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how important is the American Red Cross in the United States?

with detail and why?

Public Comments

1. VERY.

2. Es muy importante.

3. The Red Cross is indispensable.

They are our first respondents in any crises, bringing food, clean water, medical help and supplies, and everything else you could think of.

4. It is vital. It does so much good... from education to blood donarship, to preparation, to clean-up and awareness, and so much more.

5. It is very important there is Red Crosses all over the United States they are used mainly for the Army as of now but also for the poor;)

6. Very important. I was a volunteer and we helped a lot of people in all kinds of situations.

7. The American Red Cross is vital not only in the U.S. but around the world for 125 years. "The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that helps millions of people each year prevent, prepare for, and cope with emergencies."

"Governed by volunteers and supported by community donations, the American Red Cross is a nationwide network of nearly 1,000 chapters and Blood Services regions dedicated to saving lives and helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. More than a million Red Cross volunteers and 30,000 employees annually mobilize relief to families affected by more than 67,000 disasters, train almost 12 million people in lifesaving skills and exchange more than a million emergency messages for U.S. military service personnel and their families. The Red Cross is also the largest supplier of blood and blood products to more than 3,000 hospitals across the nation and also assists victims of international disasters and conflicts at locations worldwide."

"The 2005 Hurricane Season proved to be the most challenging disaster response the American Red Cross had ever seen in its history. Forecasting a major disaster before the landfall of Hurricane Katrina, the organization enlisted 2,000 volunteers throughout the nation to be on a "stand by" deployment list.

During and after the Hurricanes Katrina, Wilma and Rita, the American Red Cross had opened 2,700 different shelters across 27 different states (and registered 3.4 million overnight stays), some of which were evacuation centers for those displaced by the disaster. A total of 225,000 Red Cross workers (95% of which were non-paid volunteers) were utilized to provide sheltering, casework, communication and assessment services throughout these three hurricanes. The organization served 34 million meals and 30 million snacks to victims of the disasters and to rescue workers. Red Cross emergency financial assistance was provided to 1.4 million families, which encompassed a total of 4 million people. The Red Cross estimated that it would need USD $2.1 Billion to cover costs associated with the disaster.

No other non-governmental agency has provided such a significant amount of assistance to the victims of the Hurricane Season of 2005."

More recently, "Floods Swamp Eastern Corridor: After intense rain over four days drenched the eastern coast from Virginia to New England, residents are now dealing with dangerous flooding. Nearly 40 American Red Cross shelters have opened in those communities."


The American Red Cross is involved with many international projects as well. These stories are on their home page just today:

"Educating Teachers to Help Children in Sri Lanka: In the days and weeks following the December 2004 tsunami, the American Red Cross psychosocial support team visited dozen of schools in southern Sri Lanka to help children overcome their emotional trauma.

Red Cross Responds to Cholera Outbreak in Angola: According to the World Health Organization, cholera claims the lives of 150,000 people in developing countries each year. Although the disease has been virtually eliminated in the United States, in other parts of the world cholera is still all too common and deadly.

December 26, 2004: Southeast Asian Tsunami ––– The American Red Cross responded to the largest international natural disaster in history after an earthquake off the west coast of Indonesia struck, triggering a number of tsunami waves that caused massive flooding and severe damage. Disaster relief experts were dispatched to assist with rehabilitation, family reunification, counseling, and training. More than 17,576 tents were provided to shelter 87,880 people. In addition, 100,000 hygiene kits and 60,000 mosquito nets were distributed to protect survivors from disease. Relief efforts continue today, using the more than $450 million dollars donated by generous Americans."

I know that's a lengthy post, but I think that it shows just how important the Red Cross truly is. Where would we be if it didn't exist?

8. I would have to say that the American Red Cross is very important. A few years ago my apartment caught on fire and the reps from ARC were one of the first people to talk to us. They made us feel that we weren't ruined and helped to add a glimmer of hope to devastation we felt. Even with the monetary contributions they made to help us, the best was the support and knowing that we are not alone.