Whether it's a local flood or a national disaster, there's one organization ready to help, the American Red Cross. Every year the organization does not turn away anyone in need, helps 70,000 people in disasters and saves three lives every time a person donates blood. The American Red Cross has evolved over the years and is still known as one of the most prominent non-profit organizations in the world. The American Red Cross has existed since 1881 and is now the nation's primary emergency response organization. At first, the organization focused only on disaster relief and helped bring benefits to the United States military. In 1940, the blood program was created under the leadership of Dr. Charles Drew. Founded by Clara Barton and others worked to start the organization in Washington, D.C. on May 21, 1881. In Europe, their country had a Red Cross network following the Civil War. Upon returning from Europe Barton pointed out that the United States also has a Red Cross. In 1882 the organization officially ratified the Geneva Convention protecting the wounded from war. Barton was the organization's leader for 23 years. After resigning from office, the American Red Cross began its first congressional charter in 1900. Five years later a second charter was initiated. Before World War I, the organization introduced its first aid, water safety, and public health nursing programs. After World War I the Red Cross focused primarily on the needs of veterans and their livelihoods. The American Red Cross volunteers to help local communities: military and military families, life-saving blood and blood products, education, health and safety, and international relief. T...... middle of paper...... "Blood Type Information" articles. Presbyterian Health Services for blood donation. Presbyterian Healthcare. 2012. Network. 7 March 2012.Coltrane, Perri. Telephone interview. February 13, 2012.Ford, Andrea. “For Holiday Shoppers, A Guide to Charitable Gifts.” Time. Specials of the time. December 20, 2010.Web. 13 February 2012.2037918_2037910,00.html“Health and Wellbeing”. American Red Cross. American National Red Cross, 2012. Web. 7 February 2012. Platt, Spencer. “American Red Cross”. Arguments about times. The New York Times. February 14, 2012.cross/index.html