The American Red Cross recognizes March as Red Cross Month, a national tradition that began in March 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation — and each U.S. president has followed ever since.

During this month, the Red Cross celebrates the people who make its lifesaving mission possible. These community heroes include volunteers – who represent more than 90% of the Red Cross workforce – blood and platelet donors, financial donors, people trained in lifesaving skills, community partners and other supporters. We invite you to consider joining in their commitment to help and bring hope to those in need by:

Making a financial gift to help provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support and other assistance for people affected by disasters big and small. Those who donate at redcross.org/givingday on March 27 will be part of the 10^th annual Red Cross Giving Day, which aims to rally 30,000 supporters nationwide.

Donating Blood. The Red Cross needs donors to give blood or platelets now to continue to strengthen the national blood supply as spring approaches. People of all blood types – especially those with type O blood – are critical to ensuring patients in need receive care. Make an appointment to give blood at RedCrossBlood.org. Donors who give blood or platelets March 1-24 will get a $10 e-gift card to a pet supply merchant of choice, plus automatically be entered for a chance to win a $3,000 gift card. There will be five winners. See rcblood.org/Pets for details.

Volunteering. Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Red Cross. They provide care and comfort to those impacted by disasters, welcome donors to our blood drives, teach emergency preparedness and more. These volunteer positions are available, among others: blood donor ambassador, blood transportation specialist, caseworker for Service to the Armed Forces, and disaster response and assistance. To sign up and learn more, go to redcross.org/volunteertoday.

Taking a lifesaving skill class. Accidents and emergencies can happen to anyone, anytime. Learn first aid, CPR and how to use an AED, so you can act in an emergency. Visit redcross.org/takeaclass to register for a course and to learn more.

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About the American Red Cross Indiana Region:       The American Red Cross of Indiana Region serves 6.9 million people in 104 counties in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio through its six chapters: Central, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, and Greater Indianapolis (Regional Headquarters). 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 us at Redcross.org/Indiana or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @indianaredcross.