Red Cross honors community heroes during annual Red Cross Month celebration in March

SAN DIEGO – Disasters don’t take a break and neither does the work of the American Red Cross. Every day, the Red Cross delivers comfort and care to communities across San Diego and Imperial Counties by responding to disasters, collecting lifesaving blood and supporting our military families.

In March, the American Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties 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 Sean Mahoney, regional CEO of the Red Cross Southern California Region. “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.”

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

Already in 2022, local disaster teams have responded to over 60 home fires, providing emergency assistance to individuals whose lives have been impacted by these devastating occurrences.

Red Cross volunteers have stepped up to install free smoke alarms in vulnerable communities through Sound the Alarm events. Red Cross volunteers were in an Escondido community March 5 to install smoke alarms and share information on the causes of home fires, what to do if a fire starts and how to create an escape plan. Additional volunteers are needed to help people who are forced from their homes due to fires, storms and other disasters. Learn more and register to volunteer at redcross.org/volunteer.

Help hospital patients by rolling up a sleeve

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.

As a thank-you, all those who come to give 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.*

*Terms apply. Visit rcblood.org/team for details.

Submitted by the American Red Cross.