Atlanta, GA (March 1, 2023) – In honor of Red Cross volunteers, donors and supporters, Gov. Brian Kemp presented a proclamation declaring March as American Red Cross Month in Georgia to Regional Chief Executive Officer Dee Dixon. Every day, the dedication of these local “heroes” aid families in need across the state and around the world.

“We are grateful for the service of our volunteers, community partners and donors in their extraordinary commitment to helping our neighbors,” said Dixon. “Their simple acts of kindness are the reason we celebrate this month during Red Cross Month.”

This marks 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. In addition to the proclamation presented by Governor Kemp, resolutions were passed recognizing the month in the Georgia Senate as well as the Georgia House of Representatives.  Also in celebration, the ‘King and Queen’ towers in Sandy Springs will light up red for the beginning of the month.

Last year, through a statewide network of eight chapters, Georgia’s Red Cross continued to deliver on its mission thanks to over 3,400 volunteers and their donations of time with more than 223,000 volunteer hours.

In addition:

• The Red Cross helped over 14,000 individuals affected by more than 3,300 local disasters like home fires in Georgia by addressing their urgent needs including food, lodging and recovery support.
• The region collected more than 178,000 blood donations to help hospital patients in need while hosting over 8,000 blood drives.
• The Red Cross team also has supported our military, veterans, and their families through more than 20,000 case services.

JOIN THE CELEBRATION:

• DONATE: On March 22, you can join our annual Red Cross Giving Day campaign with a financial gift at redcross.org/givingday to help provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support, and other assistance for people affected by disasters big and small.
• VOLUNTEER: Volunteer by visiting redcross.org/VolunteerToday to review our most-needed positions in your community
• TAKE A CLASS: Sign up at redcross.org/TakeAClass to learn lifesaving skills like first aid, CPR and how to use an AED, so you can help in the moments that matter.
• GIVE BLOOD: Help ensure people receive the critical care they need. Make an appointment to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 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 at redcross.org/georgia or visit us on Facebook or Twitter at @GARedCross