The American Red Cross was founded in 1881 by Clara Barton and, ever since then, has been an important nation-wide emergency response organization.  It is not a government agency, despite what many people believe, and relies on donations of time, money, and blood. It distinguishes itself above other neutral humanitarian care agency's that offer care to victims of war, by also aiding victims of devastating natural disasters.

History

In 1900 the Red Cross received its first congressional charter, and in 1905 its second.  Before World War I, the Red Cross introduced its water safety, first aid, and public health nursing programs.  Upon the outbreak of war the organization experienced a significant growth.  Numbers of local chapters jumped from 107 in 1914 to 3,864 by 1918, membership grew from 17,000 to more than 20 million adults and 11 million Junior Red Cross members, and the public contributed roughly $400 million in funds and material to support the Red Cross programs.  The Red Cross also staffed hospitals and ambulance companies and recruited 20,000 registered nurses to serve the military.  More nurses came forward upon the worldwide influenza epidemic of 1918.

During World War II the Red Cross provided extensive services again to the U.S. military, Allies, and civilian war victims.  This time it enrolled 104,000 nurses, prepared 27 million packages for American and Allied prisoners of war, and shipped more than 300,000 tons of supplies overseas.  Per the military's request, the Red Cross also initiated a national blood program that collected 13.3 million pints of blood to be used by the armed forces.

Today

As the years have passed the American Red Cross has grown and today, in addition to domestic disaster relief, they offer compassionate services in five other areas: community services to help the needy; support and comfort for military members and families; the collection, processing & distribution of lifesaving blood and blood products; educational programs that promote health and safety; and international relief and development programs.

With more than half a million volunteers and 35,000 employees, the Red Cross provides services to victims of nearly 70,000 disasters per year.  They have 700 locally supported chapters and more than 15 million people gain the skills needed to prepare for and respond to emergencies in their homes, communities, and around the world.

The Red Cross is the largest supplier of blood and blood products, in the United States.  The nationwide civilian blood program was introduced after World War II and now supplies nearly 50 percent of blood and blood products.  It is reported that some four million people give blood.  On top of supplying much needed blood to communities, they help thousands of U.S. service members separated from their families by military duty stay connected.

The Red Cross is dedicated to providing help world wide.  As a part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement, a network of 186 national societies around the world, they help restore hope to the world's most vulnerable people.  On average, 91 cents of every dollar that the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs.

If you would like to learn more about the Red Cross, please visit their website here.

Furthermore, Evansville is home to the Southwestern Indiana Chapter and, while their contact information is listed below, you may click here to visit the Evansville Red Cross website.

Southwestern Indiana Chapter
American red Cross
29 S. Stockwell Road
Evansville, IN 47714
Phone: 812-471-7200