|
About The American Red Cross
The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led
by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the
Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross / Red Crescent
Movement, will provide relief to victims of disaster and help people
prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.
Since its founding in 1881 by visionary leader Clara Barton, the
American Red Cross has been the nation's premier emergency response
organization. As part of a worldwide movement that offers neutral
humanitarian care to the victims of war, the American Red Cross
distinguishes itself by also aiding victims of devastating natural
disasters. Over the years, the organization has expanded its services,
always with the aim of preventing and relieving suffering.
Today, in addition to domestic disaster relief, the American Red Cross
offers compassionate services in five other areas: community services
that help the needy; support and comfort for military members and their
families; the collection, processing and distribution of lifesaving
blood and blood products; educational programs that promote health and
safety; and international relief and development programs.
The American Red Cross is where people mobilize to help their
neighbors—across the street, across the country, and across the
world—in emergencies. Each year, in communities large and small,
victims of some 70,000 disasters turn to neighbors familiar and new—the
more than half a million volunteers and 35,000 employees of the Red
Cross. Through over 700 locally supported chapters, more than 15
million people gain the skills they need to prepare for and respond to
emergencies in their homes, communities and world.
Some four million people give blood—the gift of life—through the Red
Cross, making it the largest supplier of blood and blood products in
the United States. And the Red Cross helps thousands of U.S. service
members separated from their families by military duty stay connected.
As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, a
global network of 186 national societies, the Red Cross helps restore
hope and dignity to the world's most vulnerable people.
An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested
in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a
government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to
do its work.
The American National Red Cross is headquartered in Washington,
Gail J. McGovern is President and CEO, and Bonnie McElveen-Hunter is
Chairman of the Board of Governors.
Governing and Guiding Documents
History
Leadership
|
