American Red Cross - Hampton Roads Chapter

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. It does this through services that are consistent with its congressional charter and the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross Movement.

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. It does this through services that are consistent with its congressional charter and the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross Movement.

The American Red Cross was founded by Clara Barton in 1881 and is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The American Headquarters is in Washington D.C. The Congress of the United States has mandated that all Red Cross Chapters must provide services for the military and their families and provide relief assistance during all disasters, domestic and international. All Red Cross disaster assistance is an outright gift. It is funded by voluntary contributions from the American people.

In 1917, two Red Cross Chapters were formed on the Virginia Peninsula, the Elizabeth County Chapter and the Newport News-Warwick Chapter. In 1965, both Chapters merged and became the Hampton Roads Chapter. In 1995, Isle of Wight County was added to the service area of the Hampton Roads Chapter. For over 90 years, Red Cross services are provided 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, fulfilling the congressionally chartered obligations of service to the armed forces and their families; disaster preparedness and disaster assistance as needed, in addition to a variety of mission-focused services/programs, including blood services, health & safety services and more.

Please contact the Chapter for more information.

The need for members of our organization is constant.  We are in need of individuals to financially support our Chapter, share their time and talents with us through volunteerism and donate their life-saving blood.

We offer monthly tours of our Chapter, for those who wish to learn more about the services of the American Red Cross.  We also offer volunteer orientations at least twice a month for new volunteers.

For more information, please contact Dawn Roberts, Volunteer Coordinator, between the hours of 9am-5pm, Mon. - Fri. at 757-838-7320.