Emergency Assistance

Emergency Assistance & Community Support Resources

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and surrounding partner organizations provide comprehensive medical, crisis, and humanitarian aid. Service members and families experiencing emergencies should utilize the appropriate channels below based on the nature of the crisis.

Core Emergency & Crisis Agencies

Agency / Resource, Type of Assistance and Contact Information

Immediate Life / Safety Emergency

Police, Fire, Ambulance, Acute Medical Emergencies

On-Base give operator JB MDL location / Local: 911

Military & Family Readiness Center

Primary Information & Referral Hub: Coordinates access to relief societies, family support, and community services

COMM: (609) 754-3154

American Red Cross

24/7 Emergency messaging, family disaster relief, and emergency travel coordination

COMM: 1-877-272-7337 (24/7 Toll-Free)

JB MDL Chaplain Corps

24/7 Confidential spiritual care, crisis intervention, and family counseling

Command Post / On-Call Duty: Via Base Operator

Mental Health & Counseling Clinic

Behavioral health support, clinical evaluations, and stress management

JB MDL Clinic: 609-754-9333

Salvation Army & Local Community Aid

Off-base food pantry, emergency shelter, and humanitarian assistance

Local Chapter: Coordinate via M&FRC

Recommended In-Transit Emergency Actions 

Step, Action and Description

1. Assess Immediate Safety

Dial 911 / Go to Nearest ER

For acute medical crises, report immediately to the nearest military treatment facility (MTF) or civilian emergency department.

2. Notify Red Cross / Gaining Unit

Initiate Emergency Comm

If an emergency impacts travel or leave, call the American Red Cross and notify your gaining unit/sponsor immediately.

3. Connect with M&FRC

Referral & Support

Contact the JB MDL M&FRC for personalized referrals to emergency relief societies, crisis counselors, or transient support services.

Financial Emergencies

Air Force Aid: When an unexpected financial problem occurs such as an emergency while in transit, please contact the American Red Cross 877-272-7337 and/or submit an application for financial assistance via the Air Force Aid Society Portal at https://afas.org/emergencyassistance/. You may also contact the nearest Military & Family Readiness Center (MFRC) for further guidance. To reach the JB MDL MFRC telephonically, contact 609-754-3154.

Navy Marine Corps Relief Society: Lakehurst assists active duty, retirees and their families as well as reservists who are on extended duty for 30 days or more with Emergency Financial Assistance in the form of interest-free loans, grants and education programs. A brief summary of emergency financial assistance includes emergency transportation, funeral expenses, medical and dental bills (patients share costs), food, rent, utilities, unforeseen family emergencies, disaster relief assistance, child care expenses, essential vehicle repairs and other assistance approved by the society. All assistance is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. You may visit the society's webpage at www.nmcrs.org for more information.  Financial assistance at Lakehurst is by appointment only and is open during normal business hours, Monday through Friday. Call 732-608-3444 and leave a message. A caseworker will return your call. Lakehurst NMCRS also offers quick assist loans (no appointments needed) walk-in are accepted during Thrift Store Open Hours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Quick assist loans are only for active-duty Sailors and Marines and may allow assistance for basic living expenses, temporary needs and family emergencies in a matter of minutes. Navy Marine Corps Relief Society is located across from the child development center and golf course; the address is Building 158, Berry Road, Lakehurst, NJ 08733.

Army Relief Society : “To provide grants, interest-free loans and scholarships to promote readiness and help relieve financial distress of Soldiers and their Families.” For more information please see the website, https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org/, or contact 609-562-4245.

The American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces program mission is to support services member, veterans and their families from first oath to final salute. This is done by providing care and comfort through outreach and casework. To send an emergency message, for resources to meet critical needs or for financial assistance referrals reach out to the Hero Care Network at 877-272-7337 or download the Red Cross Hero Care app. For other needs within the New Jersey Region please reach out to the Red Cross located at 6051 Doughboy Loop Fort Dix, NJ at 609-562-2258.

Be mindful of necessary documents such as PCS orders, passports, medical records, immunization records, birth certificates, marriage licenses, maps, important phone numbers, etc. Be prepared and know how to contact your losing and gaining commands.