March is American Red Cross MonthDate: 3/5/2015 GREATER SPRINGFIELD – The American Red Cross is recognizing the country’s everyday heroes during Red Cross Month.
“Everyday heroes help those in need in Massachusetts,” Ralph Boyd, CEO of the American Red Cross of Massachusetts, said. “They are our volunteers, our blood donors, people who take our classes or those who make a financial contribution to help us help others. During Red Cross Month we thank them for their support.”
March has been recognized as Red Cross Month for more than 70 years. All of our presidents, including President Barack Obama, have designated March as Red Cross Month to recognize how the American Red Cross helps people across the country and around the world.
The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters big and small in this country every year. It provides 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families at home and around the world; collects and distributes about 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply and trains millions of people in first aid, water safety and other life-saving skills.
Last year, the Massachusetts Chapter responded to more than 800 local emergencies, assisted 7,000 military families and trained more than 1,300 people in lifesaving skills. And, people from Massachusetts donated 150,000 units of blood at more than 5,000 blood drives across the state.
“This month is a great time for people to become part of the Red Cross,” Jeff Meyer, CEO, American Red Cross Massachusetts and Connecticut Blood Services Regions, said. “They can become a Red Cross volunteer, work on a preparedness plan for their household, give blood, or take a Red Cross class.”
The Red Cross is not a government agency and relies on donations of time, money and blood to do its work. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs.
The American Red Cross of Massachusetts has a number of activities planned for Red Cross Month, including the annual Donor Appreciation event, Community Heroes breakfasts and Home Fire Preparedness campaign events.
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