The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
Our mission is more than words. We always aim to prevent and relieve suffering with every action. The Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to people affected by disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families.
The Red Cross is not a government agency. The Red Cross is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission.
Disaster Relief
Blood
Military & Veterans
Training
International
— The Dawes family
— Ashley Owusu
— Master Sgt. Darrell Brantley
— Andrea, who survived a medical emergency due to CPR
— Olena, who received food kits from the American Red Cross and CORE
The American Red Cross, through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners, is always there in times of need.
Red Cross supporters provide a beacon of hope. From helping during disasters and ensuring access to lifesaving blood, to providing training to save lives and supporting military communities, the Red Cross is there when help can’t wait.
...all people affected by disaster across the country and around the world receive care, shelter and hope.
...all people affected by disaster across the country and around the world receive care, shelter and hope.
...our communities are ready and prepared for disasters.
...our communities are ready and prepared for disasters.
...everyone in our country has access to safe, lifesaving blood and blood products.
...everyone in our country has access to safe, lifesaving blood and blood products.
...all members of our armed services and their families find support and comfort whenever needed.
...all members of our armed services and their families find support and comfort whenever needed.
...in an emergency, there are always trained individuals nearby, ready to use their Red Cross skills to save lives.
...in an emergency, there are always trained individuals nearby, ready to use their Red Cross skills to save lives.
The Red Cross, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavors—in its international and national capacity—to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples.
It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavors to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.
In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Red Cross may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.
The Red Cross is independent. The national societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with Red Cross principles.
The Red Cross is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.
There can be only one Red Cross society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.
The Red Cross is a worldwide institution in which all societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other.
In nearly 200 countries, a Red Cross, Red Crescent or Red Crystal Society works to alleviate human suffering.
The Red Cross is proud that an average of 90 cents of every dollar we spend is invested in delivering care and comfort to those in need.
Each year, on average, the Red Cross collects nearly 4.5 million blood donations and more than 1 million platelet donations from more than 2.3 million volunteer donors.
The Red Cross responds to about 65,000 disasters every year.
On average, over 5 million people a year receive Red Cross training in first aid, water safety and other skills that help save lives.
Each year, the Red Cross provides more than 510,000 services to service members, veterans and their families.
Last year, more than 265,000 individuals volunteered their time to support the mission of the Red Cross.
On average, nearly 120 million people outside the U.S. benefit each year from American Red Cross disease prevention activities and disaster services.
Through a network of about 230 chapters in the U.S., the American Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.