serves humanity and helps you by providing relief to victims of disaster, ensuring that the

nation's need for blood is met, providing health and safety training to the public, and offering

Is the American Red Cross part of the U.S. government?
No. The American Red Cross functions independently of the government.

The Red Cross does work closely with a wide variety of government, not-for-profit and private

agencies to better serve our community.

How can I register for a CPR or First Aid Class?
CPR and First Aid classes are available throughout the year in all four counties. To register

we must receive payment for the class at least one day in advance. Sign up here.

What is the SAF Program ?
Since 1905 the Red Cross has provided communications and other humanitarian services

to help members of the U.S. military and their families around the world.

What can I do to help?
There is a wide variety of volunteer opportunities at the Red Cross to support all of the

organization's services. People who wish to volunteer should contact the Mid-Illinois Chapter.

The Red Cross is the most highly respected disaster relief organization in the world.

Does this sound like a cause you can support? Please send a donation to:

Mid-Illinois Chapter, American Red Cross

2674 N. Main Street

Decatur, IL 62526

Or use a credit card to donate online.

Can I be a blood donor if I take medication?
If you are taking medications, are pregnant or have any other medical condition and

would like to know if you can still donate, please call 1-800-728-3543 x 1441.

Who's eligible to give blood?
You must weigh 110 lbs., and be 17-125 years old (16 w/parental consent).

You must be in good health. Please eat a good meal before donating blood. Learn more.

Where can I give blood?
The Decatur blood collection center is located at 2674 N. Main Street. In DeWitt, Macon and

Moultrie Counties call 217/872-1431 or 1-800-728-3543 to schedule an appointment.

In Shelby County call toll free 1-800-873-5510. More Information

Who founded the International Red Cross?
In 1859 Henry Dunant, a young Swiss man, came upon the bloody battle in Solferino

in Italy between the armies of imperial Austria and the Franco-Sardinian alliance.

Some 40,000 men lay dead or dying on the battlefield and the wounded were lacking

medical attention. Dunant organized local people to bind the soldiers' wounds and to

feed and comfort them. He later called for a national relief societies to assist those wounded

in war, and pointed the way to the future Geneva Conventions.

Who founded the American Red Cross?
Clara Barton (1821-1912) She was the first person to establish a lasting Red Cross Society

in America. She organized the American Association of the Red Cross in Washington, D.C.,

on May 21, 1881.

Why are symbols, other than the famous Red Cross on a white backgound, are used

by other National Societies within the Movement?
Although the Red Cross is not a religious symbol, some societies view it as such.

The symbol of the red crescent is used instead of the Red Cross by societies in most

Islamic countries; the Magen David Adom, or Red Shield of David, is used in Israel.

What is the Mission of the American Red Cross?
The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers, guided by its

Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the

International Red Cross Movement, will provide relief to victims of disasters and help

people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.

What are the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and

Red Crescent Movement?
Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality

What is the worst disaster the Red Cross has ever dealt with?
The 2005 Hurricane Season proved to be the most challenging disaster response the

American Red Cross had ever seen in its history. Forecasting a major disaster before

the landfall of Hurricane Katrina, the organization enlisted 2,000 volunteers throughout

the nation to be on a "stand by" deployment list. During and after the Hurricanes Katrina,

Wilma and Rita, the American Red Cross had opened 1,470 different shelters across and

registered 3.8 million overnight stays. A total of 244,000 Red Cross workers (95% of

whom were non-paid volunteers) were utilized to provide sheltering, casework,

communication and assessment services throughout these three hurricanes.