Red Cross Month Honors Everyday Heroes Helping Communities

During Red Cross Month, the American Red Cross recognizes the nation’s Everyday Heroes who give of themselves and in some way help their community.

“Please remember those who help all of us here in Marion County by giving their time to help their neighbors,” said Michael Vance, Executive Director, Marion County Chapter.  “We want to thank our heroes during Red Cross Month – our volunteers, blood donors, class takers and financial supporters who help us assist those in need.”

March was first proclaimed as Red Cross Month 70 years ago by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Since 1943, every president, including President Obama, has designated March as Red Cross Month. The American Red Cross is synonymous with helping people, and has been doing so for more than 130 years.

The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters a year in this country, providing shelter, food, emotional support and other necessities to those affected. It provides 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families – in war zones, military hospitals and on military installations around the world; collects and distributes about 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply and trains more than seven million people in first aid, water safety and other life-saving skills every year.

Here in Marion County, the Marion County Chapter responded to 26 local emergencies helping more than 200 individuals, assisted 94 military families, trained 509 people in lifesaving skills and provided disaster preparedness information to 1,463 individuals. And, people from our area donated 4,156 units of blood.

“Red Cross Month is a great time for people to become part of the Red Cross and there are many different ways to do it,” Vance said. “They can develop a preparedness plan for their household, become a Red Cross volunteer, give blood, or take a Red Cross class, just to name a few.”

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 given to the Red Cross is invested in helping people in need.

The Marion County Chapter has activities planned leading up to and during Red Cross Month including:

• Disaster Action Team meeting on Feb. 27th from 6-7pm at the Red Cross Chapter, 1849 Summerset Dr.;
• a blood drive at the YMCA on Feb 28th from 10am to 3pm, 645 Barks Rd. E.; and
• a blood drive at the Red Cross Chapter on March 16th from 8am to 1pm, 1849 Summerset Drive.

For more information please contact the Chapter at 740-725-9141.