Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia
American Red Cross founder, Clara Barton

By K.P. Sander

Every time there is a disaster of any magnitude, you can count on the American Red Cross to be on site, lending substantial support in an effort to provide relief.

Founded on May 21, 1881, by Clara Barton in Washington D.C., the humanitarian organization is in the business of providing emergency assistance, disaster relief and education to Americans in every corner of the U.S.  As it has evolved over the years, the American Red Cross continues to provide relief as well as community services for the needy, including military members and their families.  They also serve in the collection, processing and distribution of blood and blood products, as well as provide educational programs on disaster preparedness, health and safety (including international relief and development).  The American Red Cross is an affiliate of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

According to Wikipedia, the Red Cross was established in Washington D.C., and the national headquarters itself is a National Historic Landmark.

Founder Barton learned of the Red Cross in Geneva, Switzerland, becoming so impassioned with the concept that she went to Europe in 1869 and became involved in their work. She was determined to bring the organization home.

Barton first organized a meeting on May 12, 1881, at the home of Senator Omar Conger (R-MI) with 15 people present.  She became the first president, and Representative William Lawrence (R-OH) became the first vice-president.  Funding came from John D. Rockefeller, the federal government, and four other individuals for the headquarters, and chapters soon began opening up.

Today, the American Red Cross is a network of more than 650 chapters dedicated to saving lives.  With 30,000 employees and 500,000 volunteers, they mobilize relief to those affected by over 70,000 disasters each year – including fires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, transportation accidents, explosions, and much more.

The American Red Cross is not only the largest supplier of blood and blood products, each year they train millions upon millions of individuals in life-saving medical skills, and exchange more than a million emergency messages for U.S. military service personnel and their families.