American Red Cross

Inspired by the International Red Cross movement established to provide assistance to wounded soldiers, the American Red Cross was established in 1881 by Clara Barton and a number of her acquaintances. The first chapter of the American Red Cross was established in 1881 in Dansville, New York. In 1919, the American Red Cross joined nearly 175 International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent organizations to provide assistance to victims of disaster throughout the world. Today, headquartered out of Washington, D.C., the American Red Cross is a nationwide network of over 700 chapters organized into seven divisions and 36 blood service regions.

Beginning as a relief effort used to provide lifesaving plasma and blood during World War II, the American Red Cross collects nearly half of the nation's blood supply for nearly 3,000 hospitals. In 1900, the American Red Cross was given a congressional charter to fulfill the requirements of the Geneva Convention to provide aid to those wounded during war and to protect the Red Cross emblem, which consists of a red cross on a white background. The American Red Cross was mandated by a modified congressional charter in 1905 to provide assistance to those wounded by war, provide communication between military service members and their loved ones, and to provide assistance to those impacted by disasters. Not funded by Congress, the American Red Cross still operates under the congressional charter as a nonprofit, charitable organization that receives funding from donations. In 2008, the American Red Cross raised over $6 billion.

The American Red Cross is managed by a 50-member, all-volunteer board of governors. The president of the United States serves as the honorary chairman of the organization and appoints eight governors, including the chairman. The chairman of the board of governors then elects the president of the organization, who is responsible for ensuring the policies and programs of the board are implemented and managed effectively and efficiently. Clara Barton served as the organization's first president, heading the organization for nearly 23 years.

Over 30,000 paid employees respond to over 70,000 disasters annually and train nearly 12 million people in lifesaving measures. Ninety-six percent of the organization is comprised of volunteers, who are required to complete an online orientation program to familiarize [Page 17]them with the type of work conducted by volunteers and view the Introduction to Disaster Services video.