LOS ANGELES, March 1, 2023 — As climate disasters, blood donation needs and other emergencies upend lives, local community heroes are stepping up to care for one another.

This March, the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region is honoring those who make its mission possible during the 80th annual American Red Cross Month celebration — a national tradition that began in 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation. Join the Red Cross as we kick off Red Cross Month celebrations at dusk tonight when the Santa Monica Pier illuminates their Ferris wheel with the Red Cross symbol.

SEE: Watch live stream of the Pacific Wheel Light Up Red (pacpark.com/live)

“When help can’t wait during emergencies, people in Los Angeles rally together to provide relief and hope for neighbors in need,” said Joanne Nowlin, CEO for the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region. “This humanitarian spirit is at the heart of our community, and we are proud to honor all those who make our mission possible during this year’s Red Cross Month celebration. You can join in their commitment by donating, volunteering, giving blood or platelets, or taking a lifesaving skills course.”

Participate in Red Cross Month by visiting redcross.org to make a financial donation, give blood or platelets, become a volunteer or take a class in lifesaving skills, such as first aid, CPR and how to use an AED. On March 22, 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.

CONTINUING CLARA BARTON’S LIFESAVING LEGACY Today’s Red Cross volunteers, blood and platelet donors and supporters are advancing the lifesaving legacy of Clara Barton — one of the most honored women in U.S. history — who founded the American Red Cross more than 140 years ago. Her vision to prevent and alleviate human suffering has never wavered: Generation after generation, people have come together to adapt this timeless mission for their communities’ most urgent needs.

Today in Los Angeles, this includes:

Lissa Weissman is one of more than 120 Red Cross Los Angeles volunteers that have deployed to support more than 220 deployments. A Studio City resident, Lissa was moved to action following a televised news account of the havoc caused by Hurricane Ian in Florida. After signing up and completing disaster training, Lissa found herself stationed in Florida a little more than a month later.

“It’s gratifying to be able to help people,” said Weissman. “You might find phenomenal people. I met a couple who will be my friends forever.”

JOIN A REWARDING DAY OF GIVING BACK Home fires are the most frequent disaster response for the Red Cross, which is also working to help families stay safe by installing free smoke alarms during its Sound the Alarm home fire safety events in at-risk communities. Volunteers are needed events on March 11 in Lancaster and March 18 in Artesia — register and learn more at redcross.org/LAhomefire.

PREVENT A BLOOD SHORTAGE When volunteer blood and platelet donors lend an arm this March, they’ll help keep the blood supply from dropping this spring. All who come to give blood, platelets or plasma March 1-31, 2023,​​​​ will receive a $10 Visa® Prepaid Card by email.* Plus, they'll be automatically entered for a chance to win a $3,000 Visa Prepaid Card – which could help toward expenses like gas or groceries. There will be five lucky winners.*

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/la or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossLA.

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*Terms for both offers apply. Visit rcblood.org/help for details.