American Red Cross

American Red Cross. The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and disaster preparedness education within the United States. It is the designated United States affiliate of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The organization, founded by pioneering nurse Clara Barton in 1881, operates a nationwide network of volunteers and employees to deliver lifesaving services, most notably managing nearly half of the nation's blood supply.

History

The organization was established on May 21, 1881, in Washington, D.C. by Clara Barton, who was inspired by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement she encountered during the Franco-Prussian War. Barton tirelessly advocated for the United States to ratify the Geneva Convention, which it did in 1882. Its first major domestic disaster response was to the Great Fire of 1881 in Michigan. The organization's role expanded significantly during World War I, under the leadership of figures like Henry P. Davison, where it provided vast support to military personnel and civilians, an effort repeated on a massive scale during World War II. Throughout the 20th century, it responded to seminal events like the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, the 1918 influenza pandemic, and Hurricane Katrina.

Organization and leadership

The national headquarters is located in Washington, D.C., with executive leadership provided by a President and CEO, such as long-serving executive Gail McGovern, and a volunteer Chairman of the Board, like former United States Ambassador Bonnie McElveen-Hunter. Governance is provided by a Board of Governors composed of volunteers. The organization is divided into numerous regional chapters across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Guam, which carry out local services and disaster responses. Key operational divisions include Biomedical Services, which manages blood collection, and Disaster Cycle Services. It works in close partnership with federal agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Defense.

Services and programs

Its primary services are organized into several key lines of effort. The Biomedical Services program collects, tests, and distributes blood products to thousands of hospitals nationwide. Disaster Cycle Services provides immediate relief for events ranging from local house fires to major catastrophes like Hurricane Sandy, offering shelter, food, and emotional support. The organization is also a leading provider of Health and safety training, including CPR, First aid, and Aquatics instruction through programs like Learn-to-Swim. Internationally, it supports global disaster response and development programs through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and in partnership with sister societies like the Turkish Red Crescent.

Funding and controversies

Funding is derived from voluntary public contributions, cost-recovery for biomedical services, and revenue from safety training courses. The organization has faced significant scrutiny and controversy at various points in its history. After September 11 attacks, it was criticized for the management of the Liberty Fund. Its blood operations have been the subject of litigation and regulatory oversight from the Food and Drug Administration, particularly following the AIDS crisis. Disaster responses, such as those to Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Harvey, have drawn audits and congressional inquiries regarding efficiency and fund allocation. Internal governance and executive compensation have also been recurring topics of debate.

Recognition and awards

The organization and its personnel have received numerous honors. It has been recognized by every U.S. President since Woodrow Wilson. In 2021, it received the prestigious CONRAD N. HILTON Humanitarian Prize for its extraordinary humanitarian contributions. Individual volunteers and employees have been honored with awards such as the Florence Nightingale Medal, the highest international distinction in nursing. The Treasury Department has featured its imagery on commemorative coins, and it frequently partners with entities like the National Football League during national fundraising campaigns.