Facts about American Red Cross

A noble cause was initiated in memory of the heroes of the American Civil War is today the American Red Cross. It is involved in the collection and distribution of blood, educational programs and other forms of international relief to disaster victims. It was established on 21 May, 1881 by Clara Barton, the first president of the organization. The Nursing Service Wing of the organization was founded by Jane Delano.

Aim

Under Title 36 of the United States Code, the American Red Cross is supported by volunteers and donations, other than the income generated from blood exchange. The extensive network reaches out the public via 900 service regions, in 9 divisions. The aim of the American Red Cross is 'to save lives and help prevent, prepare and respond to relief emergencies in the face of natural disasters. The American Red Cross is inspired by the International Red Cross. The efforts are directed towards the ability to respond to crisis.

Operations

The headquarters of the American Red Cross is in Washington, D.C, since 1917. The Chairman of the Board of Governors is Bonnie McElveen-Hunter and the current President and Chief Executive Officer is Gail J. McGovern. Every year, more than a million Red Cross volunteers and employees help mobilize free goods and services to the disaster stricken. The members of the organization are also committed towards extending training in essential medical expertise and sending emergency messages to and from military service personnel and their families. American Red Cross is the largest supplier of blood to more than 3,000 hospitals within the United States of America. The volunteers assist victims of political and social conflicts across the continents.

Other than blood donation camps and free supply of blood related products, the American Red Cross is also associated with a Tissue Service Program. Under this scheme, tissue donations are sold to transplant recipients. The Red Cross also provides plasma products that are reliable cheap. Since, 1999, the American Red Cross has been involved in Nucleic Acid Testing, to look for genetic transmission of HIV and HCV. This activity is licensed by the Food and Drug Administration.

The American Red Cross provides water safety guards, emergency first aid, babysitting, disaster-management training, and that of home safety throughout the country. American Red Cross chapters empower the public with sales of first aid and disaster kits, for emergency situations. Their pet first aid reference manual and DVDs on safety procedures have time and again helped in medical emergencies.

This non-government humanitarian initiative responds to house fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, transportation accidents, and numerous other disasters. Red Cross volunteers put together and process the outreach of food, shelter, and health services to victims of disasters. The volunteers work in sync with operations being handled by the Salvation Army and Radio Emergency Service. They assist federal efforts to address human services and mass care. Support Functions include counseling, coordinating transition services and clean up activities. International Services of the American Red Cross are directed towards reducing child mortality, providing cost-effective health interventions, combating infections, integration of community development activities and the re-establishment of contact between separated family members who are also victims of disaster.

National Celebrity Cabinet

The organization has a National Celebrity Cabinet that furthers the interests of the Entertainment Outreach Program. The initiatives and response to crisis are committed to by public figures within the duties described for the program. Celebrity members of the National Celebrity Cabinet include Pierce Brosnan, Jackie Chan, The Rock, Julianne Moore and Daddy Yankee.