American Red Cross of Central Florida 

About Us

The American Red Cross of Central Florida is a part of an international humanitarian movement that has its roots in 19th century Europe. In 1862, A Swiss businessman, Henry Dunant (1828-1910), witnessed the Battle of Solferino in Italy, where scores of wounded were left on the battlefield without help. Realizing the need for a humanitarian organization, in 1863 he and others created the International Committee of the Red Cross. Its mission was to ensure protection to the wounded in time of war. Dunant was awarded the first Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.

At about this time in the United States, Clara Barton (1821-1912), a government worker in Washington, helped care for the wounded on Civil War battlefields. She became known as the "Angel of the Battlefield." Later she went to Europe and learned of the Red Cross movement. Returning home, she worked to persuade the U.S. Senate to support the international Red Cross treaty in the face of governmental concerns about "entangling alliances." On May 21, 1881, Clara Barton organized the American Association of the Red Cross in Washington, D.C. Two years later it was renamed the American National Red Cross.

Our Mission Statement: The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, will provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.

The American Red Cross of Central Florida serves Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. The chapter's employees and volunteers provide disaster assistance to an average of one family each day. Every day, the chapter serves as a vital communication link between members of the armed forces and their families in our community. Lifesaving classes such as First Aid/CPR, Automated External Defibrillator Training, Water Safety and HIV/AIDS are available throughout the service area on a regular basis.

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Headquarters: 5 North Bumby Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32803 Phone: (407) 894-4141

Copyright 2008. The American National Red Cross. All Rights Reserved.