PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
The American Red Cross East Central Bay Chapter is at 1401 S. Grand Traverse Street in Flint.
Red Cross board members, volunteers, and executive director attend the Flint Sickle Cell Walk.
The American Red Cross impacts lives every day in Michigan, across the country, and around the world. We comfort people affected by disasters big and small, provide about 40% of the nation’s blood supply, teach lifesaving first aid skills, deliver international humanitarian aid, and support military members and their families through the challenges of service. The Red Cross is not a government agency; we are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver our mission.
We comfort people affected by disasters big and small, provide about 40% of the nation’s blood supply, teach lifesaving first aid skills, deliver international humanitarian aid, and support military members and their families through the challenges of service.
In Michigan, our vast network of humanitarian and biomedical services is provided through six Red Cross chapters and nine blood and platelet donation centers in strategic locations. Our East Central Bay Chapter, located at 1401 S. Grand Traverse Street in Flint, is led by Executive Director Becky Gaskin, who manages a dedicated team of volunteers and employees committed to serving people in Flint and 10 surrounding counties.
Biomedical Services
Blood donations to the Red Cross help ensure that new moms, premature babies, people with sickle cell disease, cancer patients, and accident victims have access to safe, lifesaving blood. With the help of volunteer donors, the Red Cross distributes blood products in Michigan and across the country every day. Eligible donors can schedule an appointment at the Flint Red Cross Blood and Platelet Donation Center, 1401 S. Grand Traverse St., by visiting www.RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Recovery
We work closely with community partners and first responders to help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. During a disaster—local or national—we provide safe shelter, food, emergency relief supplies, emotional support, health services, and recovery assistance to those in need.
The Red Cross responds to about 65,000 disasters nationwide each year, with home fires being the most frequent. In the first three months of 2026, our East Central Bay team responded to nearly 90 home fires and assisted more than 300 individuals. Through our Home Fire Campaign, we install free smoke alarms and help families create fire escape plans to prevent fatalities and injuries.
East Central Bay volunteers and employees also deploy to large-scale disasters in other parts of the country, including hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to a worsening climate crisis. Most recently, they have supported disaster operations in Alaska, California, Florida, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Washington.
Volunteers gather for Sound the Alarm to install free smoke alarms in North Flint.
Board Chair Sheryl Thompson deployed to a national disaster relief operation after hurricane Ian devastated Florida in 2022. She is seen here serving as a shelter volunteer.
Ken Marks, home fire campaign volunteer, presents with the Michigan School for the Deaf, offering free smoke alarms for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
Service to the Armed Forces
The Red Cross has supported military members and their families for well over a century. From the first day of enlistment to life after service, dedicated team members provide a continuum of care to the military community. The Red Cross operates 45 overseas offices, maintains a presence on 150 military installations and deployment sites, and offers services on-site at more than 120 medical facilities and over 160 veterans care facilities worldwide.
Training Services
Saving lives is at the heart of the Red Cross mission. For more than a century, we have trained people in first aid and other lifesaving skills. Our training provides the knowledge and confidence needed to act in an emergency. On average, more than 6.5 million people each year receive Red Cross training in first aid, water safety, and other essential skills. Sign up for a course at www.redcross.org/TakeAClass.
Volunteer Patrice Hatcher deployed to Alaska in December 2025 to serve the community after Typhoon Halong left coastal villages inhabitable.
How to Help
Make a Donation
The Red Cross is proud that an average of 90 cents of every dollar spent is invested in providing care and comfort for people in need. Every donation makes a difference. Visit www.redcross.org/donate to contribute.
Sign Up to Volunteer
Every day, Red Cross volunteers—your neighbors—provide a wide range of vital services to people across Michigan. Learn about opportunities to support those who rely on the Red Cross during their most vulnerable times. Visit www.redcross.org/Michigan.
Learn More
Visit www.redcross.org/Michigan.
