After the war the Red Cross chapters set up in American communities in response to World War I turned their attention toward providing other much-needed services in their communities, where they continue to play a vital role in helping Americans prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.
Disaster
The first disaster that the Red Cross responded to was in 1881 when forest fires broke out in Michigan. Food Medicine and other supplies were sent to help out. Since that time, the disaster services have been expanded and every Red Cross chapter has a disaster plan and trained volunteers.
Military Services
Although Clara Barton was very active during the Civil War with nursing wounded soldiers and assisting in finding missing soldiers, the first war related mission of the American Red Cross was in 1898 during the Spanish-American war when 700 nurses were recruited to serve alongside the troops. American Red Cross workers often put their lives at risk to administer to the wounded. In World War I 300 Red Cross women lost their lives and in World War II, 50 women lost their lives.
Blood Services
The Red Cross was authorized to collect blood which was turned into plasma for the military in World War II. This service was disbanded shortly after the war. In 1947, a movement was on to start a civilian blood center. The doors to the first center opened on January 12, 1948, in Rochester, New York. Iroquois County has a strong record of being active in this service due to our generous blood donors and volunteers who coordinate the blood mobiles.
March is Fund Drive Month
The Red Cross Fund Drive was originally conducted in November of each year. Due to the need to collect money fast to support the war effort shortly after the Pearl Harbor bombing, the yearly fund drive which keeps the many functions of the Red Cross going. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, as honorary chairman, agreed and designated March as Red Cross Month for 1943 and thereafter. Every person donating one dollar or more became a member. By the end of World War II, the Red Cross could claim nearly 37 million members.
Honorary Chairman
Traditionally sitting presidents are the Honorary Chairmen of the American Red Cross. Sometimes their wives also become active volunteers. During World War II, Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, actively supported American Red Cross efforts.
Workmen's Compensation
In 1909 a mine disaster in Cherry Illinois claimed the lives of 260 coal miners and rescue workers. The Red Cross was there providing emergency assistance. However, the help didn't stop there. A pension fund was established for the widows and children with money coming from the community, labor unions, businesses and even the government. The fund was credited with influencing the eventual passage of workmen’s compensation laws in many states, which forced industries to take more responsibility for the welfare of their employees.
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