SAN FRANCISCO, March 1, 2022 — In times of crisis, people in our communities across Northern California come together to care for one another. This humanitarian spirit is part of the foundation of the American Red Cross and is exemplified by local Red Cross volunteers and donors.

In March, the Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region 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 Red Cross. Each U.S. president has issued a proclamation ever since.

“Our mission wouldn’t be possible without these community heroes,” said Barry Falke, Interim CEO for the Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region. “We honor their 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 In the Northern California Coastal Region, the contributions of local Red Cross volunteers give hope to the most vulnerable in their darkest hours — whether it’s providing emergency shelter, food and comfort for families devastated by local disasters like wildfires, floods and home fires; supporting service members and veterans, along with their families and caregivers, through the unique challenges of military life; helping to save the lives of others with first aid, CPR and other skills; delivering international humanitarian aid; or donating essential blood for accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease.

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.*

About the American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region 
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/norcalcoastal. You may also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

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