Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Mar. 1, 2023) — The American Red Cross of Utah today is celebrating the start of the 80th anniversary of Red Cross Month by encouraging all Utahns to donate, volunteer, give blood or take a lifesaving skills class.
Also, during the Red Cross Month celebration, chapters nationwide are honoring the staff and volunteers who carry out the Red Cross mission by helping people in need. “When emergencies strike, our volunteers are there to help families and individuals when it matters most,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “Without their hard work and generosity, the Red Cross would not be able to deliver its mission.”
In fact, this past year in Utah, more than 1,200 Red Cross volunteers provided daily disaster relief, regular blood drives, and free safety and preparedness programs in the area. “Our volunteers and staff responded to more than 200 home fires and helped nearly 800 people in our communities last year,” Ruster said. “And now we want to encourage more residents to turn their compassion into action by committing to give blood, donate, or volunteer during Red Cross Month and throughout the year.”
Red Cross Month began in 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first national Red Cross Month proclamation, recognizing those who give back through the American Red Cross. Every president since has issued the proclamation.
On March 22, you can also join our annual Red Cross Giving Day campaign by donating at redcross.org/givingday to help provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support and other assistance for people affected by disasters big and small.
“The Red Cross of Utah brings help and hope to those in need, but we can’t do our work without the contributions of others,” Ruster said. “From showing up to support families devastated by a home fire to providing lifesaving blood to hospital patients, we’re there because so many people are willing to find a way to donate to our efforts. Red Cross Month is a special opportunity to remind everyone the Red Cross needs and appreciates your generosity, year-round.”
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, especially when disasters strike.
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 blood 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.
Give blood during Red Cross Month, get a reward
All who give blood, platelets, or plasma March 1-31, 2023, will receive a $10 Visa® Prepaid Card via email and be automatically entered for a chance to win a $3,000 Visa Prepaid Card. There will be five lucky winners. Visit rcblood.org/help for details.
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.
