American Red Cross / Bay Area Chapter

American Red Cross

Emergency relief for victims of disasters, services to military personnel, health and safety training for the public.

Description:

The American Red Cross (ARC) is a humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and education in the United States. Founded in 1881 by Clara Barton, the ARC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The organization is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and operates through a network of chapters across the country. The office in San Mateo county is part of the American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter. For more information on this specific location, please see the details on the right. Services Provided by the American Red Cross 1. Disaster Relief: - Emergency Response: The ARC responds to disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and earthquakes, providing shelter, food, and emotional support to affected individuals and communities. The team also responds to smaller disasters, such as a home fire or a traffic incident, where volunteer responders provide financial assistance to meet immediate needs for eligible clients. - Recovery Assistance: After immediate relief efforts, the ARC helps with long-term recovery, including financial assistance, mental health support, and housing aid. 2. Blood Services: - Blood Donation Drives: The ARC organizes blood drives and maintains a blood supply for hospitals and patients in need of transfusions. - Blood Distribution: They distribute blood and blood products to hospitals and medical facilities nationwide. 3. Health and Safety Training: - First Aid/CPR/AED Training: The ARC offers courses in first aid, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), and AED (automated external defibrillator) use. - Lifeguard and Water Safety Training: Training programs for lifeguards and water safety instructors are provided to ensure safety in aquatic environments. - Babysitting and Childcare Training: Courses are available for young babysitters to learn how to care for children safely. - Additional trainings can be found online at the Red Cross website. 4. Service to the Armed Forces: - Emergency Communication Services: The ARC connects military members with their families during emergencies. - Support Programs: They offer support programs for military families, including financial assistance, mental health services, and reintegration support. 5. International Services: - Disaster Response and Preparedness: The ARC works globally to provide disaster response, preparedness training, and humanitarian aid. - Restoring Family Links: This service helps reconnect families separated by conflict, disaster, or migration. 6.. Community Services: - Preparedness Programs: The ARC educates communities on disaster preparedness, helping them develop emergency plans and kits. - For free smoke alarms installations, please call 650-259-1769 for an appointment. - Volunteer Opportunities: They offer various volunteer opportunities for individuals to get involved and support their communities. The American Red Cross relies on donations and volunteers to carry out its mission and is known for its extensive network of volunteers and resources dedicated to alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies and disasters.

Location

Public Transit:

SAMTRANS stops within 1 block, CALTRAIN and BART stations within 3 blocks.

Service Options

Languages Spoken:

Spanish
Tagalog

Accessibility Options:

Wheelchair

Services

American Red Cross Services

Service Description:

Disaster relief, blood services, health and safety training, service to Armed Forces, international services, and community services.

Fees:

None for service. Fees for some classes. Cash, checks and credit cards accepted.

Audience:

Disaster victims, military personnel and their families. General public, business, schools and industry for health and safety training, disaster preparedness, volunteer training

Eligibility:

Age limits on some classes and programs

How to Apply:

https://www.redcross.org/local/california/northern-california-coastal/volunteer/adult-volunteers.html

Service Wait Estimate:

No wait.

Service Areas:

San Mateo County