“I request that during that month [March] our people rededicate themselves to the splendid aims and activities of the Red Cross.” – President Franklin D. Roosevelt, first Presidential Proclamation of March as Red Cross Month, 1943

For nearly 80 years, U.S. presidents have proclaimed March as Red Cross Month – a time to celebrate the people who make our mission possible — volunteers, blood donors, people trained in lifesaving skills, and supporters who step up to aid others when #HelpCantWait.

More than 90% of the Red Cross’ lifesaving work is powered by volunteers. In the year since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic, tens of thousands of Americans have stepped up to address the needs of families reeling from the pandemic as well as record-breaking disasters across the country.

In 2020, our 1,685 Red Cross volunteers in Southeastern Pennsylvania responded to 1,110 local disasters, providing assistance to 3,233 people, and volunteered at more than 5,000 blood drives, which collected 114,446 blood donations.

“The past year has been overwhelming for many in our community, and yet through it all, people are caring for one another,” said Guy Triano, Regional CEO for the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania. “When help can’t wait, Red Cross volunteers provide families with the support they need during emergencies. During Red Cross Month in March, we honor this humanitarian spirit and ask you to join us by donating, volunteering, giving blood or taking a class to learn lifesaving skills.”

HOW TO HELP

You can help ensure that families don’t face emergencies alone – especially during a pandemic:

• DONATE: Support our Disaster Relief efforts at redcross.org/GivingDay. A gift of any size makes a difference to provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support and other assistance. Your donation will be part of our annual Giving Day on March 24 to aid families in need across the country.
• VOLUNTEER: Visit redcross.org/VolunteerToday for most-needed positions and local opportunities.
• GIVE BLOOD: If you’re healthy and feeling well, make an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org. Your donation can make a lifesaving difference for a patient in need. As a thank you, those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma on March 15-26 will receive a Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
• LEARN LIFESAVING SKILLS: Take a class in skills like CPR and first aid to help in an emergency at redcross.org/TakeAClass. Online options include our Psychological First Aid for COVID-19 course, which covers how to manage stress and support yourself and others.

Primary image description: American Red Cross banners hang from street light poles around LOVE Park and City Hall in Philadelphia during the month of March to commemorate Red Cross Month.