Mission of the American Red Cross

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.

History of the Arlington County Chapter

On April 6, 1917, shortly after the United States entered World War I, members of the suffrage association in Alexandria County offered their facility to the Red Cross. Skeptics doubted Alexandria County was of sufficient size to attract enough people for a chapter and suggested it might be to their advantage to work with the District of Columbia or the Fairfax County Chapters.

Twelve determined women canvassed the community and with 497 members -- nearly double the requisite number -- the Alexandria County Chapter of the American Red Cross was officially chartered. In 1920, Alexandria County was renamed Arlington County, and the name Alexandria was retained only for the City.

During World Wars I and II, the Chapter focused its efforts on the military and meeting critical wartime needs, serving in hospitals and camps both locally and in Europe. It established Home Services, a Disaster Relief Committee, a Nurses Aide Corps, and Junior Red Cross programs. By 1948, the Chapter provided the first Bloodmobile to civilians and initiated programs in first aid and nursing. The Arlington County Chapter moved to its first permanent (and present day) headquarters on Arlington Boulevard in 1949.

Since that time, the Chapter house has been expanded and remodeled several times and numerous programs have been added to the services provided. Much of the surrounding neighborhood has changed but the Arlington Chapter house remains as a symbol of service to the community.