1917 First Athens Red Cross. A small group of volunteers, led by Mrs. George D. Thomas, applied for a charter to form the Athens Chapter. They worked to provide hospital supplies to be used in Europe during World War I. Mr. John White Morton, Mrs. George D. Thomas and Madame Joseph Lustrate were officers of the original board of directors.

1920s-1930s
Housed in the County Courthouse, the Red Cross work during the 20s and 30s was centered on public welfare administration. Over a thousand families were given financial assistance, thousands of lunches were provided for school children. Welfare programs of this type were carried out until July, 1937 when the State of Georgia supervised welfare departments in each county. All public health programs were coordinated by the Red Cross until the local public department was established.

In 1981, the Athens Chapter merged with seven other chapters in the Northeast Georgia area. This is when the chapter was renamed the East Georgia Chapter. Then, Jackson and Banks counties were added to our jurisdiction in 1985.

The AIDS epidemic began to increase dramatically. The Red Cross responded with an education programs to relieve the fear of AIDS.

The East Georgia Chapter expanded its collection of bloods. The yearly goal was 11,600 units.