March is Red Cross Month

March is Red Cross Month, a time when the American Red Cross honors our nation’s heroes who help people in need in their community, across the country and around the world. 

During Red Cross Month, become a hero too. Join the Red Cross.

1. Become a Red Cross volunteer. You can help in your local community.

2. Give blood and help a patient on their road to recovery.

3. Take a class; be able to help during an emergency.

4. Make a plan. Develop a preparedness plan with members of your household.

5. Make a financial donation. Your support will allow us to help those in need.

A LITTLE HISTORY For more than 135 years, American Red Cross workers have been an essential part of our nation’s response to war, natural disaster and other human suffering.Read about the Red Cross in American history here.

Since 1906, the office of president has been part of the structure of the American Red Cross. United States President Woodrow Wilson agreed to serve in this position in 1913, establishing a tradition followed by all subsequent presidents to become Honorary President of the American Red Cross. That title was changed to Honorary Chairman in 1947.

In 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated March as Red Cross Month. Since that time, all of our U.S. presidents have designated March as Red Cross Month to recognize how our organization helps people across the country and around the world. Read the Presidential Proclamation for American Red Cross Month.

The Red Cross provides help and support in many ways to people in this country and around the world by:

• Responding to as many as 64,000 disasters big and small in this country every year.
• Providing 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families at home and around the world.
• Collecting and distributing about 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply.
• Training millions of people in first aid, water safety and other life-saving skills.
• Helping millions of people around the world through disaster management and disease prevention activities.

During Red Cross Month, become an everyday hero, become a part of the Red Cross. More information is available on how you can help through your local Red Cross chapter or by visiting the Red Cross “Ways to Help” information.