For the Miami Valley Today
MIAMI VALLEY — In March, the Central and Southern Ohio Region of the American Red Cross 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 Stephanie Byrd, Regional Chief Executive Officer. “We honor this dedication during our Red Cross Month celebration, and we invite everyone to turn their compassion into action by making a financial donation, volunteering, donating blood, or taking a lifesaving class.” Join Red Cross Month by visiting redcross.org.
On March 23, you can also join their 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:
In 2021, the Red Cross’ 1,770 regional volunteers spent 162,874 volunteer hours responding to nearly 1,300 local home fires; installing nearly 3,300 smoke alarms; holding nearly 8,000 blood drives collecting more than 143,000 blood products among other mission related activities.
Their volunteers from the Central and Southern Ohio Region are also quick to respond to major disasters around the country and 2021 was no different. Local volunteers traveled to all parts of the nation to help those affected by hurricanes, wildfires, flooding, and other life-altering disasters. In total, 137 volunteers from the region traveled to assist those impacted by various disasters across the country. You can join this dedicated group of volunteers by going to redcross.org/volunteertoday to sign up.
Another way to help is to schedule a blood donation appointment as the Red Cross blood supply remains incredibly vulnerable — especially as doctors begin to resume elective surgeries previously delayed by omicron. It’s critical that individuals schedule a blood or platelet donation as soon as possible to help ensure patients get the care they need. To make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or join them on social media @ARCcsor
