Our Mission

The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers, 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.

The American Red Cross of South Mississippi proudly serves Harrison, Pearl River, Hancock, Jackson, George, Lawrence, Stone, Forrest, Lamar, Marion, Perry, Walthall, Jefferson Davis, Greene, and Covington Counties.

We help our community every day by responding to local disasters such as single-family fires, providing health & safety education, providing emergency military communications and empowering our community to respond to disasters. For more information on how we provide these services to our community, please use the site navigation at the top of this page.

Principles

Humanity. The Red Cross, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavors – in our international and national capacity – to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Our purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. We promote mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples.

Impartiality. The Red Cross makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. We endeavor 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 Red Cross may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.

Independence. The Red Cross 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 our autonomy so that we may be able at all times to act in accordance with Red Cross Principles.

Voluntary Service. The Red Cross is a voluntary relief organization, not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.

Unity. There can be only one Red Cross society in any one country. We must be open to all. We must carry on our humanitarian work throughout our territory.

Universality. The Red Cross is a worldwide institution in which all societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other.