American Red Cross

The International Red Cross was originally founded in Switzerland to bring non-discriminatory assistance to wounded soldiers on battlefields. After learning about the movement, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross (ARC) in 1881 on the fundamental principles of humanity, neutrality, unity, and more, and introduced a new form of volunteer service to the country. Today, 140 years later, the ARC has an expansive network of donors, volunteers, and employees across the country and is one of the largest humanitarian organizations in the world.

As part of the Global Red Cross Network, the American Red Cross joins the fundamental principle as an organization that does not discriminate and does not take sides in hostilities. Volunteers and staff help people prepare for emergencies and deliver vital lifesaving services to those in need.

Today the American Red Cross provides over two million people emergency assistance, disaster relief, blood services, lifesaving trainings, and much more. Every year, the organization responds to over 60,000 disasters across the country. In addition to emergency services, the ARC provides a vital need to all hospitals by regularly hosting blood drives across the country. Since its founding, the American Red Cross has helped ease and alleviate human suffering in the face of disasters by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.