ARC New York Branch established - May 4, 1905:
Following the creation of the second congressional charter, the official New York Branch of the American Red Cross was organized.
- Letter from NY Branch of the American Red Cross to support, Anthony Dey, describes the establishment of the branch and announces the first annual meeting.
First annual meeting held.
Response to Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire - March 25, 1911:
The American Red Cross of Greater New York responded to the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in Greenwich Village, which claimed 146 lives. In addition to raising over $103,000 in relief funds, the Red Cross provided individual support to 166 families through home visits by experienced DCS caseworkers, including financial assistance following family members' death to cover funeral bills and other expenses. The ARC GNY was also involved in relief efforts for families abroad during the time of disaster, especially as the majority of workers employed at the factory were immigrant women.
Sinking of the Titanic: April 15, 1912:
Following the announcement of the sinking of the Titanic ship, the American Red Cross of Greater New York rushed to Pier 54 in Manhattan to respond to the disaster, providing medical attention, food, clothing, and transportation to the survivors. Red Cross volunteers provided aid for 492 families, including emotional support to the loved ones of Titanic victims who were anticipating their arrival at the pier.
WWI
September 12, 1914: The American Red Cross dispatched a ship from New York City to Europe loaded with medical personnel and supplies. Named the SS Red Cross, it was better known as “The Mercy Ship.” It carried 170 surgeons and nurses who were being sent to Europe to provide medical relief to combat casualties on both sides of the war. This was consistent with the articles of the Geneva Conventions and the principles of the Red Cross Movement that called for strict observance of neutrality and impartiality. Hundreds of Red Cross nurses boarded the SS Red Cross, or the Mercy Ship, from New York Harbor headed to Europe to provide emergency aid for those affected by World War I. Red Cross nurses served in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Russia and the Balkans.
Red Cross Parade in NYC May 18, 1918
The organization and nurses marched throughout the city to represent the American Red Cross and increase visibility and support for the organization during WWI. A massive parade in Manhattan and parades held simultaneously on a smaller scale in each borough at the same time to increase visibility and support. President Woodrow Wilson led the parade for two miles throughout the city to cheering crowds.
Influenza Pandemic – ‘Spanish Flu’
The Red Cross of Greater New York played a critical role in responding to the Great Influenza Pandemic, with its efforts reaching more than 140,000 cases. The ARC organized an Emergency Nurses' Council to recruit nurses to provide emergency medical care and conduct door-to-door home visits for families with influenza cases. This Council was supported in large part by Lillian Wald's Nurse's Settlement, which provided nurses and resources. The Red Cross also joined the Emergency Advisory Committee in New York to help organize volunteers, collect food and supplies for families, and transport patients for emergency services.
Wall Street Bombing
September 16, 1920: Within minutes following the tragic bombing on Wall Street, 75 Red Cross nurses were present at the scene, assisting NY police and firefighters to retrieve victims from the rubble. The Red Cross of Greater New York treated hundreds of injured individuals and provided support to the families of 38 victims.
Stock Market Crash & Great Depression
In response to the Stock Market Crash of 1929, President Hoover requested a transfer of surpluses from the Federal Farm Board to go to the Red Cross of Greater New York to provide relief for suffering individuals and families. The Red Cross of New York appears to have been central to New York's relief efforts.
During the Great Depression, the American Red Cross in New York City focused on distributing food and supplies, providing emergency financial assistance, and operating recreational centers for children. The Junior Red Cross, a youth program, also played a significant role in collecting clothing, food, and canned goods, as well as distributing surplus wheat and cotton.
Bloodmobiles
‘Bloodmobiles’ were established by Dr. Charles Drew, the medical director of the first Red Cross blood bank. Dr. Drew’s pioneering research around blood plasma storage and shipment proved that blood could be stored for transfusions. The ‘bloodmobiles’ were created and first used by the American Red Cross at Presbyterian Hospital in NYC to promote blood donations to be used for the WWII war effort.
Fall, 1941: Prior to the routine blood collections that would occur in the fall, the Red Cross of Greater New York established its first mobile unit at the Presbyterian Hospital in New York City, where Red Cross nurses began providing dried plasma for the US military. The mobile unit then prepared supplies for the collection events in the fall.
SS Normandie Fire & Capsize
February 9, 1942: In the middle of efforts to transform the ship to make it fit for transporting the US Navy, the SS Normandie, later named the USS Lafayette, suddenly caught fire near Pier 88 in Manhattan, eventually capsizing. The Red Cross of Greater New York rushed mobile kitchens to the pier to provide coffee, clothing, and cigarettes to the survivors and rescuers.
Red Cross War Fund Gala NYC
March 19, 1943: Red Cross War Fund Function at the Madison Square Garden in New York City (WW2)
A function at the Madison Square Garden in New York City to raise funds towards the 1943 War Campaign of the Red Cross in World War II. Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt and Princess Martha of Norway attend and present at the show. Thousands of spectators present at the venue. Red Cross workers stage a play. Human formation symbolizing the Red Cross flag.
George Burns and Gracie Allen do a comedy routine. New York City Mayor Fiorello La Guardia leads the orchestra and Red Cross nurses do a play on stage.
Empire State Building Bomber Crash
July 28, 1945: A B-25 Mitchell bomber of the United States Army Air Force en route to Newark Airport got lost in a deep fog and crashed into the Empire State Building, killing 14 people. Two disaster units from the American Red Cross of Greater New York responded to the crash, providing their assistance in first aid and rescue efforts. Additionally, 15 Red Cross nurses provided food and coffee for the firefighters working tirelessly to respond to the tragic event..
Smallpox Outbreak & Vaccination Campaign
In response to a troubling smallpox outbreak in New York City, Red Cross volunteers began going door-to-door encouraging NYC residents to get vaccinated. Volunteers and nurses from the Red Cross also offered their time at vaccination clinics throughout the city, contributing to the largest recorded mass vaccination effort for smallpox in the US. In less than a month, the Red Cross of Greater New York assisted in vaccinating over 6 million people.
American Red Cross of Greater New York
October 26, 1959: After the Board of Governors for the National American Red Cross voted on and created an updated charter, the New York chapter was officially recognized for the first time as the "American Red Cross of Greater New York." Red Cross units in the five boroughs were united into a single citywide organization, while at the same time recognizing the unique characteristics and specific needs of local neighborhoods.
Hurricane Donna
August 29-September 14, 1960: The Category 3 Hurricane Donna, known as the strongest hurricane of the 1960 Atlantic season, struck New York City with 90 mile per hour winds and severe flooding, particularly in Lower Manhattan. The Red Cross of Greater New York responded to the storm by helping rescue victims from the flooding and setting up emergency shelters for those who had lost their homes to the hurricane. They activated disaster assessment teams and mobilized shelter teams to respond to the storm's effects, including flooding.
Vietnam War
The Red Cross Harlem Service Center (HSC)
October 1970 – The Red Cross Harlem Service Center (HSC) is opened.
During its 35 years of operation HSC carried out traditional Red Cross programs such as disaster relief, water safety, CPR and first aid training, home nursing and youth services, as well as neighborhood-based programs. For many years it also hosted an annual youth conference in conjunction with city and state agencies and hospitals. Week-long conferences were devoted to health and social issues that affected the community, such as HIV/AIDS, substance and child abuse. The Harlem Service Center also sponsored health fairs, and its Helping Hand Committee distributed holiday baskets. Jazz and gospel concerts were held as fundraisers.
NYC Power Blackout
July 13, 1977 – NYC Power Blackout
During the 25 hour power blackout period in NYC, 120 Red Cross volunteers responded. The organization coordinated their efforts with the NYC Mayor’s Emergency Task Force. The Red Cross provided first aid to stranded commuters at Penn and Grand Central Stations and relocated 2,500 citizens displaced by fire.
https://www.ferc.gov/sites/default/files/2020-05/impact-77.pdf (p.71)
Aids Crisis
Throughout the 80’s, the American Red Cross of Greater New York played a critical role in responding to the AIDS crisis. Red Crossers provided accessible HIV/AIDS education programs and free transportation to treatment centers for patients with AIDS. The Greater New York chapter provided public education to reduce the misinformation and stigma surrounding the crisis.
D.A.R.T Program FDNY
D.A.R.T. was formed as a partnership between the FDNY and the American Red Cross in Greater New York in 1989, when 18 active-duty firefighters responded to an urgent Red Cross call for bilingual volunteers to help 90,000 families in Puerto Rico devastated by Hurricane Hugo. The firefighters were trained by Red Cross and then deployed to Puerto Rico with Red Cross.
Since then, disaster responses have taken members of D.A.R.T. to some of the largest, most devastating natural and human-caused calamities of the last two decades.
Happy Land Fire
March 25, 1990: After a man set fire to the Happy Land Social Club in the Bronx, New York, killing 87 innocent patrons, the Red Cross of Greater New York began coordinating its relief efforts. As the majority of the Happy Land victims were immigrants and refugees from Honduras, the Red Cross decided to transport 48 of the victims directly to Honduras for their burial ceremonies. In recognition for this dedication and commitment, the President of Honduras, Rafael Leonardo Callejas Romero, awarded the American Red Cross with the Jose Cecilio del Valle medal.
Project Search
‘Project Search’ is launched in New York City, which traced family members separated during WWII and helped to establish dates of death for Holocaust and war victims.
Nor’easter Storm
December 10-13, 1992: The 1992 Nor'easter Storm devastated all five boroughs of New York City, causing significant damage. In response, the Red Cross of Greater New York opened more than 30 emergency shelters to house around 6000 New York residents who were displaced following the storm. Within the emergency shelters and beyond, Red Cross staff and volunteers provided assistance to over 2,000 families with over $2 million raised in relief funds.
World Trade Center Bombing
February 26, 1993: An orchestrated terrorist attack involved a bomb exploding in the World Trade Center parking garage, which killed six people and injured over a thousand. In response to this horrific event, the Red Cross of Greater New York partnered with the Department of Health to staff 10 emergency shelters and transport medical supplies for 1,000 injured survivors that required immediate care. Red Cross was also recognized as a "private health care organization" for its effort providing mental health and counseling support to over 500 individuals, in addition to their urgent physical health concerns.
TWA 800 Crash
‘July 17, 1996: Just 12 minutes after takeoff, the Trans World Airlines Flight 800 from New York City to Paris tragically crashed into the Atlantic Ocean, killing all 230 people on board. While the loss and suffering from this event was unfathomable, the Red Cross of Greater New York committed three weeks of careful response. Volunteers from the Disaster Mental Health Services provided counseling and support to families of the victims in New York, both at the recovery site and at a hotel provided for the families. The crash, as well as the Red Cross response to the event, led to the creation of the Red Cross Aviation Incident Response (AIR) teams, which grants Red Crossers access to respond immediately to similar incidents.
October 9, 1996: Spurred by the disaster that befell TWA Flight 800 on July 17, 1996, Congress passes Aviation Disaster Act that leads to creation of Red Cross Aviation Incident Response (AIR) teams to assist victim families.
AED training Launch
The Red Cross of Greater New York begins offering AED training and certifications in New York, which were both designed and reviewed by the Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council.
9/11 World Trade Center Attacks
‘September 11, 2001: The infamous terrorist attacks in New York City that claimed almost 3,000 lives and traumatized millions more, prompted a serious response from the Red Cross of Greater New York. After raising $1.1 billion for relief and recovery efforts, the Red Cross was able to support over 59,000 families. In addition to the hundreds of millions of dollars given to the families and loved one of victims, the Red Cross provided emotional support to families, first responders, and volunteers, and contributed to the critical next steps following the horrific event. Various volunteers joined the American Red Cross following 9/11.
Northeast Blackout
August 13, 2003: Over the span of multiple days, a widespread power outage left tens of thousands of New Yorkers stranded and worried, especially considering the recency of 9/11 and the resulting anxiety and terror. The Red Cross of Greater New York worked around the clock to respond to concerned individuals and families and to provide instructions for safely navigating the blackout. Two previous Red Crossers detailed their involvement in this response.
Miracle on the Hudson
January 15, 2009: After the US Airways Flight 1549 from New York to Charlotte and Seattle suddenly lost engine power, pilots were able to make an emergency landing on the Hudson River and save all passengers and staff on board, in an event commonly referred to now as the "Miracle on the Hudson." While no lives were lost, the Red Cross of Greater New York still responded to the event by providing blankets, clothing, and emotional support to survivors. Red Cross volunteers also helped survivors connect with their loved ones by offering their phones to whoever was in need. Further, volunteers accompanied survivors as they were transported to hospitals and the U.S. Airways Family Assistance Center (FAC), where the Red Cross carried out additional food and health relief support. Scott Graham, the Red Cross Disaster Executive at the time, was the first to receive word about the event and was also responsible for connecting with the American Red Cross in Charlotte to ensure that volunteers were meeting survivors once they had successfully made it to their destination. Graham also cited the disaster training his team had received prior to the event as being crucial for the effectiveness of the Red Cross response.
Haiti Earthquake
January 10, 2010: In response to the catastrophic earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, the Red Cross of Greater NY contributed to the $150 million relief effort. Notably, the Red Cross helped send blood products to Project MediShare, a global health NGO that was actively responding to health needs in Haiti. Marie-Ange Tribié (pictured) was one of the Red Cross volunteers deployed from New York to Haiti to serve as translators in the relief and recovery efforts.
Hurricane Irene
August 20-28, 2011: The Category 3 Hurricane Irene was highly destructive to New York, displacing around 6,000 residents, killing 10, and incurring $296 million in damage. In response to the storm, the Red Cross of Greater New York supported over 150 shelters and provided relief and recovery efforts for over 10,000 evacuees. The Red Cross Safe and Well website allowed many loved ones to connect with those affected by the storm. Ray Estine, a DCS volunteer at the time of the disaster, reported having connected a family member to two of the storm survivors.
Superstorm Sandy
‘October 22-November 2, 2012: The Category 3 Hurricane Sandy, often referred to as "Superstorm Sandy," caused significant structural damages and flooding in New York, leading to mass power outages and shutdowns of public transportation and businesses. Prior to the disaster response, the Red Cross of Greater New York contributed to efforts to track the movement of Hurricane Sandy up the coast. Then, once it was safe to react to the damage caused by the storm, Red Cross staff and volunteers organized dozens of emergency shelters to provide safety and resources for individuals and families who could no longer stay in their homes. The Red Cross conducted post-storm damage assessments to identify areas hit the hardest by the hurricane and sent emergency response vehicles to distribute meals and other supplies daily to those in need. The American Red Cross of Greater New York also helped fund various community partners in efforts to provide a widespread recovery response and have continued this commitment through preparedness training and resiliency efforts.
East Harlem Explosion Response
March 12, 2014: 15 minutes after a gas leak was reported in an apartment in East Harlem, a devastating explosion occurred killing 8 residents and injuring over 70. The American Red Cross of Greater New York disaster volunteers aided in recovery efforts for displaced residents and assisted in efforts to locate and reconnect family members. Following the explosion and resulting fire, the ARC GNY has maintained a presence in Harlem, which consisted with the organization's historical commitment to the area.
Home Fire Campaign
Founded in 2014, The American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign helps save lives by installing free smoke alarms in homes and by educating people about home fire safety. In NYC, we are proud to partner with the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) and the FDNY Foundation to bring this program to the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island.
East Village Building Explosion
March 26, 2015: The 7-alarm fire destroyed two structures in the city's East Village neighborhood after an explosion erupted in the basement of 121 Second Ave. at about 3:20 p.m. The incident injured 19 people, affected four buildings and called for more than 250 firefighters to report to the scene.
The American Red Cross responded to the explosion and ensuing fire by aiding those in need at nearby school P.S. 63.
The regional CEO for the group's New York chapter told ABC 7 News that the Red Cross provided temporary housing and brought in food to those affected by the tragedy.
Hurricane Maria
September 16-October 2, 2017: The Category 5 Hurricane Maria particularly devastated Puerto Rico, as the majority of over 3,000 deaths were in this region, and the damage was severe, including the destruction of the island's power grid. The Red Cross of Greater New York assisted in the national response to Hurricane Maria, focusing specifically on ensuring consistent power and clean water, and boosting community health and resiliency:
Consistent power: the Red Cross worked alongside partner organizations to deliver solar power to schools across Puerto Rico, which served as shelters during storm.
Clean water: Volunteers and staff worked to restore access to water via micro-grids in communities previously relying on wells which had been destroyed in the storm.
Community health: Volunteers and staff provided medical supplies and basic services to those in need and implemented educational programs concerning the physical and mental health of Puerto Rican communities.
Community resiliency: Volunteers and staff supported small business farmers in Puerto Rico to increase community preparedness and assist in economic recovery.
Prepare with Pedro Initiative: Fire Safety
February 12, 2020, the American Red Cross in Greater New York launched Prepare with Pedro, a new safety program for elementary school students. As part of the event, Red Cross volunteer instructors traveled to P.S. 23 in the Tremont section of the Bronx to teach more than 200 kids (K through second grade) the steps they need to take in the event of a fire.
Among the team members who facilitated the training was Red Cross volunteer and preparedness expert Alexander Poku. “Even with kids as young as these children are, it’s important that we teach them about fire safety procedures as early as possible and have them pass the information we give them on to their parents,” said Poku. “New Yorkers could face these dangers every single day, and the more we can do to educate children on how to practice safety in different scenarios, the better protected they are.”
Covid-19 Pandemic
‘During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Red Cross of Greater New York consistently responded to the needs introduced by the pandemic. The disaster services team continued to respond to emergencies, but implemented strict mask use, health screenings, and enhanced cleaning procedures to further protect those in need. Red Cross volunteers conducted blood, platelet, and plasma donation centers for COVID-19 antibodies, which were aimed to help both doctors seeking treatment and patients in need. Further, the Red Cross worked closely with partner organizations to support vaccination efforts across communities by setting up vaccination sites, surveying people being vaccinated, and providing water and snacks for medical staff.
From home, Red Cross staff and volunteers from the Greater New York branch offered social distancing and masking training and certifications individuals and organizations. The team also established the Hero Care Network, which provided confidential assistance to veterans and their families during the pandemic. Beyond the New York community, the Red Cross also engaged in national and global efforts to promote a health pandemic response by promotion hygiene practices, community-based health services, treatment strategies, and the fight against COVID-related stigma and misinformation. The Red Cross of Greater New York also worked alongside various local governments to support vaccination efforts.
Red Cross volunteers in partnership with JASA, assisted in the distribution of meals to seniors coping with COVID-19.
Hurricane Ida
August 26 - September 4, 2021: On August 29, the 16th anniversary of the devestating Hurricane Katrina, the Category 4 Hurricane Ida first struck in Louisiana. Making it's way toward the east coast, the hurricane created significant damage to New York communities in September, causing widespread flooding and claiming 13 lives. The American Red Cross of Greater New York quickly began responding to community needs following the impact of Hurricane Ida. Over 3,000 trained Red Cross volunteers were on the ground provided meals, supplies, and over 250,000 relief kits to individuals and families in need. The team also powered community recovery by authorizing grants to various nonprofit organizations that were also providing on-the-ground services to victims.
- Aided in powering community recovery via authorizing strategic grants to nonprofit orgs delivering on-the-ground services
- Provided meals on the ground distributed 250,000+ relief kits/supplies
- Over 3,000 trained volunteers on scene
Twin Parks Fire - Bronx
More than a dozen residents of the Twin Parks apartment building in the Bronx were killed in a massive fire on Jan. 19. Many of the victims died from smoke inhalation, as acrid smoke spread through an unsecured door throughout the structure, suffocating residents who were trapped and couldn’t make it out. It was the borough’s deadliest fire since the Happy Land Social Club arson attack in 1990.
The Red Cross set up a temporary shelter at Angelo Patri Middle School, where they also had a disaster relief site. They provided emergency housing in hotels to 22 families the first night, and that number rose to 34 families the following night.
Additionally, the Red Cross provided support and resources at the service center they set up at Monroe College.
The Red Cross also worked with other organizations, like the city's Office of Emergency Management, to provide support to those affected by the fire. They also helped families with long-term housing arrangements.
Preparedness Program Initiative
The American Red Cross in Greater New York today announced the launch of a multi-faceted readiness program across communities in the Bronx. During 2021, the Red Cross responded to 294 single and multiple family fires in the Bronx and provided assistance to 1859 individuals. Since January 1, 2022, there have been 29 fires in the Bronx, including the tragic fatal fire at Twin Parks North.
Concentrated education effort, free smoke alarm installations will target all age groups across the borough.
Red Cross teams up with Local Partners to Launch Preparedness Program in the Bronx.
Through this program, Red Cross encourages all community members to become Preparedness Champions:
Get Prepared at Home: Learn how to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from local hazards, including home fires by signing up for an in person or virtual event featuring Be Red Cross Ready or the NYS program Prepare, Respond, Recover. Hands Only CPR, which can help gain precious time for a person experiencing a cardiac event, will also be offered. Virtual events can be found here: www.redcross.org/gnyprepare
Teach Kids about Preparedness: The Red Cross will offer education preparedness programs for students in grades K-12, including the Pillowcase Project and Prepare with Pedro. Prepare with Pedro is a 30- to 45-minute preparedness education program for grades K-2 that teaches students how to BE PREPARED and TAKE ACTION for either home fires or a local hazard. The Pillowcase Project is a preparedness education program for grades 3-5 that teaches students about personal and family preparedness and safety skills, local hazards, and basic coping skills.
Sound the Alarm. Save a Life.: Together with the FDNY, the Red Cross will install FREE smoke detectors in area homes and provide fire safety education to families in their home. To sign up visit www.soundthealarm.org/nyc.
NYC Pride March
NYC Gala
