Quick Facts about the American Red Cross of Central New Jersey

• Our Chapter jurisdiction covers a population of 1.2 million people in New Jersey, covering Hunterdon County, Mercer County, most of Middlesex County and parts of Somerset County.
• Last year the American Red Cross of Central New Jersey helped 674 individuals recover from local fires and floods.
• We issued 30,079 certificates to people trained in Red Cross CPR and First Aid courses last year; as well as over 17,213 certificates issued to people in Water Safety and Lifeguard training.
• The American Red Cross of Central New Jersey has supplied our area with 13,434 units of safe blood last year.
• Our home-delivered meals programs help the elderly maintain independent life styles. 51,365 meals were delivered to 380 homebound clients.
• The Chapter has 1,237 Youth Club members in our local High Schools. These young men and women are an important foundation for taking the Red Cross into the future.
• The chapter has 29 employees and 2,456 volunteers.
  

Principles of the International Red Cross

Humanity: The International Red Cross and Red Crescent 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.

Impartiality: It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavors to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.

Neutrality: In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.

Independence: The Movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement.

Voluntary Service: It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.

Unity: There can be only one Red Cross or Red Crescent Society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.

Universality: The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.
 

Read about the History of Red Cross Month.