BOSTON (March 5) — Gov. Maura Healey has issued a proclamation declaring March to be American Red Cross Month in Massachusetts, joining a national celebration of the work of Red Cross volunteers.

This tradition began over 80 years ago when President Franklin Roosevelt issued the first national Red Cross Month proclamation.

“Since Massachusetts’ own Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross over 140 years ago, multiple generations have stepped up to deliver relief and care across our country and around the world, bringing out the best of humanity in times of crisis,” reads the proclamation. “More than 2,400 Red Cross volunteers in Massachusetts remain unwavering in their commitment to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergency.”

Red Crossers who live in Massachusetts have already deployed more than 300 times since July 2024 to aid large disaster relief operations in other parts of the country, including the California wildfires and Hurricanes Helene and Milton which impacted several Southeastern states. In fact, 2024 recorded the second-highest number of billion-dollar disasters in a single year, due to major events like hurricanes, floods and tornadoes, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Governor Healey’s proclamation will be displayed March 5 at the State House in Nurses Hall, from 10-3, then will be brought to its permanent location at a Red Cross office.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% 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 redcross.org/MA or CruzRojaAmericana.org. Follow us on social media: Red Cross of Massachusetts on Facebook and LinkedIn, @RedCrossMA on X (formerly Twitter) @AmericanRedCross on Instagram and TikTok.