Every eight minutes, the Red Cross responds to a disaster in the U.S. The Red Cross Disaster Cycle Services team specifically focuses on preparedness in case of emergencies and set the strategic direction for building, sustaining and delivering the preparedness programs. The programs help facilitate individual, family, organization and community preparedness and make our communities more resilient. Youth volunteers can contribute to these efforts by participating in preparedness opportunities and initiatives and by helping raise awareness in their communities about ways to stay prepared.

Communities across the country count on the American Red Cross for help every day; supporting those communities is at the heart of what we do. Our work never stops, even during this COVID-19 crisis. Whether supplying blood products for patients in need of transfusions--including those who need surgery, cancer treatments, or trauma victims--or collecting plasma from individuals fully recovered from COVID-19 to help with treatment for the most seriously ill patients, we remain focused on delivering our lifesaving mission each day.

Every day millions of American men and women answer their nation’s call to serve. These service members, veterans and their families bravely sacrifice to ensure our nation’s freedom.

The American Red Cross has been providing support to those serving in the U.S. Armed Forces since Clara Barton began her humanitarian work on the battlefields of the Civil War. Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) teams aim to build upon that legacy.

Our International Services teams provides support, guidance, and leadership in all aspects of the Disaster Cycle, working through Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies in different countries to strengthen their capacity to prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters, promoting community-level preparedness and risk reduction measures, and eliminating measles.

American Red Cross volunteers provide critical support to the Missing Maps project. Accurate maps play a critical role in understanding communities, particularly for populations at risk. While most of the U.S. is mapped in detail, billions of people across the globe do not have accurate maps reflecting their community. During disasters or epidemics, unmapped communities may receive less assistance because first responders have less information about them.

To achieve our vision of Mobilizing the Power of Volunteers, the American Red Cross aligns the needs of our mission with the expectations and needs of those who wish to serve.  The Red Cross provide an enriching and rewarding experience where volunteers can make a positive impact to individuals and the community. The purpose of Volunteer Services is to enable all units and functions of the American Red Cross to attract, engage and retain those who make our mission possible – our volunteers.