By Dave Skutnik

Since the start of the new year, the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania has already responded to more than local 130 disasters, most of which are home fires. Add in the blood supply crisis that began in January, and it’s already been a challenging year.

In March, the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region is honoring the people who make its mission possible every day during its annual Red Cross Month celebration — a national tradition started nearly 80 years ago when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first national Red Cross Month proclamation recognizing those who give back through the American Red Cross. Each U.S. president has issued a proclamation ever since.

“When emergencies strike, our community rallies together to help families and individuals when it matters most,” said Guy Triano, Regional CEO for the American Red Cross of Southeastern PA. “We honor this dedication during our Red Cross Month celebration, and we invite everyone to turn their compassion into action by donating, volunteering, giving blood or taking a lifesaving skills course.”

Join Red Cross Month by visiting redcross.org to make a financial donation, give blood, become a volunteer or take a class in lifesaving skills, such as first aid and CPR. On March 23, you can also join our annual Red Cross Giving Day campaign by donating at redcross.org/givingday to help provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support and other assistance for people affected by disasters big and small.

HELP CAN’T WAIT DURING EMERGENCIES

The Red Cross has helped more than 200 families affected by a disaster in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties this year. These disasters have left some 500 people in need of Red Cross assistance. That assistance is made possible by donations to Red Cross Disaster Relief, and people can help their friends and neighbors by making a donation for Red Cross Giving Day.

The Red Cross blood supply remains incredibly vulnerable — especially as doctors begin to resume elective surgeries previously delayed by the omicron variant. It’s critical that individuals schedule a blood or platelet donation immediately to help ensure patients get the care they need as soon as possible. To make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

As a thank-you, all those who come to give March 1-31 will receive a $10 e-gift card, thanks to Fanatics. Plus, those who come to donate in March will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to the 2022 MLB® All-Star Game® in Los Angeles, California.*

*Terms apply. Visit rcblood.org/team for details.