On March 7, 1917, Harriet Parsons James, a noted philanthropist, invited a group of prominent Miami residents to her Coconut Grove home to establish a chapter of the American Red Cross. Through her experience as an American Red Cross member in New York, she learned to appreciate the organization. With World War I raging on in Europe, Mrs. James understood Miami’s need for a local American Red Cross chapter.

Two days after the first gathering, the group held a meeting at the Central School Auditorium where hundreds of Miami residents turned out for the event. By the end of the meeting, almost 100 residents signed up to become Red Cross volunteers and many others signed pledges of intention. On April 6, 1917 the United States entered World War I, and three weeks later, President Wilson signed the charter officially creating the local chapter as the Southeastern Florida Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Since 1917, the American Red Cross of Greater Miami & The Keys began its mission in South Florida helping a population of nearly 30,000 residents. Today, with more than 2.5 million residents, your Red Cross continues to face many challenges including fires, hurricanes, terrorism, international disasters and a war abroad, while adapting to meet the needs of diverse cultures and a growing population.  Everyday your Red Cross saves lives by providing health and safety training as well as disaster education.