American Red Cross is a national branch of the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC), which is the largest humanitarian organization in the world. As an affiliate, American Red Cross shares the main principles of the IFRC, which is to prevent and relieve human sufferings. The organization strives to protect and help the victims of disasters, as well as to deliver aid and volunteer for various kinds of donation (i.e., blood, money) for those who found themselves within critical and emergency circumstances.
The foundation of the American Red Cross was inspired by the success of the IFRC in Europe and initiated by Clara Barton in 1881, where she remained the head up until 1904. The organization was actively assisting by providing first aid during the flood in Johnstown, PA in 1889, flood aftermath in Galveston, TX in 1889, and during the Spanish-American War in 1898. Later, the American Red Cross would play an integral role in helping the American soldiers during WWI and WWII, as well as during the Korean War. Eventually, American Red Cross expanded its field of expertise onto teaching of the basics of first aid and blood donation activities. It supplies up to 40% of blood in the US and helps veterans and their families.
The Red Cross’ organizational structure is constituted by Board of Governors which is the highest management that directs the activity of the whole organization. The corporate governance is executed by the Congressional Charter and the documents accepted by the Board of Governors (American Red Cross, 2021). Overall, at the moment, there are nearly 35,000 people employed, as well as approximately a million of volunteers.
American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization with the period of functioning for nearly two centuries. The activity of this organization remains paramount up to this day, as it aims to provide essential service and protection of the public amid proliferation of chronic diseases, emergence of natural cataclysms, and economic struggle.
Reference
American Red Cross (2021). We Are the American Red Cross. Web.