The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and 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.

Description:
The American Red Cross (ARC) enjoys the privilege of being recognized as one of "America's Most Respected Charities". We believe that this is the result of the quality of our humanitarian service and our unquestioned fiscal responsibility. The Central Panhandle Chapter serves a six county area and provides services to a population of over 200,000. All of our Emergency Service programs share the mission of assisting families in their time of need. Our slogan, "Together, we can save a life!" is a brief statement, but it represents the true philosophy of the American Red Cross.

Volunteer Services: As the largest humanitarian organization in the United States, the Red Cross depends on volunteers to accomplish the organization's mission: providing relief to victims of disasters and helping people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. To prepare volunteers to participate in this vital mission, the Red Cross provides training for all volunteer positions; the level of training varies according to the requirements of the position. For example, Red Cross disaster volunteers work in a variety of positions, with specific training courses for each job. Training for health and safety instructors includes as many as 38 hours of training for special skills. Nurses bring specialized skills and experience and are incorporated into all Red Cross lines of service. Volunteers serve at all levels of the Red Cross. People who learn how good it can feel to lend a helping hand make our vital work possible. Our Red Cross "heroes" are from all walks of life. They're all ages. Everyone has something special to offer.

History:
The Central Panhandle Chapter of the American Red Cross was originally chartered on August 18th, 1917 as the Bay County Chapter. The name was changed in 1995 to better reflect the community we serve; Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington Counties.
The National American Red Cross, as one of the nation's premier humanitarian organizations, is dedicated to helping people in need throughout the United States and, in association with other Red Cross societies, throughout the world. It depends on generous contributions of time, blood, tissue, and money from the American public to its national headquarters and chapters and blood regions throughout the country in support of its lifesaving services and programs.
Clara Barton and a circle of acquaintances founded the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C. on May 21, 1881. Barton headed the Red Cross for 23 years, during which time it conducted its first domestic and overseas disaster relief efforts, aided the United States military during the Spanish-American War, and campaigned successfully for the inclusion of peacetime relief work as part of the International Red Cross Movement.
As a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which it helped found in 1919, the American Red Cross joins more than 175 other national societies in bringing aid to victims of disasters throughout the world.

Contact people:

Kelly Jo Bailey, Director Of Operations, (phone), (email) Joyce Watters, Director Of Development & Public Support, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (850) 785-3995

Address:

430 E 15th Street PanamaCity, FL 32405 (See a map)

Web Site: None specified