Glencoe Health

Introduction
The American Red Cross has been the nation’s leading emergency response organization for more than 100 years. Its programs range over a wide variety of areas. It aids the victims of war, natural disasters, and terrorist attacks. It provides aid to the needy, both at home and abroad. It gives support to members of the armed forces and their families. It collects, processes, and distributes blood and blood products, and it offers educational programs that promote safety and health. You can learn more about the many lifesaving programs the Red Cross offers by visiting its Web site.

Link to explore:
The American Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org/

Directions:

• Follow the link above to the American Red Cross home page.
• Click on “About Us” at the bottom of the page and read the background information about the Red Cross.
• From the main page, click on the links labeled “Disaster Services,” “Biomedical Services,” and “Health and Safety Services.” Read through these sections of the site as well.
• After you have examined all these parts of the site, answer the following questions:

1			How many employees and how volunteers many does the Red Cross have?
2			How many local chapters are part of the American Red Cross?
3			What is the focus of the Red Cross’s disaster relief programs?
4			How many people give blood through Red Cross blood drives each year?
5			List three types of courses offered by the Red Cross.