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American Red Cross Contribution Draft:

During the flu pandemic of 1918, American Red Cross chapters were instrumental in establishing both preventative measures and treatment plans within their local communities throughout the United States. The degree to which the Red Cross was involved with pandemic planning was largely dependent on the needs of the community and the actions of local public health authorities, but large cities and their surrounding communities were often dependent on the organization in mitigating the spread of the disease.

Active initiatives undertaken by local chapters included the sewing of masks for local distribution, the production and promotion of educational pamphlets, the establishment of localized motor corps, and providing door-to-door nursing and social services. In some cities, the motor corps functioned both in providing auxiliary ambulatory services and expanding the logistical dispersion of manpower and supplies. The contribution of nurses, goods, services, and local administrative guidance offered by the American Red Cross provided local community leaders with essential support in combating the pandemic.

Citation Note: (a general citation and link to information for this article)

Jones MM. The American Red Cross and local response to the 1918 influenza pandemic: a four-city case study. Public Health Rep. 2010 Apr;125 Suppl 3(Suppl 3):92-104. doi: 10.1177/00333549101250S312. PMID: 20568571; PMCID: PMC2862338.