Dr. Carlette Hardin on the American Red Cross, Tennessee River Chapter, as part of the essay series “The Road to 250: Community Spirit in Action,” celebrating the history of unity in Clarksville ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.

The American Red Cross has played a vital role in the history of the United States for more than 145 years. Founded on May 21, 1881, by Clara Barton, who had earned the nickname “Angel of the Battlefield” while caring for wounded soldiers during the Civil War, the organization was established to provide humanitarian assistance during times of crisis. In 1900, Congress granted the American Red Cross its first federal charter, formally recognizing its importance to the nation. 

The local chapter of the American Red Cross is the Tennessee River Chapter which serves Dickson, Giles, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Lawrence, Lewis, Maury, Montgomery, Perry, Stewart and Wayne Counties in Tennessee. In addition to the counties listed, the Tennessee River chapter also serves Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The office of the local chapter is in Clarksville, but the chapter provides aid to counties that reach from the Kentucky to the Alabama borders.

A Red Cross van filled with materials for overnight shelters. (Red Cross, contributed)
A Red Cross van filled with materials for overnight shelters. (Red Cross, contributed)

Red Cross stays disaster-ready

The local chapter is always disaster-ready by having trained volunteers and equipment needed to rush to any disaster within the counties served. In addition, local volunteers are sent to other areas of the United States to assist in national disasters. Each year, the Home Fire Campaign helps save lives by installing free smoke alarms in homes that don’t have them, and by educating people about home fire safety. The local chapter has recently conducted a Fire Home event in Clarksville and installed smoke detectors and provided fire prevention instruction to over 100 homes. The local chapter sponsors blood drives throughout the year and has completed blood drives on the APSU campus, at local churches, and at Fort Campbell.

Perhaps the greatest contribution to the community is by providing trained volunteers who respond to local disasters. Whether it is a fire or a tornado, these volunteers are on scene to provide assistance and support to victims. 

Max Swadley (left) donates blood for the first at the Tennessee River Chapter of the American Red Cross on Madison Street in Clarksville. Max is joined by his grandfather Raymond Swadley on March 16, 2026. (Contributed)
Max Swadley (left) donates blood for the first at the Tennessee River Chapter of the American Red Cross on Madison Street in Clarksville. Max is joined by his grandfather Raymond Swadley on March 16, 2026. (Contributed)

Disaster relief, blood drives and more

The local Red Cross chapter fulfills its humanitarian mission through five lines of service:

  1. Disaster Relief: Providing shelter, food and emergency assistance to individuals and families affected by disasters.
  2. Blood Services: Collecting and distributing lifesaving blood and blood products.
  3. Training Services: Teaching lifesaving skills, including first aid, CPR and water safety.
  4. Service to the Armed Forces: Supporting military personnel, veterans and their families.
  5. International Services: Assisting vulnerable communities worldwide through disaster response, preparedness and humanitarian programs.

Through the dedication of generations of volunteers, donors and employees, the American Red Cross has helped shape America’s tradition of service to others. Its enduring legacy reminds us that compassion, preparedness and neighbor helping neighbor are essential parts of our nation’s history.

Dr. Carlette Hardin

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