Every year, the American Red Cross Pacific Islands Region honors volunteers whose dedication and compassion embody the Red Cross mission of alleviating human suffering in times of disaster. This year, Rev. Anke Flohr, Executive Director & ACPE Certified Educator at Pacific Health Ministry, was one of eight recipients of the 2025 Red Cross Hero Award.
Rev. Anke serves as the Regional Program Lead, Disaster Spiritual Care, American Red Cross-Pacific Islands Region. In this role, she provides compassionate support to individuals affected by disasters as well as to the dedicated responders on the front lines. Disaster Spiritual Care Providers respect all expressions of belief, faith and non-faith and each person’s rich diversity of heritage, language and culture.
Upon accepting her plaque from Regional CEO Tony Briggs and Red Cross Board member, Jon Mauer, they shared a meaningful tribute to her service, saying, “Mission Hero, Anke Flohr, has provided essential spiritual care to Red Cross clients as Disaster Spiritual Care Regional Program Lead for eight years! [She] gives her expertise, professionalism and compassion to families during their darkest hours. She is also a teacher and strong leader inspiring other volunteers. By validating volunteer credentials and guiding them through the process, she empowers others to uphold the Red Cross mission of alleviating human suffering. … She is one of the driving forces behind our Region’s ability to respond to disasters with a holistic approach.”
“I want to thank Tony Briggs, Regional CEO of the Pacific Islands Region, and the award selection committee for recognizing the importance of spiritual care in times of crisis as part of a collaborative disaster response team,” said Rev. Anke.