What is the American Red Cross?
The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, dedicated to helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. More than 700 local chapters are located throughout the United States, its territories and U.S. military installations around the world. Our major lines of service are disaster preparedness and relief, safety and health education and services to military personnel and their families. In addition, many chapters are involved in blood collection and distribution.
The American Red Cross was founded in 1881 by Clara Barton and a group of acquaintances in Washington, D.C. Barton was inspired to start the organization when she heard about the work the International Red Cross was doing in Europe after the Civil War. When Barton returned to the United States, she launched a campaign to launch a Red Cross Society in her home country. She also pushed for the United States to ratify the Geneva Convention’s standards that non-combatants and injured or sick fighters during war time are to be treated humanely. Barton was the leader for the American Red Cross until 1904. During the time she was the organization’s head, the American Red Cross was involved in disaster relief efforts, both at home and overseas. The organization also provided aid to the U.S. military effort during the Spanish-American war. In the years leading up to the start of World War I in 1914, the American Red Cross became involved in public health, first aid, and water safety programs. D
