In 2021, local Red Cross teams, made up of 90 percent volunteers, helped DMV residents after more than 1300 emergencies; and worked to ensure nearly 140,000 pints of lifesaving blood arrived at hospitals for patients depending on transfusions to survive.
In March, the Red Cross of the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region 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 Wendy Vara, Interim CEO for the Red Cross of the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region. “We honor this dedication during our Red Cross Month celebration and we invite everyone to turn their compassion into action by learning how to get involved with their local Red Cross.”
Join Red Cross Month by visiting redcross.org to make a financial donation, give blood, become a volunteer or take a class in lifesaving skills, such as first aid and CPR. On March 23, you can also join our 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 Community heroes like Red Cross disaster volunteer, Sadiq Saffarini, stand ready to assist after local emergencies – mostly home fires – and deploy out of state to help with large-scale disaster relief efforts. In 2021 alone, Sadiq deployed to help support Red Cross responses in Louisiana (twice), Kentucky (twice), Washington State, Delaware, Florida and Texas. Lifesaving Red Cross services are only possible with the dedication of compassionate volunteers like Sadiq.
THE RED CROSS BLOOD SUPPLY REMAINS VULNERABLE As doctors begin to resume elective surgeries previously delayed by the omicron variant, it’s critical that individuals schedule a blood or platelet donation immediately to help ensure patients get the care they need as soon as possible. To make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
As a thank-you, all those who come to give blood from March 1-31 will receive a $10 e-gift card, thanks to Fanatics. Plus, those who come to donate in March will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to the 2022 MLB® All-Star Game® in Los Angeles, California.*
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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
*Terms apply. Visit rcblood.org/team for details.