The Work and Legacy of Clara Barton Revisited

One woman’s desire to serve during the Civil War eventually led to the founding of the American Red Cross. Based on the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, unity, independence, voluntary service, and universality, the American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement, which provides protection and assistance to people affected by disasters and conflicts. It has always drawn to service both nurses and nursing students alike.

Red Cross nurses and other health professionals continue the work of Clara Barton today, providing leadership and service across the organization. The vast majority are volunteers.

Along with a group of nurses and others who champion nursing, Susan B. Hassmiller, PhD, RN, FAAN, is retracing the steps of American Red Cross founder Clara Barton. She and other tour members are studying Barton’s continuing legacy today and writing about it in a series of blog posts. We are collecting the posts on this landing page as they are published over the course of a week in early June 2024. We hope you will come along on the tour!