Chapter History

The Montgomery, Greene, and Preble County Chapters of the American Red Cross were established in 1917. At that time, Red Cross services included disaster relief, assistance to members of the military and their families, safety and health education, and nursing. In 1960, the three local chapters merged to form the Dayton Area Chapter. Emergency/disaster services, health and safety education, assistance to armed forces personnel, and emergency housing now form the foundation of the local Red Cross mission.

Rapid response to immediate community need is well ingrained in Chapter history. Although a local presence had not been established at the time of the historical 1913 Dayton flood, the American Red Cross assisted victims of the disaster with food, clothing and shelter. In cooperation with the Dayton Metropolitan Housing Authority, the Chapter established the Montgomery County Emergency Housing Program in 1981. In 1990, the chapter opened a second emergency housing facility in Greene County. Additionally, the Chapter assumed responsibility for the operation of the area’s Emergency Food Bank from 1983 through 2004.

The Dayton Area Chapter of the American Red Cross is a proud United Way partner agency. However, the most notable collaboration is with the community, as the organization relies on the efforts of more than 1,200 volunteers to provide services to Montgomery, Greene, and Preble County residents. The Dayton Area Chapter is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors that develops policy, oversees strategic planning and provides direction for chapter programs and services.