Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 15, 2023) — Today marks the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month and the American Red Cross of Utah is celebrating by recognizing the many Hispanic and Latino staff, volunteers and donors who support the organization.
“The Red Cross of Utah is fortunate to benefit from the rich Hispanic and Latino tradition of providing service to their communities,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “National Hispanic Heritage Month shines a light on a history and a culture that is important to the Red Cross and to Utah.”
Running Sept. 15-Oct. 15, the 36th annual observation was created to honor the histories, cultures and contributions of U.S. residents whose ancestors came from Mexico, the Caribbean, Spain, and Central and South America. September 15 also marks the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.
“The Red Cross of Utah continues to make strides in diversity so that staff and volunteers are a reflection of the community,” Ruster said. “We also want to help ensure our Spanish-speaking communities are better prepared for disasters by providing the tools they need – in their language. And we need more volunteers and staff who speak Spanish to ensure all community members get the help they need.”
The Red Cross also works with Hispanic and Latino civic and business organizations, connecting with leaders to understand and provide the services their communities need most. “We reach out to the communities to let them know that the Red Cross is here to help people and make sure they are prepared for a disaster,” she said.
Learn more about volunteering
Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to learn how you can make a difference, especially when disaster strikes a community.
Make a gift
Support Red Cross Disaster Relief and 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.
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.