The American Red Cross Mission The American Red

The American Red Cross

Mission • 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.

Vision Statement The American Red Cross, through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners, is always there in times of need. We aspire to turn compassion into action so that. . . • . . . 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; • . . . 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; and • . . . in an emergency, there always trained individuals nearby, ready to use their Red Cross skills to save lives.

Central Values • Compassionate: We are dedicated to improving the lives of those we serve and to treating each other with care and respect. • Collaborative: We work together as One Red Cross family, in partnership with other organizations, and always embrace diversity and inclusiveness. • Creative: We seek new ideas, are open to change and always look for better ways to serve those in need. • Credible: We act with integrity, are transparent guardians of the public trust and honor our promises. • Committed: We hold ourselves accountable for defining and meeting clear objectives, delivering on our mission and carefully stewarding our donor funds.

7 Fundamental Principles 1. ) Humanity 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. 2. ) Impartiality 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. 3. ) Neutrality 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. 4. ) Independence 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. 5. ) Voluntary Service The Red Cross is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain. 6. ) Unity 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. 7. ) Universality The Red Cross is a worldwide institution in which all societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other.

Ways to Help • Donate • Fundraise • Volunteer • Give blood • Host a blood drive • Teach/Host a class • Help Internationally • Be an advocate

Services The American Red Cross exists to provide compassionate care to those in need. They do this through five key service areas: • Disaster Relief- The Red Cross responds to approximately 70, 000 disasters in the United States every year, ranging from home fires that affect a single family to hurricanes that affect tens of thousands, to earthquakes that impact millions. • Supporting America’s Military Families-The Red Cross helps military members, veterans and their families prepare for, cope with, and respond to the challenges of military service. • Lifesaving Blood- Because of donations, the American Red Cross is the largest single supplier of blood and blood products in the U. S. , providing more than 40% of America’s blood supply. • Health and Safety Services- The Red Cross is the nation’s leading provider of health and safety courses, such as CPR, First Aid and Lifeguard training. • International Services-The American Red Cross is part of the world’s largest humanitarian network with 13 million volunteers in 187 countries. Each year, we reach an average of more than 100 million people across the globe.

Disaster Relief- Home Fires The biggest disaster threats to American families aren’t floods, hurricanes or tornadoes – they are home fires. The American Red Cross responds to a disaster every eight minutes and nearly all of them are from home fires. On average: • 7 people die every day from a home fire. • 36 people suffer injuries as a result of home fires every day. • Over $7 billion in property damage occurs every year.

Disaster Services-Homes Fires • The American Red Cross and its partners have launched an initiative that aims to reduce deaths and injuries caused by home fires by 25% in five years with the Home Fire Preparedness Campaign. • The Red Cross is asking every household in America to join us in taking two simple steps that can save lives: checking or installing smoke alarms and practicing fire drills at home.

Home Fires • In groups of 3, volunteers go to areas that have the highest rates of fire injuries and deaths and canvas homes. Information and alarms are provided to us by the Fire Marshal. Orientation, lunch, and supplies are offered at the cite. • You can choose to be: Installer- installs the alarm, Educator- educates residents of the home about disaster preparedness, and Documenterdocuments all the necessary paper work.

Watch this video to learn more: https: //youtu. be/Jw 1 wr 1 pe. D-I

Citation • http: //www. redcross. org/