“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
Each year since 1943, the president of the United States has proclaimed that March is "Red Cross Month." During this time, we recognize the people who make our mission possible — volunteers, blood donors, people trained in lifesaving skills and our supporters — who step up to aid others when #HelpCantWait.
A 2020 study on a rise in volunteer experiences added to LinkedIn profiles shows that more people want to help others during this unprecedented time. Last year, more than 70,000 people across the country became new Red Cross volunteers largely to support urgent disaster and essential blood donation needs.
In addition, thousands of COVID-19 survivors — many new to blood donation — rolled up a sleeve to give convalescent plasma and help patients battling COVID-19.
Emergencies haven’t stopped during COVID-19, and people in our community have stepped up in all kinds of ways to help our neighbors. As the pandemic wears on, this continues to be a time to care for one another. Join us to help ensure families don’t face emergencies alone. Any support you can provide makes a difference.
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.