ago.

I was the New York State disaster lead for the Red Cross when the planes hit the World Trade Center, struck the Pentagon and crashed into the field in Shanksville, PA. But I saw that one of the worst days for our nation brought out the best in our nation as we helped with the response and the recovery.

And our work continues for you and the people who were part of the 9/11 response.

The American Red Cross Alumni Network (ARCAN) has been working to ensure that Red Cross staff and volunteers involved in the response and recovery efforts are aware of ongoing federal government programs to address health claims related to those efforts in New York, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania. 

We hosted a webinar in June with leaders of the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund, a federal program set up to compensate people for health claims related to the response and recovery. They went through the three-step process for people to register with the fund, get their claims certified and then be compensated if eligible.

The Victims Compensation Fund has already received more than 109,000 claims and paid more than $17.8 billion to 74,000 claims.

Here’s the main point: If you were part of the response and recovery and on the scene, look into getting registered. Go to VCF.gov to learn more and register.

In addition, we are planning an ARCAN webinar looking back on the 9/11 attacks and the Red Cross efforts featuring key leaders in the response. Information on this session is below in this newsletter. 

As our nation commemorates the 25^th anniversary of the attacks in September, I will hold every Red Cross staff member and volunteer who was part of our work in my heart. Thank you for being there when we were needed.

September will have another big milestone, our first ARCAN in-person gathering in Philadelphia! This “3UNION” on September 25-27 is being 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 gathering is open to both current and former American Red Cross employees and volunteers. More information on the event and registration is in this newsletter.

Join us to reconnect and reminisce, share stories and strengthen the bonds that have always made this network so special. 

Becky

Kate Forbes Speaks of Importance of Humanitarian Aid and IHL During ARCAN Webinar

By Roger Lowe, ARCAN board member

Kate Forbes, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), called on all parts of the Movement – societies, staff, volunteers and alumni – to become more active in talking about the importance of humanitarian assistance and international humanitarian law at a time of rising challenges across the world.

Speaking to more than 100 people in a webinar hosted by ARCAN, Forbes said she believes that the Red Cross is too quiet about what it does, too quiet about the importance of international humanitarian law and too quiet about its global impact, which is more than any other organization.

She urged current and former Red Crossers – staff and volunteers – to speak at schools and community events about humanitarian issues, international humanitarian law, the work of the Red Cross, and the need for lifesaving assistance in so many places across the world. 

Read full recap on our Red Cross News blog

Update from NHQ on Pension Benefits Management Change

From the Total Rewards office on July 21 

• As previously announced in March and April, the American National Red Cross intends to terminate the Retirement System of The American National Red Cross (the Pension Plan) effective June 30, 2026.
• Beginning July 31, affected participants will be mailed a Notice of Plan Benefits (NOPB). Participants can expect to see the mailing in the beginning of August.
•  The NOPB contains important information used to calculate each participant's pension benefit and serves as a key step in the Pension Plan termination process.

Participants are encouraged to:

• Carefully review their Notice of Plan Benefits to confirm the information used to calculate their benefit is accurate.
• Contact the Red Cross Pension Transition Support Center at 1-844-918-1334 if they have any questions or believe any information is incorrect.
• Verify that their contact information is current in Workday to ensure they receive future pension communications and materials.
• Visit the Pension Transition Support tile on the Benefits Service Center portal for additional information and resources.
  
• The information contained in the Notice of Plan Benefits will be used later this fall when participants receive their lump-sum election kits and other benefit distribution materials.

Retirement Income: With annuities, Protections Shift from Federal to State Agencies

By Dave Therkelsen, in response to the pension benefits management change

Over the last 10 years, the majority of American Red Cross employees and retirees who were in the Red Cross pension plan have had their retirement income shifted to insurance company annuities. When the plan termination for others now underway is complete, all employees and retirees will have their benefits paid from annuities.

Beneficiaries of virtually all private sector pensions and annuities are protected from failure by either federal or state mechanisms. But when retirement benefit payments are shifted from a pension to an annuity, the protection also shifts, from the federal Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation to state Guarantee Associations.

ARCAN members who log into the website can read Dave's full article on the Retirement Resources blog, Important Information for Retirees

"I owe my life to the skill and dedication of my doctors, nurses, and surgeon, the support of my family and friends, and the blood donors whose generosity made those transfusions possible.”

Stephanie Millian – Promoting Blood Donations – and then Needing Lifesaving Blood

By Roger Lowe, ARCAN board member

Stephanie Millian never imagined during her American Red Cross career promoting blood donations that she herself would need lifesaving blood.

But that’s exactly what happened in 2005 when she was hospitalized with a massive blood clot and multiple pulmonary emboli, which led to five days in intensive care during a three-week hospital stay. As the medical team tried multiple clot-busting procedures and inserted a filter to prevent additional clots from reaching her lungs, Stephanie’s platelet and red blood cell counts dropped dangerously low. 

“One moment from the ICU has stayed with me ever since: my doctors asked whether I would accept a blood transfusion and told me that without it, I would not survive,” she recalls. She received several platelet transfusions and a red blood cell transfusion, which gave her body enough strength for the doctors to successfully dissolve the clot.

“In the days, weeks, and years that followed, more than one physician told me they didn't expect me to survive,” she said. “Recovery was long and challenging; I spent three months relearning how to walk, one step at a time. Years later, one thing is crystal clear: I owe my life to the skill and dedication of my doctors, nurses, and surgeon, the support of my family and friends, and the blood donors whose generosity made those transfusions possible.”

Find the full story via Alumni Stories page

PLEASE NOTE: Blood donations have fallen to a four-year summer low, worsening the already-challenging emergency shortage. As a result, the American Red Cross declared its second-ever national blood crisis in its history on Monday. You can find local donation centers or mobile blood drives by using the Red Cross Blood Donor Locator, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or via the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

“There are many wonderful and many very sad experiences in between the lines of this short disaster career summary. Through it all, I am blessed to have been able to be there for many disaster survivors when ‘Help Can’t Wait.’”

Ed Robertson’s Remarkable 70-Year Red Cross Story

By Ed Robertson, ARCAN member (on the left in the photo above)

70 years ago, on March 19, I was sitting in my small apartment in Boston’s Back Bay area listening to my radio and watching the snow come down. At the end of an hourly local newscast, there was a public service announcement that changed to course of my life.

I was still in college and had also received a Local Preacher License from the Methodist Church in Medford, MA where I then worked part time as an assistant to the minister. But on March 19, 1956, the Boston area was snowed in, so I was home.

From History of the Boston Fire Department and Boston Fire Alarm System 1859-1973 by William Werner: “The month of March 1956, produced much snow: there were blizzards on March 16, 19 and 24, resulting in a total snowfall of about 29 inches in 8 days, greatly hindering department operations.”

The Public Service Announcement said that many of the local Red Cross volunteers could not get to the chapter because of the snow. The Red Cross needed additional volunteers who could get to the chapter at the corner of Comm Ave. and Gloucester St. I lived only a block away so off I went to volunteer. 

Access Ed's full story on the Alumni Stories page.

SAVE YOUR SPACE for the In-person 3UNION in Philadelphia - Speakers and Agenda Announced!

For the first time, the American Red Cross Overseas Association (ARCOA), ARCAN and the new ARCAN Affinity Group, the Disaster Reunion Group, will meet for an in-person gathering – in Philadelphia September 25-27. Each group has its own agenda and meeting times. We will collaborate on events that bring Red Crossers together across lines of service: sharing stories, reuniting with colleagues and friends, making new connections, honoring those who served with SAF, remembering those who have passed away, and preserving our history.

The hotel registration deadline is August 24 for special ARCAN rate; deadline for the 3UNION registration is September 22. See our 3UNION web page for full details about the event and registration, hotel located in the historic district, Saturday banquet, agenda, speakers, restaurants, fun tours and activities, all in the setting of America’s 250th anniversary in Philly.

Connect with friends from all three groups Friday at the welcome reception at the hotel. Saturday afternoon includes a free lunch; a presentation by Rosie Taravella, American Red Cross Northeast Division vice president; and tour of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Red Cross facility (largest in the U.S.) and the Northeast Philadelphia Blood Donation Center. 

The keynote speaker for the ARCOA dinner on Saturday will be Jan Edmunds, chairman of fundraising for the Women in Military Service for America Foundation. Jan will also receive the ARCOA Service to Armed Forces legacy recognition for her mother’s service in World War II.

See the working agenda and official events by scrolling down on our 3UNION page and see who from ARCAN is coming so far here. We do not have a list yet of who all is attending from ARCOA.

Summerfest “Block Party” Gathers More than 40 People from Across the Country

Summerfest 2026 celebrated ARCAN’s second anniversary on June 11. Hosts Sumner Hutcheson III and Frank Carroll entertained more than 40 attendees with summer-themed music and introductions before breakout sessions formed according to where we each live in the U.S. (and Canada - cheers to Rocky Lopes!). 

Becky McCorry announced registration was officially open for the first in-person ARCAN gathering, the 3UNION in Philadelphia with ARCOA and the Disaster Reunion Group (which will now become an affinity group of ARCAN). The event was not recorded.

Thank you to all facilitators of Summerfest 2026! 

UPCOMING WEBINARS

Find details and registration for all webinars on our Events page

AUGUST 25 - 3 pm ET

Clara Barton: Pioneer, Reformer, and the Stories We Haven’t Told

Most of us know Clara Barton as the founder of the American Red Cross — but her story is far richer and more surprising than that. Join us for this special webinar with Dr. Chandra Manning, historian and professor at Georgetown University, who will explore the full arc of Barton's extraordinary life: her work as a Civil War medical pioneer, her advocacy for women's rights, her leadership during catastrophic natural disasters, and much more. Dr. Manning will also share how her Georgetown history seminar partnered with the National Park Service to produce original research now shaping the future of the Clara Barton National Historic Site. This is a rare opportunity to see our founder in a new light.

DATE/TIME TBA 

Lessons Learned:  9/11 - 25 years later 

Most of us remember where we were nearly 25 years ago on 9/11 and have reflected on that time as the date approaches each year. ARCAN has invited three iconic Red Cross leaders representing those who navigated this crisis and were among those integral to the response to the multiple attacks across the Northeastern U.S. to share lessons learned a quarter of a century later. This virtual panel session will be moderated by Roger Lowe and include:

Armond Mascelli sharing his initial experiences when the first plane hit in New York City and the subsequent events of that day. He will cover the response challenges, the nationwide impact, communication difficulties and the lessons learned that can be applied to emergency responses today.

Jack Herrmann sharing his perspective as the New York State mental health lead volunteer who traveled from Rochester to NYC immediately following the attacks. We’ll hear about his mindset during the response, how he approached workforce and community care on the ground, and how that informed his subsequent federal roles. Additionally, he’ll talk about his current role as senior director of clinical services for Disaster Services at the Red Cross, focusing on how he and his team set standards and provides care today.

Linda Mathes reflecting on her experience watching the events unfold in NYC and then at the Pentagon, and sharing her initial thoughts, the challenges faced and key takeaways and opportunities for today's leaders.

SEPTEMBER 29, 5 pm ET 

American Red Cross Humanitarian Services 2030 Plan

As the American Red Cross launches into a new fiscal year, Trevor Riggen, President of American Red Cross Humanitarian Services and Anne Mckeough, chief development officer, will share about the vision for the future of the organization and its impact with highlights from the American Red Cross Humanitarian Services 2030 Plan.  Trevor and Anne will leave time for questions from those who attend. 

OCTOBER 29, 5 pm ET

In Honor of Veterans:  Jarrett Barrios on Red Cross International Service & Services to Armed Forces

Just a few weeks before Veterans Day, Jarrett Barrios, American Red Cross senior vice president, International Services & Service to Armed Forces, will provide an update on the reorganization of SAF, his goals for the next five years, and share the latest about International Services.  

RECORDINGS OF PAST WEBINARS AND EVENTS

Did you miss a webinar? Unlock our video archive—including the “Human-to-Human Tech Support for Older Adults”webinar—as part of your $30 annual membership. 

Recordings are available for past ARCAN webinars. Log in to access links on our Past Webinars page for: 

Human-to-Human Tech Support for Older Adults

Introducing a New ARCAN Member Benefit!

Waltz Group Co-founder and CMO Debra Ellenoff and her team shared about a free 60-day trial of their services, a special ARCAN member rate after that, and fielded questions from participants of this webinar. As daily life becomes increasingly intertwined with technology, it can feel overwhelming to keep up with new devices, websites and essential services like healthcare portals. The team explained how Waltz services can be accessed, and that you can connect with your own dedicated Tech Helper from Waltz via phone or Zoom. Beyond troubleshooting, Waltz focuses on coaching, empowering older adults to feel more confident and independent with technology.

How to access

Access your free 60-day trial membership to Waltz and your special ARCAN subscription rate if you wish to sign up after that by calling 844-629-2589 or logging onto the Waltz website at www.waltz.team and follow the instructions to sign up. Tell the operator you’d like to access the free trial and that you qualify for the special ARCAN member deal below.

September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Update and Q&A

Stathi Patseas provided an update on the Fund, clarified rumors and answered questions from attendees. The VCF provides compensation to individuals (or a personal representative) who were present at one of the three crash sites in response to the terrorist attacks, and who have since been diagnosed with a 9/11-related illness. Compensation from the VCF is not limited to first responders. It also is available to those who worked or volunteered at one of the sites, as well as people who lived, worked, visited, or went to school in the VCF NYC Exposure Zone.

International Humanitarian Law 

We're happy to connect you with a variety of IHL discussions and classes. 

Upcoming IHL webinars hosted by the National team can be found on the Red Cross IHL Events page. Details and registration for other IHL offerings are updated on the ARCAN Events webpage.

EXTENDED to September 1:  Free Red Cross Virtual First Aid/CPR class

The American Red Cross has extended its offer of the free Until Help Arrives virtual first aid and CPR course to ARCAN members until Sept. 1, 2026. We’ve heard from members that have completed the approximate 2-hour course that they learned valuable basic skills to help loved ones, friends or strangers in a health emergency.

You can access the course via RedCross.org -- find the coupon code, link to Red Cross classes, and step-by-step instructions for ARCAN members here. It's also available via the ARCAN Member Benefits page. The code is a gift for ARCAN members only and not intended to be transferable to non-members.

Welcome to Our New Members!

Since our April newsletter, 22 new members have joined ARCAN. Welcome! We hope you’ve explored all that the community has to offer, including ARCAN's exclusive benefits, from the Member Directory to Alumni Stories and Events. A full list of member benefits can be found on the ARCAN website: 

www.redcrossalumni.org.

Be sure to reach out and say hello to our new members!

Remembering Our Colleagues

Did you serve with any of these beloved colleagues? Share a memory or a photo on our ARCAN Facebook Group so we can honor them together. 

Alta Lindberg, Dublin, Ohio

Barbara Heili, Huntington Beach, California

Carolyn Horton, Riverdale, Georgia

*Cheryl Stakston, Lakeville, Minnesota

Cordelia Miller, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Donald Jones, Killeen, Texas

*Irene Walton, Middleburg Heights, Ohio

Judith Sawyer, Franklin, Massachusetts

*Mary Hurd, North Platte, Nebraska

Randall Dukes, Doraville, Georgia

Retha Rethmeier, Portland, Oregon

Tony Smith, Suitland, Maryland

*ARCAN member

Listed are Red Cross pensioners who have passed from April 1 to June 30, 2026. There is no comprehensive list of all Red Crossers who have passed, but ARCAN sends In Memoriam emails following the deaths of ARCAN members when we learn of their passing. You can find these in your email box by searching for the subject line, "Remembering…" 

Our beloved Red Cross colleagues will be missed.

ARCAN Affinity Groups News

ARCAN/California and Friends Fall Luncheon

ARCAN SoCal has changed its name to ARCAN/California and Friends. Their Fall luncheon and executive board meeting will be held October 13, location TBD. To join their Facebook group, click the image above. 

Upcoming Greater DC & Baltimore ARCAN Fall Luncheon Meeting

The Greater DC & Baltimore ARCAN Group will gather October 30 for their next luncheon and meeting in Tiffany Circle Hall at the Red Cross 17^th Street building in Washington, D.C. 

Watch for more details about our groups activities on the ARCAN Affinity Groups and Events pages. Any ARCAN member may form an affinity group, whether it be based on geography, line of service or another topic that pulls ARCAN members together to connect.

The American Red Cross and Red Cross Movement Responds to Typhoons, Earthquakes, Floods and Heat Emergencies from Venezuela to the U.S. and the Western North Pacific Ocean

Red Cross employees and volunteers have been busy responding to heat emergencies, floods and typhoons in the U.S., as partner societies respond to back to back earthquakes in Venezuela. See all American Red Cross headlines, stories and news releases  on the news page at Red Cross.org.

The US Announces More Than $200 Million in Humanitarian Assistance to the ICRC and IFRC

On July 23, the United States announced more than $200 million in disaster and humanitarian assistance to the ICRC and the IFRC. This assistance – including a nearly $133 million contribution to ICRC’s 2026 Global Appeal and $70 million to IFRC – furthers the Department’s approach of flexible humanitarian assistance awards with global coverage, enabling implementing organizations to address ongoing crises and respond to new disasters using funding they already have on hand, bypassing lengthy procurement timelines. 

Read the full story 

Frequently Asked Questions: The ICRC’s Approach to Confidentiality

In an age when anyone can denounce violations online or on social media, the ICRC's confidential approach saves lives. Here the ICRC explains why confidentiality remains central to their work, when they speak out, and how their approach is recognized in law.

See answers here to questions like “What is the ICRC’s confidential approach and why does it matter?,” “Is confidentiality still relevant in the age of social media?” and “Why is the ICRC so cautious about publicly denouncing violations?.”

10 Surprising Things Medicare Doesn’t Cover

From AARP

Though great strides were made in recent years on paying for prescriptions, whether you have a Part D plan with original Medicare or drug coverage tucked into a Medicare Advantage plan, you should be prepared to pay $2,100 in 2026 for your covered medications before the limit kicks in. The federal government will help you finance that amount over time if you sign up for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan. You’ll still have to foot the bill for out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles and copayments if you’re hospitalized, see a doctor or get medical tests. But some needs and wants aren’t part of the program. Here’s how you might pay for those:

Read the full story on "Health and Wellness" on the ARCAN Retiree News blog

Use PerkSpot to get good deals and discounts as part of your ARCAN benefits

Use PerkSpot to get deals and discounts as part of your ARCAN benefits

To get started using PerkSpot, sign up or sign in at PerkSpot for discounts on tech products and services, hotel stays, online learning, home goods and more. When you're on the Red Cross PerkSpot site, click "Create An Account" to sign up. It only takes a minute to get access to thousands of discounts and deals you can't find anywhere else! You can use your personal or Red Cross email when signing up for PerkSpot unless the registration page states otherwise). Keep in mind that PerkSpot is a separate log-in from your Red Cross organization. Start your Login/Registration at: Home | Welcome to your American Red Cross Discount Program If you need further assistance, please email cs@perkspot.com.

FOLLOW US

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American Red Cross Alumni Network

PO BOX 21004  | Washington, DC 20009
E-mail: info@redcrossalumni.org | Tel: 202.303.8779

Website: RedCrossAlumni.org