About the American Red Cross of Northwest Indiana

The American Red Cross of Northwest Indiana is a private, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that provides emergency services and emergency response training throughout Northwest Indiana in Lake, Jasper, and Newton Counties. The American Red Cross of Northwest Indiana receives no government grants and relies upon the generosity of the people, churches and religious groups, community organizations, corporations, local businesses, and service clubs throughout Northwest Indiana for all of our funding. It is only through your support that we can continue to serve over 12,000 local residents of Northwest Indiana every year. You can donate to your local Red Cross chapter now via our secure server.

Emergency services include: Armed Forces Emergency Communications Services (AFES); Disaster preparedness, response, and relief; and International Tracing Services.

Emergency response training includes: Disaster Volunteer training, and Health and Safety Training for individuals, churches and religious groups, community organizations, corporations, local businesses, and service clubs.

History of the American Red Cross of Northwest Indiana

The American Red Cross of Northwest Indiana was first chartered on April 5, 1917, and represents the combination of three community chapters formerly based in Whiting, Hammond, and Gary. Originally named the American Red Cross of Lake County Indiana, our local Chapter became responsible for service delivery in Jasper and Newton Counties in 1992 and was renamed the American Red Cross of Northwest Indiana to better represent the expanded service area. In 1988, The American Red Cross of Northwest Indiana moved to its present site at 791 East 83rd Avenue, Merrillville, Indiana, 46410, to be more centrally located.

The Mission Statement 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 Red Cross Movement - International and in America

A Swiss businessman, Henry Dunant, founded the worldwide Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. While traveling in 1859, he witnessed a one-day battle between Austrian and French forces outside the northern Italian town of Solferino. At nightfall and to his horror, he saw 40,000 dead and wounded soldiers strewn about the battlefield who had lacked any medical attention. Dunant immediately set about organizing care for the wounded with the assistance of local villagers. 

Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross, Red Crescent and Red Crystal Movement

HUMANITY -- The International Red Cross, Red Crescent and Red Crystal Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavors, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples.

Our Values

Affirming our commitment to the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross, Red Crescent and Red Crystal Movement, we pledge ourselves to these Values:

HUMANITARIANISM -- We exist to serve others in need, independently and without discrimination, providing relief for victims of disasters and helping people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.