Since its inception, the American Red Cross has been the nation's premier emergency response organization. Although it was initially established as part of a worldwide movement offering neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war, the American Red Cross distinguishes itself by also aiding victims of devastating natural disasters. Over the years, the organization has expanded its services, always with the aim of preventing and relieving suffering.

Today, in addition to domestic disaster relief, the Greater Kansas City Chapter works in tandem with the national organization to provide support and comfort for military members and their families; to educate the community with health and safety programs; and to help people prepare for and recover from disasters.

Last year the American Red Cross Greater Kansas City Chapter provided services to over 2,100 military members and their families. In an emergency the American Red Cross is there to provide support and compassion to those who work to keep our country safe.

Not only does the Red Cross help our community by responding to disasters, but we teach the community to be prepared for them. Preparedness is key in minimizing the effects of a disaster and we take pride in teaching the Kansas City community how to be ready for them. Disaster can come in many forms; a house fire in the middle of the night, an ice storm disabling the city or even a fellow coworker dropping to the ground after a heart attack. Over the past year the Kansas City Chapter has enrolled close to 29,000 people in First Aid/CPR and AED training classes. We have trained employees from six local companies to be ready for action in the event of a large scale disaster and have 97 Chapter volunteers who work around the clock to support families affected by disasters in and around their homes.

The American Red Cross is where people mobilize to help their neighbors — across Kansas City, across the country, and across the world — during emergencies. Each year, in communities large and small, victims of some 70,000 disasters turn to neighbors familiar and new. Your support of the American Red Cross enables us to further our mission to provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.