During our Red Cross Month celebration in March, we honor how people across generations today deliver support when help can’t wait. Their everyday actions advance our lifesaving mission — which has been at the heart of communities for more than half of our country’s 250-year history.

Red Cross Month began during World War II as a national call to action to address growing humanitarian needs. Now it’s become an annual community tradition, reaffirming the power of compassion and the impact we can make together. Our mission endures today — 145 years since our founding — because the generous spirit of people everywhere continues to bring communities together.

“Day in and day out, our community has shown that compassion is one of its greatest strengths,” said Kellie O’Connell, CEO for the Illinois Red Cross “In moments when help can’t wait, volunteers of all ages and backgrounds come together to offer care, comfort and hope. Their commitment reflects a shared humanitarian spirit that connects us and continues to make a meaningful difference through our lifesaving mission — one that has supported families for more than half of our country’s 250-year history.”

This month during Red Cross Month, the Red Cross honors how people today deliver support when help can’t wait. Every contribution matters — visit redcross.org to get involved by volunteering, making a financial donation, giving blood or taking a class in lifesaving skills.

In March, the Red Cross is also offering free A1C screening to test for diabetes and pre-diabetes on all blood donations throughout the month. No fasting is needed — it’s always important to eat a nutritious meal before giving blood. Make a blood donation appointment and learn more at RedCrossBlood.org.

Our Red Cross Month celebration culminates with our annual Red Cross Giving Day on March 25. Donate and learn more at redcross.org/GivingDay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where can people find volunteer opportunities?

A: People can find volunteer opportunities that meet their needs at redcross.org.

Q: What is Red Cross Month?

A: Red Cross Month is a nationwide celebration in March to honor the people who deliver support when help can’t wait. It began as a national call to action during WWII for individuals to address growing humanitarian needs. Now, it’s a community tradition encouraging people to get involved at redcross.org. This year’s campaign includes:

The Red Cross is offering free A1C screening in March to test for prediabetes and diabetes on all successful blood, platelet and plasma donations, as part of its efforts to support the health of communities. No fasting is required; it’s always important to eat a nutritious meal before giving blood. In addition, all who come to give blood, platelets or plasma March 1-31 will receive a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. See RedCrossBlood.org/March for details.

Financial donations made on March 25 for Disaster Relief will be part of this year’s Red Cross Giving Day, which aims to bring together 30,000 supporters to help ensure families don’t face disasters alone.

Q: What is Red Cross Giving Day?

A: Red Cross Month culminates with Red Cross Giving Day, which will be held this year on March 25. It’s an opportunity for people to come together on one day to help families recover from a home fire or other disaster across the country. Donations can be made at redcross.org/GivingDay.

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 or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.