The American Red Cross

The American Red Cross, founded in 1881 by Clara Barton, was created to serve America in peace and in war, during times of disaster and national calamity. The organization took its service beyond that of the International Red Cross Movement by adding disaster relief to battlefield assistance. A volunteer-led humanitarian service organization, it annually provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply, trains almost 12 million people in vital lifesaving skills, mobilizes relief to victims of disasters nationwide, provides direct health services to nearly 3 million people, assists international disaster and conflict victims in other countries, and transmits over a million emergency messages to members of the U.S. Armed forces and their families.

The American Red Cross functions independently of the government but works closely with government agencies, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), during times of major crises. It is responsible for giving aid to members of the U.S. Armed Forces and to disaster victims at home and abroad. It does this through services that are consistent with its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement allowing the Red Cross to stay neutral and impartial. It also relies on the contributions of time and money by the American public to provide services.

The Red Cross received its first congressional charter in 1900.  Prior to the First World War, the Red Cross introduced its first aid, water safety, and public health nursing programs.  Through the years, the Red Cross expanded its services into such fields as civil defense, CPR/AED training, HIV/AIDS education, and the provisions of emotional care and support to disaster victims and their survivors.

American Red Cross Southeast Louisiana Chapter

The American Red Cross of Southeast Louisiana provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people in our community prevent, prepare for, and respond to disasters and other life-threatening emergencies.  This chapter was chartered in 1916 and has provided essential services and support since its inception.  The Southeast Louisiana Chapter serves more than 1.2 million people throughout Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Charles, St. John, Assumption, Lafourche, Terrebonne, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington parishes.  In fiscal year 2009, the chapter responded to 672 disasters, provided financial assistance to 903 families, assisted 3,374 local military members, trained 42,716 individuals in health and safety practices and taught 21,948 people about disaster prevention and preparedness.

The Mission of the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers, guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, will provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.