History

The American Red Cross of Greater Grand Rapids, founded in 1917, has a rich history of service to the citizens of Barry, Ionia, Kent and Montcalm counties. 

For decades, the American Red Cross of Greater Grand Rapids has been touching the lives of West Michigan residents. Each year, the Red Cross impacts the lives of more than 70,000 individuals in Barry, Ionia, Kent and Montcalm counties. 

The American Red Cross of Greater Grand Rapids, then called the American Red Cross of Kent County, was established in 1917 in response to a telegram from Washington asking Grand Rapids citizens to assist in the war effort. The chapter’s initial task was to launch a base hospital in Auteuil, France. 

 

By the end of World War I, twelve medical officers, 21 nurses, and more than 50 enlisted men, ambulance drivers, and assistants from West Michigan helped the hospital grow from 300 beds to 2,400 beds. These volunteers provided care to 10,478 Allied soldiers. 

Back home, over 8,000 Grand Rapids volunteers contributed as well by sewing, knitting, cooking, nursing, and serving soldiers passing through the city.  In 1917, the volunteers set a national record after producing 400,000 garments, bandages, surgical dressings, and Christmas bags.  

After the war, volunteer efforts continued through veteran assistance services. 

In 1921, an influenza epidemic attacked the United States. Local volunteers set up home nursing and health care services for Grand Rapids residents infected by the virus.  Because of these efforts, the Grand Rapids chapter expanded its services to include preventive health education services.

The distress brought on by the Great Depression caused the Chapter to expand in 1934.  Volunteers collected and distributed food and clothing to people in need.

From 1936-1939, Grand Rapids residents helped with relief efforts locally, regionally, and nationally.  Volunteers provided assistance to area tornado victims, and traveled to the Ohio Valley and China to aid flood victims.

War efforts were revitalized in 1940, and continued through 1945. 

More than 600 Grey Ladies assisted in local hospitals. Volunteers handled 24,680 communications between servicemen and their families. The local chapter raised nearly $500,000 for the War Fund. In 1945, chapter volunteers donated 83,184 hours to produce 1.7 million surgical dressings. 

Kent County chapter growth continued following World War II with the development of nursing services, lifesaving and water safety training, motor services and youth services.

In the 1960s, Kent County disaster relief efforts continued locally, nationally, and even internationally.  In addition, the Civil Rights Movement caused the chapter to become more socially active.

Throughout the 1970s, the chapter began offering courses in CPR, first aid, water safety and accident prevention, and pet emergency training. Childcare classes were offered locally for the first time in 1981. That same year, the National Red Cross celebrated its 100th birthday. In 1989, HIV/AIDS education programs were introduced. 

Commitment continued throughout the 1990s. Volunteers helped with the Gulf War effort while providing national and international disaster relief. In 1996, diversity training became a major chapter initiative.

After providing 80 years of service to the West Michigan community, the Kent County chapter was renamed the American Red Cross of West Central Michigan in 1997, after Ionia and Montcalm counties were added to its service area. In 1999, the Chapter added Barry County. 

As Metropolitan Grand Rapids grew to encompass a broader community, the chapter was renamed American Red Cross of Greater Grand Rapids to better identify itself and the jurisdiction it serves in Barry, Ionia, Kent and Montcalm counties.

The American Red Cross of Greater Grand Rapids serves Barry, Ionia, Kent and Montcalm counties. 

Although the original chapter has been transformed since World War I, the vision has remained the same. Compassionate volunteers have been committed to helping others since 1917. This commitment to service will continue for years to come.