American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organisation founded in 1881 and headquartered in the United States, with its origins in Washington, D.C. Its stated purpose is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in emergencies by mobilising volunteers and donors. The organisation forms part of the largest humanitarian network in the world and has operated continuously for more than 140 years.

Its work falls into four main areas. Disaster relief and emergency response covers events ranging from single house fires to multi-state natural disasters, providing shelter, clean water, hot meals and support to affected families; the organisation responds to an emergency roughly every eight minutes. Blood services supplies blood and blood products to the American healthcare system, accounting for approximately 40% of the nation's blood supply. Related technical domains include blood collection and distribution, emergency sheltering and humanitarian assistance.

Two further service lines round out the portfolio. Life-saving skills training teaches CPR and first aid to the public and to workplaces. Military and veteran services provides support to service members, veterans and their families. The organisation also operates across blood banking and healthcare, health and safety training, and disaster relief.

Operations are volunteer-powered and donor-supported, with services delivered largely through mobilised volunteers and funded by charitable contributions. The culture is described as mission-driven and rooted in the vision of founder Clara Barton, with an emphasis on serving those in need wherever and whenever help is required.