A Brief History of the American Red Cross of Alaska

The American Red Cross has a long, rich history of providing vital, life-saving programs and services in the state of Alaska. In 1917, the Red Cross Delano Nursing Corps were the first public health nurses to work in the state, providing itinerant health services to the peoples of America’s most remote possession.

Ensuing years saw Red Cross responses to the devastating flu epidemic of the 1920’s, World War II, and Good Friday earthquake of 1964. In 1964, Governor William A. Egan designated the American Red Cross as the official relief agency to provide emergency assistance to Alaskans affected by disasters.

On July 1, 2003 the four existing Red Cross chapters operating in the state merged into a single, unified Red Cross chapter, forming the American Red Cross of Alaska. The result of our merger is a leaner, more streamlined organization with a stronger emphasis on providing essential Red Cross services and programs that reach Alaskans living in the most remote corners of our state.

The American Red Cross of Alaska has offices in the following locations: Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Kodiak, Wasilla, Elmendorf Air Force Base, and Ft. Wainwright.