WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. (MARCH 28, 2024) — On Tuesday, The American Red Cross Palm Beach and Treasure Coast Chapter celebrated “March is Red Cross Month” and hosted an open house to announce the start of certified CPR classes at the American Red Cross Vero Beach, Fla. office. The event featured a blood drive in partnership with OneBlood, a proclamation presentation from local elected officials, free first aid classes, and a seminar on how small business owners can prepare for hurricane season through the Red Cross Ready Rating program.

“It’s tremendously exciting to see such amazing support for the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross, and it was enlightening for many visitors to see what we do quietly every day. The Red Cross is powered by passionate volunteers and we are grateful that this event welcomed new potential volunteers to help spread hope when their neighbors need help,” said Eric Roby, executive director of the American Red Cross Palm Beach and Treasure Coast Chapter. “We are also ecstatic to announce the start of certified Red Cross CPR classes at our Vero Beach office. This means more people in our community will be prepared to save lives during an emergency without having to travel more than an hour away to be certified.”

During the event, they provided information about different Red Cross volunteer opportunities to various Vero Beach residents. Representatives from each line of service—Disaster Cycle Services, Training Services, Service to the Armed Forces, Volunteer Services and Preparedness—informed the public about what the Red Cross does every day in the community and how to get involved.

In addition, John Cotugno, Mayor of Vero Beach and Susan Adams, Indian River County District 1 Commissioner, presented a proclamation to honor volunteers and acknowledge “March is Red Cross Month”.

Join the Red Cross Month celebration by visiting redcross.org to make a financial donation, 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.

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/southflorida or visit us on Facebook or X @FLRedCross.