The Red Cross Cascades Region is issuing a call to help ensure no one faces a disaster alone by donating on Red Cross Giving Day, March 26. It’s all part of Red Cross Month, a national tradition that began in March 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation.
“During Red Cross Month, we recognize each and every person who has stepped up during local and national emergencies,” said Priscilla Fuentes, CEO, Red Cross Cascades Region. “This year’s disasters have been relentless, displacing thousands of people from their homes across the country and disrupting the nation’s blood supply for patients. We expect this pace to continue as we head into Spring. Join us today by making a financial donation or giving blood and platelets.”
OUR DISASTER RESPONSE WORK: The Red Cross is responding to nearly twice as many major disasters than it did a decade ago across the country — on top of everyday crises like home fires.
In the past 8 months, the Red Cross Cascades Region has deployed 250 individuals on over 600 assignments to support those displaced by hurricanes Beryl, Helene, Milton, by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, by the wildfires in central and eastern Oregon last summer and by snow and power outages in southern Oregon in February. We’ve also responded to over 700 home fires in Oregon and SW WA. That’s an average of 2 per day.
GIVE BLOOD OR PLATELETS: To help overcome the significant weather impact on blood donations, the Red Cross also urges the public to give lifesaving blood or platelets by making an appointment today at RedCrossBlood.org, on the Red Cross Blood Donor App or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. People of all blood types are needed now to help avoid further strain to the blood supply.
The Red Cross is expanding its health offerings by performing free A1C testing (commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes) on successful blood, platelet and plasma donations in March. Additionally, all who come to give blood, platelets or plasma March 1-31 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. See RedCrossBlood.org/March for details on both offers.
MAKE A FINANCIAL DONATION: This year’s Red Cross Month culminates with Red Cross Giving Day on March 26 — which aims to rally 30,000 supporters to deliver aid when help can’t wait after disasters. Your financial contribution can help us continue the work we are doing in the months and years to come. Go to redcross.org/GivingDay on March 26 and support our disaster responses such as emergency sheltering, feeding, providing relief supplies, basic health care, emotional support and financial assistance.
About Red Cross Month:
Our annual Red Cross Month celebration began in 1943 when President Franklin Roosevelt issued the first national Red Cross Month proclamation. American Red Cross founder Clara Barton shared her vision to prevent and alleviate human suffering more than 140 years ago, and that spirit has never wavered. Today, our work is powered by 90% volunteers, along with generous financial and blood donors, community partners, and people trained in vital health and safety skills.
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 and is the primary blood supplier to 65 hospitals throughout Washington and Oregon; 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.
