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

CONCORD, N.H., March 2, 2026 — Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte issued a proclamation recognizing March as Red Cross Month to honor the 1,170 Granite Staters who deliver care and comfort through the American Red Cross of Northern New England.

“Red Cross volunteers, donors, and community partners embody the spirit of service and generosity, dedicating their time, skills, and resources to those in need during times of crisis,” Governor Ayotte said in the proclamation.  “Red Cross Month serves as an opportunity to recognize the invaluable contributions of Red Cross volunteers and encourage residents of New Hampshire to support their mission by donating blood, learning first aid, volunteering or contributing to disaster relief efforts.”

Read the full proclamation from Gov. Ayotte: See attached.

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 New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire
In 2025, the Red Cross in New Hampshire:

• Responded to 162 disasters (mostly home fires) assisting 710 people.
• Installed more than 1,150 free smoke alarms for New Hampshire families in need, including 320 seniors, 160 individuals with disabilities, 100 veterans and more than 175 children.
• Collected more than 77,000 units of lifesaving blood and held more than 2,300 blood drives.
• Service to the Armed Forces volunteers logged nearly 1,700 hours supporting military members, veterans and their families.
   

How You Can Help
The Red Cross has an urgent need for disaster action team members and blood donor ambassadors throughout New Hampshire. These critical volunteer positions enable us to carry out our lifesaving mission across the state. 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 New Hampshire by offering crucial emotional support, connecting families with recovery resources, and guiding them through the process of rebuilding after disasters like home fires.

Blood Donor Ambassador Volunteers
As a Blood Donor Ambassador volunteer, you will play a vital role in blood drives by welcoming, checking in, and thanking donors, ensuring a positive and productive blood donation experience. Each volunteer shift, you make a difference and can help save a life.

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.