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.

 

INTERNATIONAL SERVICES

American Red Cross helps vulnerable people and communities around the world prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters, humanitarian emergencies and health crises by mobilizing the power of the world's largest humanitarian network, made up of 186 Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies and more than 13 million volunteers. In all our work, we abide by the seven fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. 

-Disaster Response and Recovery, including the Haiti Assistance Program

-Disaster Preparedness

-Disease Prevention, including the Measles Initiative

-Reconnecting Families

-Teaching International Humanitarian Law 

Working with our partners around the globe, the American Red Cross helps to build the local capacities of our sister Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, collaborates with those to train and organize volunteers and educate communities, and establishes partnerships with other public and private organizations to strengthen and complement our core international services and initiatives.