American National Red Cross

Founded in 1881 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the American National Red Cross is a humanitarian organisation that prevents and alleviates human suffering in emergencies and disasters. It mobilises volunteers and donors to deliver disaster relief, blood, training and support services across the United States, as part of the largest humanitarian network in the world.

Its operations fall into four main areas. Disaster relief and emergency response covers events ranging from house fires to multi-state natural disasters, providing shelter, clean water, hot meals and support to affected families; the organisation responds to an emergency approximately every eight minutes. The national blood programme collects and supplies blood to the country's healthcare system, accounting for roughly 40% of the U.S. blood supply. It also teaches life-saving skills such as CPR and first aid, and provides assistance to military members, veterans and their families.

The American Red Cross is volunteer-driven and donor-supported, with a mission rooted in founder Clara Barton's commitment to serving those in need. More than 140 years after its founding, it operates throughout the United States and as part of a global humanitarian network.