American Red Cross

The American Red Cross was founded in 1881 by Clara Barton. While closely associated with the federal government in the promotion of its objectives, the Red Cross is an independent, volunteer-led organization, financially supported by voluntary public ontributions and cost-reimbursement charges. A 50-member, all volunteer Board of Governors leads the organization. The president of the United States, who is honorary chairman of the Red Cross, appoints eight governors, including the chairman of the board. The chairman nominates and the board elects the president of the Red Cross who is responsible for carrying into effect the policies and programs of the board. The American Red Cross works closely with the International Committee of the Red Cross on matters of international conflict and social, political, and military unrest. As a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which it helped found in 1919, the American Red Cross joins more than 175 other national societies in bringing aid to victims of disasters throughout the world. To learn more about the history of the Red Cross, look here.

Contact the American Red Cross:

• Phone: 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or 1-800-257-7575 (Español)
• Website

Our local chapter of the Red Cross is in Newington and is the Great Bay Chapter.