RedCrossPhillyBlog

Category: Red Cross Month

  • #LeadLikeClara: Red Cross Blood Transportation volunteer Jeanne Vissa leads by example

    Editor’s Note: In commemoration of Red Cross Month and Women’s History Month, we are publishing a series of #LeadLikeClara profiles featuring local women volunteer leaders who emulate the leadership characteristics of Red Cross founder Clara Barton.

    Jeanne Vissa (second from right) receives the Helping Hand Award during the Red Cross Celebration of Volunteers event on Dec. 6, 2023 at Springfield Country Club. She is pictured (from left) with Delaware Valley Board of Directors Chair John Susanin, Regional CEO Jennifer Graham and Philadelphia Board of Directors Chair Larry Pockers. Photo by Bill Thawley/American Red Cross

    By Maureen Zug

    Clara Barton was a strong-willed, intelligent woman who knew what she wanted and found ways to accomplish her goals. In honor of International Women’s Month and Red Cross Month, we are spotlighting one of SEPA’s own amazing women, Jeanne Vissa. She is a 2023 winner of SEPA’s Helping Hand Award and was recognized at the Celebration of Volunteers in December. Jeanne has volunteered as a Biomed Transportation Specialist and Scheduling Lead for the past 4 years.

    Why the Helping Hand?

    The Helping Hand Award recognizes a volunteer who has stepped up when the SEPA Region had a specific need and has shown generous responsiveness and given reliable, exemplary service. In her lead role, Jeanne analyzes and highlights open shifts for Biomed Transportation and proactively communicates openings to the transportation volunteers. These volunteers are the vital link in moving Red Cross donated from blood drives to the Philadelphia Blood Donation Center for processing, then moving blood products from the Center to hospitals across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

    According to her award nomination, Jeanne not only excels in scheduling, but she also extends her responsibilities to hospital delivery shifts while still fulfilling her original role of component pickups. She took the initiative to try hospital deliveries, opting for less preferred shifts like late afternoons or early evenings, which contributed significantly to the department’s operational success. The result of Jeanne’s work was a significantly increased shift fill rate.

    A Professional Life of Service

    Prior to her joining the Red Cross, Jeanne spent her career in education, much of the time as a school principal.

    “My first teaching job was in a school where the principal valued and noticed teamwork,” she explained. “In my Red Cross experience, I see the same.”

    Jeanne notes that her team’s leaders – Jim, Ben, Mike and others – consistently show their appreciation for the work volunteers do.

    “I try to communicate that appreciation to others, not only in my collection and distribution work, but also in the role of communicating to the team weekly about our urgent needs. We bounce ideas off of one another, always with the idea of improving people’s experience,” she shared.

    Personal Interests

    Jeanne lives with two senior cats, Folly and MeMe. She is the honorary grandmother to a family with four children, sometimes taking care of them overnight when the parents work out of town. She is an avid attendee of dance performances in Philadelphia and travels to the New York City Ballet six times a year. She also teaches an English as a Second Language class two nights a week.

    To learn about volunteer opportunities at the American Red Cross, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

  • #LeadLikeClara: Red Cross Disaster Mental Health volunteer Randy Miller leads with compassion

    Editor’s Note: In commemoration of Red Cross Month and Women’s History Month, we are publishing a series of #LeadLikeClara profiles featuring local women volunteer leaders who emulate the leadership characteristics of Red Cross founder Clara Barton.

    Red Cross volunteer Randy Miller (center) is recognized by Regional Disaster Officer Lisa McGee (left) and Regional CEO Jennifer Graham (right) for her 2023 deployments on national disaster relief operations. Photo by Katerina Luchinina / American Red Cross

    By Alana Mauger

    Like American Red Cross founder Clara Barton, Randy Miller’s first passion is being a nurse. She recalls with great affection the Florence Nightingale Pledge, which she first recited during her graduation ceremony from Montgomery County Community College as a registered nurse in 1982.

    “You know, I still have my Florence Nightingale lamp that we carried when we graduated,” she shared.

    Decades later, when Randy became the first nurse to receive the Beacon Award at Kennedy Health, she shared part of that pledge and how it called to her.

    Randy is a board-certified psychiatric nurse, and she recently became a certified grief and loss educator. For most of her 41-year nursing career, Randy served as nurse manager in hospital psychiatric units. She also was an active part of a community Suicide Prevention Taskforce and was a first-responder in schools when there was a traumatic loss of a child.

    When she retired in 2021, Randy searched for a way to continue serving the community. She soon found the Red Cross and became an active member of the Disaster Action Team (DAT), which provides immediate emergency assistance to those impacted by home fires and natural disasters.

    She enjoys the unique teamwork aspect of the Red Cross, where volunteers and staff work together.

    “It’s an unusual setup that 90% of the workforce are volunteers. It’s one of the things that keeps me going with the Red Cross – being part of a team, and we’re all bringing something different to the table,” she said.

    Her work with DAT led her to join the Red Cross Disaster Mental Health team, which Randy now leads. She’s also part of the Red Cross Integrated Care and Condolence Team (ICCT), which is comprised of credentialed Recovery, Disaster Health Services, Disaster Mental Health and Spiritual Care volunteers and staff. In Southeastern Pennsylvania, ICCT mobilizes to support individuals and families impacted by home fires or natural disaster-related fatalities.

    Soon after Randy received her certification as a grief and loss educator, she recalls sitting with a mother who had just lost her daughter in a home fire. The mother showed Randy pictures and shared stories about her daughter.

    “It was just so powerful for me to sit with her and witness her grief, to just listen,” she said. “That’s the biggest thing you can do for someone in grief.”

    Randy Miller walks with a couple impacted by a home explosion in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia on Jan. 1, 2023. Submitted photo

    While much of the Red Cross Disaster Mental Health support is done virtually, Randy and a few other volunteers also meet with clients at the Red Cross House – a one-of-a-kind disaster recovery center in West Philadelphia that provides support to clients in a safe and comfortable environment. Families get their own room and key with a bathroom and three meals per day while they develop a recovery plan with a Red Cross caseworker.

    At the Red Cross House, Randy and her team meet with individuals and families who are referred to them as part of the DAT intake or recovery processes. She enjoys the ability to meet with people in person, to “just sit with them and be present with them.” She also takes the opportunity to eat meals with families who haven’t been referred, just to check in with them and see how they’re doing. 

    “When you’re sitting with someone and listening and allowing them to tell their story and witnessing their grief without trying to fix it, you’ve just created such an opening for their healing. You give them hope by your presence,” she shared.

    In addition to her work with DAT, ICCT and Disaster Mental Health, Randy is part of the Red Cross Mass Care and Preparedness teams. She is also a Disaster Cycle Services basic instructor, teaching Psychological First Aid.

    “Being of service is really a privilege. It’s exhilarating and so positive,” she said. “I wish that more people my age would realize that they can contribute. Plus, the Red Cross has so many different opportunities.”

    To learn about volunteer opportunities at the American Red Cross, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

  • Red Cross Month kicks off to honor community heroes

    By Dave Skutnik

    Red Cross graphic – Give Back, Red Cross Month, Established 1881.

    The American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region is kicking off its annual Red Cross Month celebration in March to honor local community heroes who help ensure their neighbors never face crises alone.

    Red Cross Month is a national tradition thatbegan in March 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation — and each U.S. president has followed ever since. “During Red Cross Month, we are proud to honor the people in our community who step up to support one another when help can’t wait during emergencies,” said Jennifer Graham, CEO of the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region. “This relief and hope wouldn’t be possible without these local heroes, our Red Cross volunteers.”

    Join the Red Cross Month celebration by visiting redcross.org to make a financial donation, give blood or platelets, become a volunteer or take a lifesaving skills course. Those who donate at redcross.org/givingday on March 27 will be part of the 10th annual Red Cross Giving Day, which aims to rally 30,000 supporters nationwide to help provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support and other assistance for people affected by disasters big and small.

    As we approach the final weeks of the winter season, the public is urged to book a time to donate blood or platelets now as we continue to strengthen the blood supply heading into spring. Much like pets provide comfort and support, so does the Red Cross in local communities. As a thank-you for providing comfort during Red Cross Month, all come to give blood or platelets March 1-24 will get a $10 e-gift card to a pet supply merchant of choice, plus automatically be entered for a chance to win a $3,000 gift card. There will be five winners. See rcblood.org/Pets for details.

    HELP CAN’T WAIT WHEN EMERGENCIES STRIKE Volunteers comprise 90% of the national Red Cross workforce to power its lifesaving mission, along with generous blood, platelet and financial donors; people trained in skills like first aid and CPR; and other supporters. Below are some of the ways that people from the Southeastern Pennsylvania Region (Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties) have delivered relief with the Red Cross in times of crisis over the past year:

    • Responded to more than 775 disasters, mostly home fires, providing nearly 2,500 people with emergency assistance, including financial support, recovery planning, emotional and health support and more.
    • Installed more than 4,500 free, lifesaving smoke alarms in homes around the region.
    • Taught more than 4,600 students in disasters preparedness through in-school programs such as The Pillowcase Project and Prepare with Pedro.
    • Trained more than 60,000 people in lifesaving skill such as first aid, CPR and AED.
    • Collected more than 111,000 blood donations and distributed to local hospital patients in need.
    • Provided more than 2,500 services to active-duty military members, veterans and their families.

  • American Red Cross and Wawa kick off annual partnership

    By Dave Skutnik

    American Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) in front of a local Wawa store. Photo by Dave Skutnik/American Red Cross

    Emergencies don’t take vacations. They don’t even take off nights and weekends. But no matter when they strike, the compassionate actions of Red Cross volunteers, blood donors and community partners help ensure that families and individuals never face crises alone.

    Wawa and its associates are also there for their communities 24/7/365. So, the Red Cross and the Wawa Foundation are teaming up to support people impacted by disasters big and small.

    From February 19 through April 7, Wawa customers can donate their spare change to the Red Cross through the in-store coin collection campaign or round up their in-store purchases to the nearest dollar at the register with the difference going to the Red Cross.

    In addition, Wawa coffee clutches will feature the American Red Cross logo throughout March, reminding customers of the important work the organization does in communities throughout the year.

    “The Red Cross mission wouldn’t be possible without community heroes, which include Wawa associates and The Wawa Foundation,” said Jennifer Graham, Regional CEO for the American Red Cross in Philadelphia. “We are proud to honor their dedication in March during our annual Red Cross Month celebration.”

    Local families rely on American Red Cross volunteers for comfort and hope while coping with homes fires and other disasters. In the past year, Red Cross volunteers helped thousands of people affected by home fires in the Philadelphia area alone. Red Cross volunteers were also there after Hurricane Idalia slammed Florida last year, as well as after other major disasters like the wildfires in Hawaii, flooding in California and tornadoes across the Southeast.

    “The Wawa Foundation is committed to building strong communities and one of our main focuses is to support the heroes who serve our communities every day. We’re pleased to partner with the Red Cross to help them provide lifesaving services and assistance to our friends and neighbors in their greatest times of need,” said Elizabeth Simeone, President of The Wawa Foundation.

    HOW YOU CAN BE A HERO

    Donating spare change or rounding up your purchase at any Wawa store helps the Red Cross provide hope and urgent relief like food, shelter and other essentials. Donations are key to saving lives because they fund nearly 100 percent of Red Cross disaster relief activities. You can also visit redcross.org/philly to make an appointment to donate blood or platelets, register for a class in lifesaving skills like CPR and First Aid, or become a volunteer for opportunities needed in the Philadelphia area.

  • Red Cross, 6abc partner for third annual blood drive

    By Alana Mauger

    Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania CEO Guy Triano with 6abc reporter Beccah Hendrickson during the third annual 6abc Red Cross Month blood drive on March 29. Photo by Alana Mauger / American Red Cross.

    The American Red Cross and 6abc held their third annual Red Cross Month blood drive on March 29, adding a second South Jersey location and collecting the most blood to date.

    Two hundred eighteen people came out to donate at the drives, which were held at Courtyard by Marriott in the Wynnefield section of Philadelphia and at the Collingswood Grant Ballroom and Scottish Rite Auditorium in Collingswood, New Jersey. Together, the drives collected 214 units – 72 more than last year.

    President and General Manager Bernie Prezenika was among the many 6abc staff who made time to donate.

    “We have a big megaphone at 6abc and Action News, and we try to use it to do some good. I think it’s wonderful to partner with the Red Cross and the community to do something that we know will save lives,” said Prazenica.

    Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania CEO Guy Triano was also on hand throughout the day in Philadelphia to greet and thank donors.

    “We’re really trying to get as many units of blood on our shelves as we approach the spring and the summertime, where we know the shelves get a little bit bare,” he shared.

    Action News Reporter Beccah Hendrickson and Photographer Ian Dorety spoke with many donors who generously rolled up their sleeves. They even took a break and donated themselves, proudly sporting their red donation bandages for the remainder of the event.

    Beccah also produced several pieces leading up to the drive to build awareness about the need for donations.

    One of those pieces featured 83-year-old sickle cell warrior Joan Lambright, who credits blood transfusions for continuing to save her life. Erika Jenkins, who has friends with sickle cell disease, saw that story air a week before the drive and was inspired to schedule a donation appointment, even though she had never given blood before.

    “I think it’s blood that helped [Joan] live,” she said. When asked how her first donation went, Erika replied, “it was really good – a really cool experience. I will do it again.”

    Video: 6abc’s news story about sickle cell warrior Joan Lambright, which aired on March 21, 2023.

    For Beccah’s second story, she interviewed Kayleigh Summers, who received an astounding 143 units of blood after suffering an amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) during the birth of her son Callahan, who is almost 4.

    “They truly believed that I could survive this, and they just kept giving me blood and giving me blood to sustain and to keep me alive. And 143 units later, that’s exactly what they did,” she shared.

    Video: 6abc’s story about Kayleigh Summers, which aired on March 28, 2023.

    Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation. Schedule a blood donation appointment at RedCrossBlood.org.

    Editor’s Update: Joan Lambright sadly passed away on Aug. 10, 2023. Our hearts go out to Joan’s family and friends and to the many people she inspired.

  • #LeadLikeClara: Debbie Tevlin is a champion for others

    By Terri Seydel

    Debbie Tevlin (left) is recognized by Regional Disaster Officer Lisa Magee for deploying to Florida following Hurricane Ian. Photo by Konrad Jones/American Red Cross.

    As founder of the American Red Cross, Clara Barton set a high bar of commitment with her spirit of humanitarianism and disaster relief. And now, nearly 150 years after she founded the American Red Cross, the organization honors her legacy by recognizing modern-day volunteers dedicated to helping people within their communities.

    Of the many dedicated Red Cross volunteers in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Debbie Tevlin stands out with 13 years of serving her community and inspiring other volunteers.

    As her teenage children were busy with their own lives, Debbie found that she had free time and chose to begin volunteering with the American Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

    Over time, as the DAT team took on more responsibilities, Debbie leaned in to help cover many of the emerging needs. The roles she has filled within the Disaster Cycle services have included DAT responder, DAT captain, Montgomery County Workforce Coordinator, Regional DAT lead, Course Instructor, Duty Officer, and seven deployments as a shelter supervisor for natural disasters in the United States.   

    Through all these experiences, Debbie’s favorite part of volunteering is helping disaster victims take the first steps to a healthy recovery. She believes it’s important to ensure victims feel safe and supported during the chaos and trauma of a disaster.

    Aside from the official responsibilities, Debbie’s core passion and talent is in championing other volunteers’ success. She has made it her mission to help her peers use their skills and grow through their experiences. She takes great joy in seeing other volunteers rise to the level that they can supervise and mentor other volunteers and celebrates their achievements and the value they bring to their community.

    Debbie leads by example in her belief that every volunteer deserves committed mentors to help them be their best self and make a significant difference in their community. This spirit of dedication and forward-thinking strategy are among the reasons the American Red Cross recognizes Debbie Tevlin in the 2023 Lead Like Clara campaign.

  • #LeadLikeClara: Kathleen Dykers brings a positive experience for donors at Red Cross blood drives

    Editor’s Note: In commemoration of Red Cross Month and Women’s History Month, we are publishing a series of #LeadLikeClara profiles featuring local women volunteer leaders who emulate the leadership characteristics of Red Cross founder Clara Barton.

    Kathleen Dykers serves as a Blood Donor Ambassador at a Red Cross blood drive. Submitted photo

    By Judith Weeks

    Blood Donor Ambassador Kathleen Dykers “loves just connecting with the donors at Red Cross Blood Drives. It is such a wonderful experience. Many just want to talk, others come in and they are business-like and others are nervous and need to be talked to. This is why I keep coming back.” 

    She volunteered for the American Red Cross in 2020, at the early stage of the COVID pandemic. Kathleen was attracted to Biomedical Services and volunteered to be a Blood Donor Ambassador. Her career as a Medical Laboratory Technologist gave perspective of how important blood donations are. Med Techs, who staff hospital blood banks, are well aware of the critical need for enough blood units for patient care and medical emergencies. Importantly, she is Lead Biomedical Scheduler, finding volunteers for shifts when not covered. For her leadership role Kathleen was recently honored with the Biomedical Services Exceptional Volunteer Award

    In addition, Kathleen is a dedicated Duty Officer for Disaster Services. “The Duty Officer is so powerful, working with the fire captains and lieutenants dispatching Disaster Action Teams to help those affected by a house fire. Speaking with people who have suffered a lot in a very difficult situation is humbling.”

    She admires the committed volunteers who go out and meet with those affected by a house fire or other disaster.  “It is very eye-opening” she explained. Having recently completed Disaster Services Deployment Training she is ready to go when there is an opportunity.

    Kathleen is also a member of the Community Outreach Team representing the American Red Cross at community events providing American Red Cross information about donating time, money, blood, and teaching life-saving skills so communities can be better prepared.

    The American Red Cross is highlighting women who #LeadLikeClara. For Kathleen, Clara Barton was the founding mother of the American Red Cross giving of herself for humanitarian service. “Because of Clara, the American Red Cross is historically linked with women. So many women have volunteered. Today it is refreshing to see how many have been given leadership positions!”

    Kathleen is well-rounded, volunteering for other organizations. She is committed to “Host for Hospitals,” opening her home to a patient or patient’s family while in a health institution in Philadelphia. Right now she is hosting a woman from New York who is undergoing surgery. Her passion is traveling. She literally has traveled “all around the world”, including Europe, Japan, China, Vietnam, South Africa. In April she’s going to Australia and New Zealand!

  • #LeadLikeClara: Danelle Connolly guides clients through disaster recovery

    Editor’s Note: In commemoration of Red Cross Month and Women’s History Month, we are publishing a series of #LeadLikeClara profiles featuring local women volunteer leaders who emulate the leadership characteristics of Red Cross founder Clara Barton.

    By Jenny Farley

    Red Cross volunteer Danelle Connolly. Submitted photo.

    “We meet people on the worst day of their life.”

    As a Red Cross volunteer, Danelle Connolly has spent the past thirteen years helping people recover from a lot of worst days.

    Danelle deployed at least ten times in the United States as part of the Disaster Action Team and the International Care Condolence Team. After Hurricane Maria killed thousands of people, she spent three months in Puerto Rico helping families endure the grief of losing loved ones and attempt to rebuild their lives.

    Danelle has used her professional skills and talents as a bilingual psychologist and social worker to help people start over after they have lost everything, including hope.

    “Isn’t that really the human spirit? When you have put yourself in that position to see people thriving even though they should give up – that’s the basis of life. That’s survival,” she said.

    Seeing the aftermath of something horrible and watching survivors triumph has profoundly impacted Danelle.

    “I’m so grateful that my life includes people sharing their deepest moments with me.”

    Being part of the Disaster Action Team is an “amazing thing to watch,” according to Danelle and it has led to deep bonds within the Red Cross.

    “I wouldn’t meet people like this in my own little world if I didn’t do this. A lot of us have incredible friendships because of the work we do.”

    Now, at 76 years old, she enjoys mentoring new volunteers.

    “You get somebody to volunteer – they are just amazing people. They come from all walks of life and they do it with joy.”

    During Women’s History month, Danelle reflected on being a woman who has great passion for the opportunities the Red Cross has provided.

    “When I found the Red Cross I found myself. I found out what I really loved and what I loved was really raw. Raw emotional experience. The ability to actually feel the desperation but come out of the other end with hope. I think that the Red Cross life is reaffirming.”

    Danelle loves to travel throughout the world with her sister and enjoys yoga and swimming. Her time with the Red Cross has left her with humble gratitude for her own life.

    “The reason you do it is because you can. You can give to others. When push comes to shove you’re getting more.”

    If Danelle has inspired you to volunteer for the Red Cross, find out how at redcross.org/volunteertoday.

  • #LeadLikeClara: Kathy Mullen exemplifies Red Cross leadership

    Editor’s Note: In commemoration of Red Cross Month and Women’s History Month, we are publishing a series of #LeadLikeClara profiles featuring local women volunteer leaders who emulate the leadership characteristics of Red Cross founder Clara Barton.

    By Judith Weeks

    Red Cross volunteer leader Kathy Mullen. Submitted photo.

    March is American Red Cross and Women’s History Month. Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross was a woman of great historical importance for her humanitarian work. Today, volunteer Kathy Mullen represents outstanding women’s leadership in the American Red Cross. She is wonderful to work with, making everyone feel welcome and appreciated! Kathy’s energy motivates volunteer teams! In recognition of her leadership, she recently received the Exceptional Volunteer Award for Disaster Cycle Services.

    When asked about Clara Barton’s leadership, Kathy recognized her persistence in a man’s world. “It was remarkable what she did. There were not a lot of women in Civil War battlefields. It was phenomenal! It was always difficult for Clara to gain attention. Today, it is nice to think this doesn’t matter in the Red Cross. Women have equal opportunity for leadership.” Kathy understands this because when she began her career 40 years ago in the corporate world, “it was a male dominated organization and difficult to gain attention.”

    On retirement, Kathy wanted to give back. Thirty years ago, her young son, Tim, had a blood disorder, receiving blood transfusions. “ It was something I always remember and am grateful for what they were able to do. It always stuck in my heart.” She volunteered to be a Blood Donor Ambassador. Impressed by all the Red Cross does outside the “Blood World” she expanded her volunteer activities. Today she is:

    • Regional Preparedness Lead for Chester and Delaware Counties
    • Southeast Pennsylvania Youth Preparedness Lead
    • Home Fire Campaign Lead for Chester and Delaware Counties
    • Blood Donor Ambassador
    • Disaster Cycle Services Volunteer
    • Community Outreach Team Member for Chester and Delaware Counties
    Kathy Mullen installs a smoke alarm as part of the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign. Submitted photo.

    Teaching Pedro Preparedness classes for young children is special for Kathy.  She remembers after a class, a little girl approached with a drawing of Kathy wearing her shirt with a Red Cross. The young girl explained “I just love that you are here today.“  She gave the drawing to Kathy. “It was the sweetest thing, and the American Red Cross just resounded with her!” To this day she carries the drawing on the cover of her training binder.  

    While installing home smoke alarms, Kathy enjoys meeting and talking with people, and most importantly, getting the word out that the American Red Cross will install these alarms for free. “Just call and they will come out!”

    Kathy is a mother and grandmother with son Tim and daughter Kaitlin in their 30’s and three beautiful grandchildren, Charlie, Penny and Josie.  Husband Barry helps her with her all Red Cross efforts. She’s also a singer, performing in the area, and had the honor of singing with the Philly Pops!

    The Red Cross has so many volunteer opportunities that allow for choosing a match with your interests and passion. And according to Kathy, “it’s rewarding and it makes you feel good!”

  • Red Cross honors local community heroes during Red Cross Month celebration in March

    By Alana Mauger

    Red Cross illustration features connected circles depicting Red Cross lines of service.

    As climate disasters, blood donation needs and other emergencies upend lives, local community heroes are stepping up to care for one another.

    This March, the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region is honoring those who make its mission possible during the 80th annual American Red Cross Month celebration — a national tradition thatbegan in 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation.

    “When help can’t wait during emergencies, people in the Greater Philadelphia community rally together to provide relief and hope for neighbors in need,” said Guy Triano, Regional CEO, Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania. “This humanitarian spirit is at the heart of our community, and we are proud to honor all those who make our mission possible during this year’s Red Cross Month celebration. You can join in their commitment by getting involved.”

    Participate in Red Cross Month by visiting redcross.org to make a financial donation, give blood or platelets, become a volunteer or take a class in lifesaving skills, such as first aid, CPR and how to use an AED. On March 22, you can also join our annual Red Cross Giving Day campaign by donating online to help provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support and other assistance for people affected by disasters big and small.

    CONTINUING CLARA BARTON’S LIFESAVING LEGACY

    Today’s Red Cross volunteers, blood and platelet donors and supporters are advancing the lifesaving legacy of Clara Barton — one of the most honored women in U.S. history — who founded the American Red Cross more than 140 years ago. Her vision to prevent and alleviate human suffering has never wavered: Generation after generation, people have come together to adapt this timeless mission for their communities’ most urgent needs.

    Today in Southeastern Pennsylvania, this includes:

    • Assisting 1,875 families last fiscal year in response to local disasters, including home fires. 
    • Collecting approximately 101,550 pints of blood and more than 29,000 units of platelets annually from generous donors.
    • Helping an estimated 1,400 military members, veterans and their families.
    • Training nearly 50,000 community members each year in health and safety.
    Red Cross graphic: Lend a hand. Give blood.

    PREVENT A BLOOD SHORTAGE

    When volunteer blood and platelet donors lend an arm this March, they’ll help keep the blood supply from dropping this spring. All who come to give blood, platelets or plasma March 1-31, 2023,​​​​ will receive a $10 Visa® Prepaid Card by email.* Plus, they’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a $3,000 Visa Prepaid Card – which could help toward expenses like gas or groceries. There will be five lucky winners.*

    *Terms for both offers apply. Visit rcblood.org/help for details.