On Friday, October 19, Mark W. Everson, President and CEO of the American Red Cross, addressed the City Club of Cleveland, one of the most prestigious public affairs forums in the country. In his speech, he set a clear, strategic direction for the American Red Cross, defining its mission and laying out his priorities for the organization.

The four priorities are: improving blood services, revitalizing service to the armed forces and their families, ramping up our role in preparedness as well as response, and meeting our global responsibilities as part of the international Movement.

A transcript of the speech has been posted on RedCross.org. You can hear the speech delivered at the City Club website. This is an important statement to the public on the mission of the Red Cross.