Today, online activists are asking people to raise awareness of the political situation in Iran following the country’s recent general election.

Although you may have read otherwise, the American Red Cross is not accepting designated funds or blood from the public for activities in Iran.

The Iranian Red Crescent has not requested international assistance and has indicated that the government’s Emergency Center of the Ministry of Health is the lead responder during civil unrest. Per the Ministry of Health’s request, the Iranian Red Crescent has supplied ambulances, but they are not being operated by the Red Crescent. Similarly, because it is the responsibility of another organization to supply blood products within the country, the Iranian Red Crescent is not involved in the collection process.

“The Iranian government’s Emergency Center of the Ministry of Health is responsible for treating people who have been injured or affected by the emerging situation in Iran following the recent general elections. The Iranian Red Crescent is not involved in the response but has supplied the Emergency Center, based on their request, with ambulances to be put under the government’s authority.”

Filed under: Blood, Development, International