OMAHA – During the month of March, the American Red Cross of Nebraska will be honoring the people who make their mission possible every day during an annual Red Cross Month celebration.
According to a release from the American Red Cross, this is a national tradition which began 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.
Jill Orton, Red Cross Region Executive said, “when emergencies strike, our community rallies together to help families and individuals when it matters most. We honor this dedication during our Red Cross Month celebration, and we invite everyone to turn their compassion into action by donating, volunteering, giving blood or taking a lifesaving skills course.”
In 2021, the Red Cross responded to more than 400 disasters in Nebraska, most of which were home fires, providing care and comfort to nearly 575 households. Volunteers and supporters are needed now more than ever to ensure Red Cross services can continue to be provided when emergencies happen.
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 the 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.
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 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.
