The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian network, encompassing 192 chapters working to save lives, build community resilience, strengthen localization, and promote dignity around the world. Every year on May 8, World Red Cross Day is a time to celebrate the spirit of humanitarianism and recognize the individuals who make a difference in their communities. For 2023, the theme of World Red Cross Day is “Everything we do comes #fromtheheart.”
Here in the United States, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross in 1881 with a mission to “prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.” The American Red Cross received its first congressional charter in 1900, and since then it has been tasked by the federal government with providing services to members of the armed forces and their families as well as disaster relief in the U.S. and around the world. In the 1940s, the American Red Cross developed the first nationwide civilian blood program that to this day provides more than 40 percent of the country’s blood products.
Through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners, the American Red Cross has developed a variety of programs that deliver vital services including:
Atmos Energy’s Fueling Safe and Thriving Communities initiative has supported the American Red Cross for 24 years, donating more than $3 million to provide food, shelter, relief supplies, and other assistance during and after natural disasters across the 1,400 communities we serve. Most recently, in March, Atmos Energy gave $50,000 to support the Amory and Rolling Fork communities in Mississippi, where as many as 2,000 homes sustained major damage or were destroyed by tornadoes. Immediately, more than 330 trained Red Cross disaster workers were on the ground to work with partners in securing meals, shelter, emotional support, and comfort. In addition, the Red Cross offered critical mental health services to survivors for the compassionate care they needed.
To learn more about the American Red Cross’s mission of preventing and relieving suffering around the world, please visit https://www.redcross.org/
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