American Red Cross -- Facts about the Red Cross

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American Red Cross of Greater Columbus

Michael Carroll
Chief Executive Officer

Mary Navarro
Board Chair

After seeing the help the Red Cross provided to victims of the 1913 floods in Central Ohio, a group of local citizens sought to start a chapter in the area. The American Red Cross of Greater Columbus
was chartered July 3, 1916, by the national American Red Cross. Since that time, the chapter has provided emergency services, education and disaster relief to the people of Central Ohio.

The all-volunteer Board of Directors guides the chapter and establishes the policies under which it operates in compliance with national Red Cross policies. Michael Carroll, the Chief Executive Officer, leads the paid staff. Michael Schoedinger is the chair of the Board of Directors.

Every day, the American Red Cross of Greater Columbus helps the community face life’s emergencies by providing:

Relief to disasters large and small, education and preparedness

Around-the clock emergency communications and assistance to members of the military and their families

International Holocaust tracing

Health and safety training, including CPR, first aid, lifeguard training, swimming and youth safety training.

Blood donor recruitment

International disaster relief and support for international humanitarian law

Senior citizen transportation

More than 700 volunteers are the driving force of the chapter. These volunteers serve as board members, disaster workers, course instructors, fundraisers, committee members, and that’s only the beginning.

The American Red Cross of Greater Columbus is a part of the National Red Cross organization established by Clara Barton in 1881. All Red Cross services are made possible through the donation of time by volunteers, contributions through the United Way, membership drives, special events, grants, bequests and endowment funds.