American Red Cross of Central Florida 

Serving Central Florida for 90 Years

The American Red Cross of Central Florida, formerly known as the Orange County Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Central Florida Chapter of the American Red Cross, was chartered on October 23, 1917. At that time, auxiliaries of the chapter were busy rolling bandages, sewing hospital gowns, packing Red Cross surgical dressings, and collecting shoes and clothing for American soldiers fighting on the front lines of France during World War I.

In the years following World War I, with few national public welfare program and government subsidies available, the Red Cross served as a crucial link in reuniting loved ones separated by war. In 1924, local Red Cross services expanded to include help for armed forces personnel and their families, providing them with counseling services, bonus or back pay money, and news of men missing in action.

During World War II, students from local schools were enrolled as members of the chapter and carried the message "Remember the Red Cross Drive" in their school kits to help meet fundraising goals. The local Red Cross did its part to help with the war relief efforts abroad by raising money, sending supplies, recruiting volunteers, and processing nearly 1,000 military cases and inquiries per month. In the year immediately following the war, the local Red Cross stepped up service delivery in other areas, providing Red Cross lifesaving, water safety, and home nursing courses to residents in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties.

Since the Orange County Chapter was chartered, Central Florida has grown tremendously and its residents have seen many changes. The American Red Cross of Central Florida has grown up with the community, expanding services, but holding fast to the organization's mission. The chapter moved into its current location on Bumby Avenue in 1957. In 1965, Osceola and Seminole Red Cross centers united with Orange County to form the Central Florida Chapter of the American Red Cross.

In 1975, in order to better meet the needs of the community, the chapter launched courses in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), standard first aid, advanced lifesaving and all phases of water safety. It was in 1982 that the chapter began the Dial-A-Friend telephone reassurance program for the elderly and in 1985 launched its award-winning HIV/AIDS education program.

In 1994, the Central Florida Chapter of the American Red Cross became the American Red Cross of Central Florida, emphasizing our mission to provide humanitarian and compassionate disaster relief and emergency preparedness services throughout all local communities in Central Florida. That same year the chapter took on the role of Coordinating Chapter for the State of Florida.

The local Red Cross continues to be there for military personnel and their families worldwide, handling cases and referrals, and providing a variety of services and assistance which includes urgent communications, counseling, financial assistance, international tracing and social services. In addition, Central Floridians learn to prevent, prepare for and respond to health emergencies through community and workplace classes in CPR, first aid, water safety and HIV/AIDS education. Local, middle and high school youth volunteers participate in community services and educational courses, while learning skills that will prepare them for future leadership roles within their communities. Central Florida's large senior population continues to receive a number of services, including the Dial-A-Friend reassurance program where Red Cross volunteers make daily calls to elderly and homebound seniors, offering comfort and support that has continued to allow many to remain in their homes and live independently.

Through the help of our community, the American Red Cross has been able to serve Central Florida for over 85 years. Your support and participation allow the American Red Cross of Central Florida to continue fulfilling its mission and promise to the community: to be a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, which provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.

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Headquarters: 5 North Bumby Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32803 Phone: (407) 894-4141

Copyright 2008. The American National Red Cross. All Rights Reserved.