A Lifesaving Partnership: How Unum Supports Red Cross Training and Community Resilience

by Emily Foshay - Red Cross volunteer writer

“At Unum, we see employees not just as employees, but as human beings as well.”

Hands-only CPR class at Unum

Nika Francois, a program manager at Unum and the American Red Cross advisory board member, shared that part of their values is loving and supporting the community.

A partnership between the Red Cross and Unum is equipping employees with lifesaving skills and strengthening community preparedness across Northern New England.

“We’ve been working together with Unum for more than 30 years,” said Julia Maher, senior regional philanthropy partner for the Red Cross in Northern New England. “It’s one of our strongest and longest-standing partnerships.”

The relationship brings financial support, employee engagement, and lifesaving training programs that benefit both Unum employees and the wider community.

Unum blood drive

Corporate partners like Unum play a key role in supporting Red Cross disaster relief efforts, which can be provided in advance or following emergencies.

Funding from partners helps provide “blue sky” disaster relief, allowing the Red Cross to position supplies, mobilize volunteers, and prepare communities ahead of major events.

“The faster we can be there, the faster we can stand up a shelter or provide meals to people impacted," Maher said.

Beyond financial support, Unum’s partnership also focuses on hands-on employee engagement.

“Unum is fantastic at providing programs for our employees as well as just being part of the community in general,” Maher added.

One of the most visible examples of that engagement is hands-only CPR training offered on campus. Participation in Red Cross programs at Unum continues to grow, with 90 employees completing community preparedness training in 2025, up from 57 in 2024. Those programs included hands-only CPR classes and fire safety training.

“It really builds confidence,” Francois said. “Anything can happen at any time, so having that knowledge empowers employees to step in and help.”

One of the most visible examples of that engagement is hands-only CPR training offered on campus.

For participants, the training provides practical, lifesaving skills.

“This was a great opportunity to learn critical, lifesaving skills,” said Unum employee Darren McGary. “It was quick, informative and great instruction.”

Hands-only CPR training has also served as a pathway to additional certification. In 2025, 161 Unum employees completed Adult First Aid, CPR and AED training programs.

The partnership also supports the Red Cross blood supply through regular blood drives at Unum’s Portland campus. In fiscal year 2026, four drives resulted in 159 presenting donors, including 11 first-time donors, and collected 155 units of blood. Two additional drives are scheduled this year.

Maher said Unum’s strong employee engagement is helping expand the reach of Red Cross programs.

“Unum’s employee engagement is inspiring other organizations to lean into this crucial programming,” Maher said.

For Francois, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to community impact.

“There’s so much more that the Red Cross does behind the scenes,” Francois said. “Being involved has opened my eyes to that, and it’s something I truly value.”

Through more than 30 years of partnership, Unum and the Red Cross continue to equip employees with lifesaving skills and strengthen preparedness across Northern New England.