President Barack Obama has proclaimed March as Red Cross Month across the United States, a tradition upheld by every U.S. President dating back to Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943.

“The American Red Cross is there when people need us most. During March, we thank those whose support enables us to continue our work,” said Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. “Their generosity helps us continue to serve those who need us every day – whether they are down the street, across the country, or around the world.”

The American Red Cross is part of the world’s largest humanitarian network – 97 million volunteers helping in 186 countries. In this country, the Red Cross helps change lives seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

• 200 times a day, American Red Cross volunteers help a family who has lost everything in a house fire or other disaster.
• 475 times a day, the American Red Cross connects deployed service members with their families.
• 21,000 times a day, a patient receives blood through the American Red Cross blood program.
• 43,000 times a day, someone receives life-saving American Red Cross health, safety and preparedness training.

Through its network of 34,000 employees and more than 600,000 volunteers in more than 2,000 locations across the United States and more than 30 countries around the world, the Red Cross touches the lives of millions of people every year

The help of the American Red Cross extends around the world to those in need. In just a little over a month since the earthquake devastated Haiti, the Red Cross has helped more than one million people in the region. Relief efforts include providing clean water and sanitation, food and relief supplies, and health care. It will take many years for the people of Haiti to recover and the American Red Cross will work in close coordination with other organizations to support longer-term assistance projects.

During the month of March, Red Cross chapters across the country have numerous activities planned to celebrate this annual observance. Red Cross Month is a great time for people to get involved with the Red Cross – to give blood, take training in CPR and first aid, volunteer, or give a financial gift to help when the next disaster strikes. Contact your local Red Cross chapter to find out how you can help.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies more than 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

Red Cross Links:

American Red Cross on Long Island

Find-Help American Red Cross

Become a Red Cross Volunteer

Take a Class - Red Cross Training and Certification
The Red Cross offers classes on CPR, Lifeguarding and Swimming, Caregiving and Babysitting, and more.

Give Blood American Red Cross

Donate Funds American Red Cross