RED CROSS MONTH

RED CROSS MONTH

March is Red Cross Month on the National Day Calendar to honor the people who dedicate their lives to the American Red Cross. For the entire month, we celebrate those who make lifesaving missions possible in times of crisis. In addition, we are raising awareness and support the Red Cross Month as they unite, encourage, and assist with providing peace among all people.

#REDCROSSMONTH

Red Cross Month was first celebrated in 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared the Red Cross Month to raise awareness about the mission of the American Red Cross during the height of WWII. Through the proclamation, President Roosevelt was asking the American public to help with the efforts of the Red Cross during the "hour of the greatest need" for military fighting in Europe and their families at home.

Symbol of Hope

The humanitarian efforts of the American Red Cross is a symbolism for the hope and relief they promote around the world. They are known to provide humanitarian services during armed conflicts, natural disasters, and other emergencies. In fact, the Red Cross aims to alleviate human suffering to people who are vulnerable during crisis. By providing basic human needs, the Red Cross helps keep the dignity of the people they are serving irregardless of their economic, ethnic, or social status.

7 Principles of the American Red Cross

1. Humanity - Providing services to the entire human race.

2. Impartiality - Equal treatment to anyone, regardless of where they stand in a conflict.

3. Neutrality - Refusal to take a side or form an opinion of anyone receiving services.

4. Independence - Freedom from being controlled or influenced by any entity during times of crisis.

5. Voluntary service - Working alongside other groups and people for the good of providing emergency services to those in need.

6. Unity - Working together with others to form the single goal of caring and helping.

7. Universality - Going anywhere where armed conflicts, natural disasters, and other emergencies exist.

We've found 5 easy ways to show support during Red Cross Month.

1. Become a volunteer at your local Red Cross chapter and help locally or travel with your local organization when services are needed.

2. Donate blood and platelets to help save lives.

3. Make a monetary donation to assist with covering costs, such as for medical supplies and food.

4. Enroll in a CPR, First Aide, or a Lifeguard training course and become a certified to assist during a crisis.

5. Raise awareness by showing support and sharing your stories during Red Cross Month using #RedCrossMonth on social media.

HISTORY BEHIND RED CROSS MONTH

Red Cross Month was first celebrated in 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt decided to raise awareness of the efforts of the American Red Cross during WWII. Since then, every U.S. President has designated March as Red Cross Month to honor the individuals who make the Red Cross work.

The American Red Cross was officially established in 1881 by Clara Barton. After seeking government support to create an organization that could provide humanitarian services to areas of armed conflict, Clara would lead the Red Cross for 23 years. During here time of service, Barton extended services beyond wartime support to include disaster relief for natural disasters.