Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680

LAS VEGAS (April 1, 2023) — April is National Volunteer month, and the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada is recognizing those who make a difference in the community by volunteering, as well as encouraging more residents to get involved.

“National Volunteer Month is an opportunity for the Red Cross and all nonprofits to honor volunteers and share their stories, plus create opportunities and inspiration for those who want to start lending a hand,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “The American Red Cross mission’s impact is felt in our communities due to the incredible work of our committed volunteers.”

This year, more than 600 Red Cross of Southern Nevada volunteers have supported disaster relief, blood drives and free safety and preparedness education programs in the area. In 2022, Red Cross of Southern Nevada volunteers and staff responded to more than 300 home fires and helped nearly 1,300 people in our communities.

Red Cross volunteers are involved in every aspect of the organization’s work, from supporting families devastated by fires and floods to providing lifesaving blood to hospital patients. “We’re there in times of need because so many people are willing to find a way to help. And we hope National Volunteer Month will inspire more residents to explore opportunities to get involved,” Flanigan said.

Three ways you can support your community through the Red Cross  

1. Volunteer
   Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to learn how you can make a difference.
2. Give blood
   In the U.S., approximately 62% of the population is eligible to give blood, but only about 3% does. Make an appointment to donate at redcrossblood.org today and help prevent supply shortages.
3. Donate
   Make a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief to help people affected by floods, fires, and countless other crises. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999.
    

“With the help of generous volunteers and contributors, the American Red Cross was able to provide shelter, food, and support to those devastated by floods in Kentucky, Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico, and Hurricane Ian in Florida,” Flanigan said. “Current relief efforts are ongoing in Mississippi due to recent tornadoes.”

National Volunteer Month was designated in April 1991 as a part of President George H.W. Bush’s Thousand Points of Light campaign to honor and encourage volunteerism throughout the nation.

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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.