At Red Cross National Headquarters, a Vision of Past and Present Priorities

“Because of the climate crisis, the Red Cross launches nearly twice as many relief operations for major disasters than it did a decade ago.”

Today a group of us tracing the career and legacy of Clara Barton arrived at the ornate national Red Cross headquarters in Washington, D.C., a building I have been at countless times over my last 48 years of volunteering. Every time I enter, it reminds me of the people who have worked so hard to help millions of people have better lives—whether through disaster or war recovery, aid for military families, or donating the gift of blood.

Built as a memorial to the women of the Civil War with U.S. and private funds, the headquarters features exquisite architecture. The building’s showpiece—the Tiffany stained glass windows—are designed to “symbolize reconciliation following the Civil War and are reputed to be the largest suite of Tiffany windows created for a secular environment.”

A Brief History

We learned how the Red Cross initially focused on domestic and overseas disaster relief efforts, assisted the U.S. military during the Spanish-American War, and conducted peacetime relief work as part of the global Red Cross network. It introduced first aid, water safety, and public health nursing programs before World War I. During the two world wars, the Red Cross staffed hospitals and ambulance companies and recruited nurses to serve in the military.

Today, as a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the American Red Cross provides lifesaving aid—under the principles of neutrality and impartiality—to millions displaced worldwide. It is active in Ukraine, Israel, and Gaza and nearly 200 countries.

I will never forget visiting the Polish Red Cross last year and seeing the thousands of paper registration cards kept by the Germans at their death camps. The Red Cross gained access to the cards to help family members find each other after the end of World War II. The Red Cross continues to reunify families separated through international crises and domestic disasters through the Family Links program.

We also heard how the Red Cross started a national blood program for the armed forces during World War II and added a civilian blood program after the war. The blood program supplies 40 percent of the blood and blood products in the country.

The Climate Crisis as an Organizational Priority

The work of the Red Cross has taken on increased importance because of the climate crisis, which disproportionately affects vulnerable communities. In the last 10 years, the number of billion-dollar U.S. disasters has increased by 85%. From 2016 to 2022, 122 separate billion-dollar disasters in the U.S. have killed at least 5,000 people and caused more than $1 trillion in damage.

Because of the climate crisis, the Red Cross launches nearly twice as many relief operations for major disasters as it did a decade ago, and it responds on a near-constant basis to disasters ranging from family fires to large-scale hurricanes.

A Climate Adaptation Program

During our visit, we also learned how the Red Cross has started a climate adaptation program that will be a role model for the future as a means of addressing equity in its services. Most people affected are among the most vulnerable in our country. The Red Cross partners with dozens of community organizations in the areas of health, hunger and housing to better prepare for the disasters.

Worldwide, the effects of the climate crisis include hotter temperatures; more severe storms; increased drought; a warming, rising ocean; loss of species; insufficient food; more health risks; poverty; and displacement. To help address this crisis globally, the International Red Cross is supporting a Climate Centre, which is hosted by the Netherlands Red Cross.  The goal is to reduce the effect of climate change on vulnerable people by activating the best global scientific insights at the local level. The Climate Centre offers tools and guidance to Red Cross volunteers and managers specializing in disaster risk management and health.

Getting Involved

Today, Red Cross volunteers assist in five key program areas:

• 1) People affected by U.S. disasters
• 2) Support for military members and their families
• 3) Blood collection, processing, and distribution
• 4) Health and safety education and training
• 5) International relief and development

Although I have had the great privilege to serve in many capacities, having served during a number of disasters as a nurse has been the most gratifying work I have done.

The Red Cross always needs volunteers, and serving during disasters is a phenomenal way to give back to others. The organization provides training for nurses and for others interested in volunteer aid work. With Clara Barton as our exemplar, I hope some of you will serve in this amazing organization.

By Susan B. Hassmiller, PhD, RN, FAAN, principal, SuLu Coaching & Consulting