FEBRUARY 28, 2024 — The American Red Cross Northwest Region this week is kicking off its annual Red Cross Month celebration in March to honor local community heroes who help ensure their neighbors never face crises alone. 

Red Cross Month is a national tradition that began in March 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation — and each U.S. president has followed ever since. Locally, volunteers have worked to have 19 cities and Pierce County declare March is Red Cross Month throughout Western Washington, recognizing Red Cross volunteers as community heroes for their service. Those cities include Tacoma, Lakewood, University Place, Enumclaw, Fife, Gig Harbor, Bainbridge Island, Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Port Orchard, Shelton, Dupont, Shoreline, Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, Coeur d'Alene, Pullman and Medical Lake. 

In Seattle, the celebration kicks off when Union Square raises 15 Red Cross flags in their outdoor pavilion, and Amazon flies a Red Cross flag from their building along Interstate 5.   

In Wenatchee, street banners that have hung in recognition of Red Cross Month for decades will again decorate their downtown corridor. 

“During Red Cross Month, we are proud to honor the people in our community who step up to support one another when help can’t wait during emergencies,” said Megan Dulgar, CEO Northwest Region. “This relief and hope wouldn’t be possible without these local heroes. Please consider joining in their commitment by donating, volunteering, giving blood or platelets, or taking a lifesaving skills course.” 

As we approach the final weeks of winter, the public is urged to book a time to donate blood or platelets now as we continue to strengthen the blood supply heading into spring. Much like pets provide comfort and support, so does the Red Cross in local communities. As a thank-you for providing comfort during Red Cross Month, all who come to give blood or platelets March 1-24 will get a $10 e-gift card to a pet supply merchant of choice, plus automatically be entered for a chance to win a $3,000 gift card. There will be five winners. See rcblood.org/Pets for details. 

HELP CAN’T WAIT WHEN EMERGENCIES STRIKE Volunteers comprise 90% of the national Red Cross workforce to power its lifesaving mission, along with generous blood and financial donors; people trained in skills like first aid and CPR; and other supporters. Spokane’s Angie Johnson was caught up in the Maui wildfires before deciding to become a Red Cross volunteer herself. While Zaiden Hunter, a Red Cross lifeguard in North Idaho used his skills to save a life. 

Angie Johnson traveled to Hawaii in August of 2023 expecting a vacation but got caught up in the Maui wildfires instead. Fleeing to safety meant finding the local Red Cross shelter. “I walked in, and I just started bawling,” Johnson said. “All the people there, the volunteers, were so nice. I just felt safe.” It sparked a new idea for Johnson, “Just seeing how capable the volunteers were at the shelter. I thought, ‘I can hold someone’s hand. I can help organize.’ I don’t know why I haven’t done it before.” That feeling was solidified when she returned home to eastern Washington, where just two days later, wildfires broke out in Spokane County. Her home was spared by the fire, but her best friend and many others lost their homes. “That’s when I signed up to volunteer,” Johnson said. “And even now, Red Cross volunteers are calling me to make sure we’re safe and adjusting well after our experience in Hawaii.”  

Also in August 2023, Zaiden Hunter, a trained Red Cross Lifeguard, helped to save the life of a woman who was experiencing a medical emergency in the Coeur d'Alene KROC Center Pool. As the lifeguard on duty during a fitness class, he noticed her struggling in the water. As he made his way toward her, her condition worsened. Zaiden took quick action to control the scene and care for the woman until EMS arrived. Without a doubt, the skills learned through American Red Cross Training Services courses helped to save a life. 

These stories and more can be found in the News section of our Northwest Region page. 

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.