About Red Cross Month
Throughout March, Red Cross Month honors those who make the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross possible — the individuals across the country who turn compassion into action, helping others in times of crisis.
History of American Red Cross Month
Red Cross Month celebration has been an annual tradition since 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation.
From American Red Cross > About Us > Our History:
“Since our founding by Clara Barton on May 21, 1881, the American Red Cross has been dedicated to serving people in need. We received our first congressional charter in 1900 and to this day we are tasked by the federal government with providing services to members of the American armed forces and their families as well as providing disaster relief in the United States and around the world."
In 2021, the Red Cross celebrated 140 years of compassionate service.
About American Red Cross
This non-profit organization has played a pivotal role in providing aid, support, and relief to individuals and communities affected by disasters, emergencies, and crises. Through a range of activities and initiatives, the American Red Cross has become a cornerstone of disaster response, blood donation, health and safety training, and international humanitarian efforts.
Disaster Response and Relief
One of the primary functions of the American Red Cross is disaster response and relief. From natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and wildfires to man-made crises like industrial accidents or mass shootings, the organization mobilizes quickly to provide immediate assistance. Trained volunteers and staff deploy to affected areas, offering shelter, food, medical care, and emotional support to those in need.
Blood Donation Programs
The American Red Cross is a vital player in the country's blood donation ecosystem. With a network of blood donation centers and mobile units, the organization collects, tests, and distributes blood and blood products to hospitals and medical facilities across the nation. The blood donated through the Red Cross saves countless lives, supporting patients in need of transfusions due to surgeries, accidents, or medical conditions.
Health and Safety Training
In addition to disaster response and blood donation, the American Red Cross is committed to promoting health and safety. The organization provides a wide range of training programs, including CPR, first aid, lifeguarding, and babysitting courses. By equipping individuals with essential lifesaving skills, the American Red Cross contributes to building resilient and prepared communities, ready to respond to emergencies.
Support to Military Families
The American Red Cross recognizes the sacrifices made by military service members and their families. Through its Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) program, the organization offers support in the form of emergency communication services, financial assistance, and resiliency workshops. Whether a family is dealing with deployment, reintegration, or a personal crisis, the American Red Cross stands ready to provide assistance.
International Humanitarian Efforts
Beyond its domestic efforts, the American Red Cross is actively involved in international humanitarian initiatives. Collaborating with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the organization extends its reach to address global challenges such as epidemics, conflict-related crises, and natural disasters. The American Red Cross plays a critical role in mobilizing resources and expertise to assist those affected by emergencies worldwide.
https://www.redcross.org/about-us/red-cross-month.html?
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