Farmington
Connecticut
American Red Cross Connecticut Chapter
The first office of the American Red Cross in Connecticut was established in 1898. Throughout its history, the Red Cross in Connecticut has provided comfort, help and hope to local families affected by fires, hurricanes, winter storms, floods and other disasters.
During World War I, Red Cross work included production of clothing, comfort items and bandages for the armed forces. The Home Service program helped the families of servicemen communicate with their loved ones overseas and to provide other services.
The Red Cross entered into preparedness training in the 1920s, adding first aid, water safety and Junior Red Cross programs. Over the decades, our classes expanded as medical technology developed to include CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training. We also provide information to help individuals prepare for natural or other disasters.
During World War II, services to the armed forces again increased. Volunteers produced needed materials, visited wounded soldiers and supported home front relief work. During the war, the Red Cross began supplying the armed services with blood plasma.
In 1950, with blood transfusions becoming a more frequent medical practice, the Connecticut Red Cross Blood Program was established to serve the needs of the state’s civilian population.
Today, the American Red Cross helps Connecticut residents prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies with services provided by small paid staff and a corps of more than 3,000 volunteers.
The Connecticut Chapter responds to an average of 800 local disasters each year, most of them home fires. We help families with immediate, disaster caused needs for shelter, food, clothing and emotional support.
We train and prepare thousands of Connecticut residents each year, offering courses in First Aid, CPR and Lifeguarding, as well as Babysitter training and Community Disaster Education programs. Our Fire Safety program offers free smoke alarm installations and fire escape planning for all Connecticut families.
We provide emergency communications, counseling and other services to hundreds of Connecticut military families every year.
Our international services programs include family linking services for people seeking news and information about loved ones separated by war or disaster, as well as support of health initiatives that combat diseases like measles and rubella.
And, through the generosity of volunteer donors, we collect tens of thousands of units of blood at thousands of drives across Connecticut to provide lifesaving blood components and products to hospitals and acute care facilities throughout the state.
Recent News
American Red Cross News: Share Your Strength with Patients this Spring
Bridgeport, CT -- This spring, the American Red Cross asks donors to help defend the blood supply by giving blood or platelets now to combat a monstrous fact: only 3 out of 100 people donate blood. That’s why we’re teaming up with Warner…
Read More »American Red Cross News: Make a Positive Impact - Give Blood with the Red Cross
Donors needed to help keep blood supply growing as seasons change Fairfield, CT -- As spring approaches, the American Red Cross urges donors to give blood now to continue to strengthen the national blood supply. People of all blood types -…
Read More »American Red Cross News: Emergency Blood Shortage May Delay Medical Procedures
Donors urged to give now as nation faces lowest number of blood donors in decades Donors have the chance to help save lives, win trip to Super Bowl LVIII BRIDGEPORT, CT— The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as…
Read More »‘Tis the Season to Give Blood or Platelets
Long-sleeved T-shirt for donors through Jan. 5, 2024 Connecticut -- When blood products are fully stocked on hospital shelves, patients don’t have to wait for critical care. Giving blood or platelets with the American Red Cross in December…
Read More »American Red Cross News: Give Blood, Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Film 'Elf'
Exclusive “Elf” + Red Cross socks for donors Nov. 10-30 BRIDGEPORT, CT— For many, watching the classic holiday movie “Elf” has been a heartwarming tradition for 20 years. This November, the American Red Cross is…
Read More »Red Cross: Donation Appointments Critical in Coming Weeks
Farmington, CT - As October comes to a close, the American Red Cross urges blood and platelet donors to make and keep donation appointments now to help hospitals restock blood products for patients ahead of the holiday season. Donors of all blood…
Read More »Fight National Blood and Platelet Shortage: Make a Red Cross Donation Appointment Now
$15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email for coming to give Oct. 1-20 Bridgeport, CT -- The American Red Cross continues to experience a national blood and platelet shortage and asks the public to book a time to give as soon as possible. Donors of all…
Read More »American Red Cross News: Red Cross Facing A National Blood Shortage
Donors needed now as hospital demand outpaces blood donations BRIDGEPORT, CT - The American Red Cross is experiencing a national blood shortage. Fewer donors than needed gave this summer, drawing down the national blood supply and reducing…
Read More »American Red Cross News: Donors Needed in July to Prevent a Blood Shortage
Red Cross, Warner Bros. Discovery partnering to encourage blood donations around Shark Week & theatrical release of MEG 2: THE TRENCH BRIDGEPORT, CT — The American Red Cross continues to see a concerning trend – blood donations are…
Read More »The AME Zion Church Partners with Red Cross to Increase Blood Donations in Black Communities Across Connecticut
BRIDGEPORT, CT – The American Red Cross and African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Zion Church are partnering to emphasize the importance of a diverse blood supply to help meet the needs of those with sickle cell disease. Together, they are…
Read More »Give Blood or Platelets with Red Cross Ahead of Hectic Holiday Weeks
$10 Amazon.com Gift Card or T-shirt for donors this month Bridgeport, CT -- As more people make travel plans to celebrate with family and friends this year, the American Red Cross asks donors to set aside a time to give blood or platelets for…
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