Patients & Visitors

Through the American Red Cross Hospital Outreach Program, we are able to provide volunteer and material support to America’s wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans and their families.

Volunteer
You can help! Serve your country through a gift of yourself – become a Red Cross Volunteer at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Here you will find an outlet for your available time, interests, and talents. Your niche is waiting for you.

Your preferences and the hospital’s needs are considered in assigning you a position. The Red Cross will provide training to help you feel comfortable in your new role.

To begin the volunteer process, please click here! Please note that a background check and medical clearance are required. Please click here for detailed information on the process.

Donations
The Red Cross at Walter Reed-Bethesda is always accepting helpful donations. Donations can be mailed to the office or arranged for drop-off at the hospital where volunteers can meet you to unload the vehicle. For a general list of items to donate, please click here.

Chapter Locator
If you reside in other areas, please contact your local Red Cross Chapter for assistance. The American Red Cross network spans over 600 chapters and 58 military installations worldwide. Please visit the American Red Cross on the web for more information on chapter locations and services.

Health and Safety Courses
Sign up for a Health and Safety course by going to the American Red Cross training website. Enter in your zip code to find classes near you.

Blood Services
On Walter Reed-Bethesda blood donations are made through the ASBP. To schedule an appointment, call (301) 295-2106. If you are interested in giving blood or hosting a blood drive outside of Walter Reed-Bethesda, please visit the American Red Cross Blood Services website.

Emergency Communication Services
Twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year, the Red Cross relays urgent messages containing accurate, factual, complete and verified descriptions of the emergency to service members stationed anywhere in the world, including on ships at sea and at embassies and remote locations. Red Cross-verified information assists the member and his/her commanding officers with making a decision regarding emergency leave. To contact Emergency Communications Services, call 1-877-272-7337 (toll free).

Holiday Mail for Heroes
Once a year, we get the joy of delivering holiday cards to veterans, military families and active-duty service members at hospitals and installations around the world. The cards and personal messages, sent by tens of thousands of Americans, provide a welcome “touch of home” for our troops during the holiday season.

All holiday greetings should be addressed and sent to:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

To learn more about the Holiday Mail for Heroes program, please see the HMFH webpage.

Other Hospital Locations
Are you located closer to Ft. Belvoir in Virginia? There’s a Red Cross hospital office located there as well! Please see the FBCH Website for more information.

Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society
The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) is a non-profit charitable organization designed to provide financial, educational and other assistance to members of the Navy and Marine Corps. The 12 relief society volunteers help Navy and Marine families cope with financial pressures. Bethesda’s branch has given more than $375,000 to over 500 families for car repairs, emergency travel and food. NMCRS provides assistance and offers a variety of programs including: budget counseling; layettes for newborns; emergency car repair; financial assistance to active duty and retired Navy and Marine Corps service members and their families.

Emergency appointments allowed anytime during normal working hours. Call (301) 295-1207 to make an appointment. After working hours contact, the American Red Cross at (877) 272-7337.