May

Red Cross Anniversary

This month, the American Red Cross marks 141 years of preventing and alleviating human suffering. By reading and getting involved with the initiatives presented below, we hope that you will join us in serving the multitude of needs across our Nation.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Month! This important occasion celebrates the rich ancestry and traditions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and the many contributions they have provided towards our nation. During this month, we hope to bring awareness and respect to the diverse Asian and Pacific Islander cultures through the sharing of their history and experiences. There are many resources out there to learn more about their cultures and identities.

• Join us for last May’s Cultural Competency Series Session! Listen in as speakers bust the model minority myth, discuss the modern Asian American and Pacific Islander Experience, and the implications of COVID-19 on the community’s sense of belonging and safety.
• Watch the Red Cross’ talk on Dismantling Anti-Asian American/Pacific Islander Bias in the Workplace! Jennifer Brown Consulting, the Hate Is A Virus non-profit community, and Adrienne Lawrence will lead the conversation as we learn how to identify and stop anti-AAPI bias in our workplaces.
• Join the Red Cross’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Research group in order to help create awareness around the many ways this community contributes to the Red Cross.

Military Appreciation Month

The month of May is recognized as Military Appreciation Month! This month, the American Red Cross highlights its commitment to serving the U.S. military community at every step – from the time a service member takes the oath to when they navigate life as a veteran. The Red Cross supports military communities across the globe at military hospitals, overseas installations, and communities across America. 

National Stroke Awareness Month

Someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds, accounting for one out of every 19 deaths. With this month being National Stroke Awareness Month, take the time to research strokes, how to prevent them, and how to best improve the outcomes of those who are currently experiencing one. A stroke is when blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. As blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body, when brain cells are starved of blood, they die. Strokes are a leading cause of death and serious disability nationwide and around the world. But it doesn’t have to be. A stroke is 80% preventable, and through a healthy diet, physical activity, and proper lifestyle, one can help avoid injury and/or death.  

If someone you currently know is experiencing a stroke, the best thing to do is to call 911, Note the time you first see symptoms, and to perform CPR if necessary. By becoming Red Cross CPR certified, you are taking the first of many steps to help save the lives of those around you. To read more about stroke, its symptoms, and how you can prevent it, visit the following website. 

Mental Health Month

Impacting how we think, feel, and act, mental health refers to our emotional and social well-being. It plays a critical role in connecting with others, making decisions, handling stress, and many other aspects of daily life. Everyone is impacted by their  mental health, and it deserves your attention just as much as your physical health does. When one is mentally healthy, they are able to feel good about themself, keep up good relationships, and deal with stress. Help promote mental health throughout your region by leading your club and community in the Red Cross’ brand new activity guide.

Other Ways to Get Involved

• As a reminder, National Youth Council applications are currently open! By joining the National Youth Council, you will not only support the Red Cross mission to a greater extent, but also write the story of youth and young adult volunteerism across our Nation. The application is made of three components: a Volunteer Connection form, a Red Cross recommendation, and non-Red Cross recommendation. The deadline to submit all application materials is 11:59 p.m. ET on May 13, 2022. Good luck to everyone applying! 
• Youth and young adult volunteers play a critical role in supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across the Red Cross’s lines of service. The power of harnessing collective similarities and differences enables us to deliver the Red Cross mission in a sensitive and culturally competent manner. To that end, the National Youth Council is conducting a case study on DEI as it relates to youth involvement and would greatly appreciate it if you could take this survey. Doing so will allow us to gauge youth volunteer attitudes and awareness regarding DEI, allowing us to better inform future DEI projects and outreach strategies. 
• When a home catches fire, 2 minutes may be all the time you have to escape. That’s why the American Red Cross is promoting the importance of home fire safety and preparedness by launching our inaugural 2-Minute Fitness Challenge during Sound the Alarm! Each day in May, complete as many reps of your favorite exercise as you can in 2 minutes all while helping raise funds for home fire relief and to help save lives. Earn free workout swag for participating! Are you up for the challenge? Sign-up today to fundraise and save lives.
• Join this month’s Crash Course Call on May 15th at 7:00 PM EST to learn more about Red Cross Beyond Highschool and Collegiate Volunteering.