Social Studies Tip of the Week: American Red Cross

The Red Cross is a humanitarian non-profit organization that provided emergency assistance for victims of disasters, community services for families in need, support to military personnel and their families, collection and processing of blood for future use, and educational services in the areas

Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross, was a teacher during the Civil War. She organized a program that helped to locate soldiers who were missing in action. After working tirelessly for many years, her doctors sent her to Europe to rest. Rather than resting, however, she became involved with the International Red Cross in the midst of the Franco-Prussian War.

When she returned to the United States, she was determined to bring the Red Cross with her. The American Red Cross was officially established in 1881, during the presidency of Chester Arthur.

One of the early major disasters for which the American Red Cross provided relief, was right here in Pennsylvania. More than 2,200 people died and thousands were injured and left homless by the Johnstown Flood on May 31, 1889. It is listed as one of the worst natural disasters in American History.

The Red Cross continues respond to disasters to this day: earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes, floods, mine disasters, plane crashes. Wherever people are in need, the Red Cross is there, thanks to Clara Barton.