Founded in 1881, the Red Cross has a long history of providing aid in emergencies. Food, shelter, and medical assistance are offered to victims of fires, floods, and other disasters. In addition to disaster aid, the Red Cross sponsors blood drives; conducts CPR and first aid training; teaches swimming; provides AIDS education; and serves as a link between service men and women and their families during emergency situations.

By an act of Congress on January 5, 1905, the American Red Cross was granted a charter designating it as a nationwide agency through which the American people voluntarily extend assistance to people in need. The national headquarters, located in Washington, DC, implements policies and procedures that govern Red Cross activities, provides administrative and technical supervision, and offers guidance to its national organization, composed of local chapters and geographical regions.

The Greater Somerset County Chapter, American Red Cross evolved into its current configuration after undergoing numerous transformations and mergers. The Bound Brook Chapter was chartered in April 1917 and a few weeks later, the Somerville Area chapter also came into being. In March 1958, Manville was incorporated into the Somerville Area Chapter, and in June 1964, the Somerville and Bound Brook chapters merged to form the Raritan Valley Chapter. In 1994 this chapter reached its current configuration when the Raritan Valley Chapter merged with the Somerset Hills Chapter to become the Greater Somerset County Chapter. The Chapter finally purchase its own building in March of 1996 after years of renting space in six different buildings, and is now permanently located at 14 W. Cliff Street, Somerville, New Jersey.