American Red Cross
November 4, 2009 by K12Genie Staff
The American Red Cross was founded in 1881 by Clara Barton. It offers neutral humanitarian care to victims of war and devastating natural disasters.
Did you know?
- that every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood?
- that 1 out of 10 people admitted in a hospital needs blood?
- that blood cannot be manufactured, but only comes from donors?
- that the main blood types are A, B, AB, and O and that each of these types is either positive (+) or negative (-)?
- the blood type most requested by hospitals is Type O?
- that the American Red Cross provides nearly 45% of the nation’s blood supply?
- that the American Red Cross also provides training?
What can you do to get involved?
- Donate funds
- Volunteer to help victims or teach courses such as first aid.
- Take an ONLINE orientation course with the Red Cross to help you become familiar with their mission.
- Give blood.
- Read stories from people who have received blood.
- To give blood, you need to be 17 years old or older, be in good health, and weight at least 110 lbs.
Elementary and Middle School Heroes
While too young to donate blood themselves, students at an Ohio middle school recruited donors–parents, family members, faculty, friends, neighbors–for a blood drive. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE for more information on organizing your own blood drive.
- Get Trained
- You can take courses with the Red Cross. They offer courses in CPR, First Aid, Babysitting, HIV AIDS education, lifeguarding, and water safety. For more information on their courses, click here.
- Write a letter to military personnel as part of the Holiday Mail for Heroes campaign.
For more information about getting involved with the Red Cross, click here.
