Red Cross FactsThe American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The Red Cross has a number of key services it provides to individuals and communities. These services include: Disaster Services - Through its network of chapters, service areas and national headquarters operations, the American Red Cross provides relief to people affected by disasters 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES) - Employees and volunteers meet the special needs of military personnel stationed around the world by providing reporting and communication services through a network which links members of the military any place in the world with their loved ones. International Services - American Red Cross International Services works with a global network of Red Cross, Red Crescent and equivalent societies to restore hope and dignity to the world's vulnerable people. Through relief and development projects and a specialized International Disaster Response Unit, American Red Cross International Services works to provide emergency response, food programming, primary health care, and water and sanitation services. Health and Saftey - Premier provider of first aid, CPR, aquatics and water safety education, in addition to HIV/AIDS prevention and education, mission-related caregiving and other health and safety education. Community Services - Chapters provide locally relevant humanitarian services that help people be safer, healthier and more self-reliant within their communities. Biomedical Services - Provides state-of-the-art research, collection, testing, processing, and distribution of blood, blood products, and human tissue. Biomedical Services is divided into three key areas: Blood Services, Plasma Services, and Tissue Services. The American Red Cross provides relief throughout the United States, its commonwealths, territories, and possessions. As a member of the International Red Cross Movement, the American Red Cross monitors and often provides international disaster relief assistance through its sister National Societies in nations throughout the world. |