Media Contact: Jennifer Costa, Regional Communications Director
Jennifer.costa@redcross.org | 802-556-2171

Media Contact: Dan Dowling, Regional Communications Manager
Daniel.dowling@redcross.org | 802-309-0742

AUGUSTA, Maine, March 2, 2026 — Today, Governor Janet T. Mills issued a proclamation recognizing March as Red Cross Month to honor the more than 560 Mainers who deliver care and comfort through the American Red Cross of Northern New England.

“March is American Red Cross Month, a special time to honor the kindness of our neighbors who aid families in need every day in Maine, across the United States and around the world as they carry out the mission of preventing and alleviating suffering in the face of emergencies,” Governor Mills said in the proclamation. “The Red Cross aspires to turn compassion into action, and Maine people, American Red Cross volunteers, help each other when we are in need. I urge all citizens to recognize the tremendous contributions that the Red Cross and its volunteers make in Maine every day.”

Read the full proclamation from Gov. Mills: https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/official_documents/proclamations/2026-02-red-cross-month-march

What Is Red Cross Month
The Red Cross mission has been part of the country for more than half of its 250‑year history. Red Cross Month began as a national call to action during WWII for individuals to address growing humanitarian needs. Now, it’s a community tradition honoring neighbors who deliver support when help can’t wait.

“Red Cross Month is more than a moment of recognition — it’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we come together to care for one another,” said Stephanie Couturier, regional CEO, Red Cross of Northern New England. “Here in Maine, ordinary people make an extraordinary difference every day — whether they’re responding to a local disaster, rolling up their sleeves to give blood or opening their hearts to make a generous donation. In life’s most difficult moments, this compassion brings relief and hope, strengthening the bonds that unite our community.”

Every contribution matters — visit redcross.org to get involved by making a financial donation, giving blood or platelets, volunteering, or taking a class in lifesaving skills.

During this year’s campaign:

• Financial donations made on March 25 for Disaster Relief will be part of Red Cross Giving Day, which aims to bring together 30,000 supporters to help ensure families don’t face disasters alone.
• In March, the Red Cross will provide free A1C testing on successful blood, platelet and plasma donations. Those who come to give March 1-31 will also get a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email. See RedCrossBlood.org/March.
   

How Red Cross Volunteers Help in Maine
In 2025, the Red Cross in Maine:

• Responded to 297 disasters (mostly home fires) assisting 956 people.
• Installed more than 1,750 free smoke alarms for families in need, including nearly 400 seniors, 180 individuals with disabilities, nearly 100 veterans and more than 230 children.
• Collected more than 56,500 units of lifesaving blood and held more than 2,100 blood drives.
• Service to the Armed Forces volunteers logged more than 1,600 hours supporting military members, veterans and their families.
   

How You Can Help
The Red Cross has an urgent need for disaster action team members throughout the state. These critical volunteer positions enable us to carry out our lifesaving mission across Maine. Turn your compassion into action today!

Disaster Action Team Volunteers
Every day people are forced from their homes due to fires, storms and other disasters. Single- and multi-family fires account for 90% of our disaster responses. You can be part of a team that helps and responds to dozens of emergencies every year in Maine. From offering a caring and compassionate ear, to meeting the immediate needs of disaster survivors, such as lodging and clothing, Red Cross volunteers ensure that families don’t have to face tough times alone. We supply all the training you need.

Want to learn more or sign-up? Email VolunteerNNE@redcross.org.

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.