- Categories:
- Cause
- Tags:
- AwarenessEducational
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every March
- Holiday emoji:
- 🩸
American Red Cross Month is observed every March, celebrating the tireless efforts of volunteers and staff. This month highlights the organization’s crucial work in disaster relief, blood donation, and emergency preparedness. Join us in supporting this vital cause by donating, volunteering, or learning life-saving skills.
Want to sponsor American Red Cross Month? Learn how
Expected American Red Cross Month Deals
Throughout American Red Cross Month, the focus shifts from commercial deals to impactful fundraising and awareness campaigns. Expect major corporate partners like Amazon, Starbucks, and State Farm to run donation-matching programs or ’round-up at checkout’ initiatives. Many local businesses, including Walgreens and CVS, host blood drives, offering small incentives like gift cards or snacks to donors. Apparel brands such as Bombas and TOMS may launch limited-edition products with a portion of sales benefiting the Red Cross. Additionally, community organizations often host fundraising events and educational workshops. We will update this page with confirmed live opportunities as March approaches, directing you to official Red Cross channels for direct support.
Platform Guide for American Red Cross Month
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #AmericanRedCrossMonth. Share stories of corporate social responsibility or employee volunteer efforts.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #AmericanRedCrossMonth. Organize a virtual fundraiser or share educational content about emergency preparedness.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #AmericanRedCrossMonth. Share real-time updates on local blood drives, disaster relief efforts, or inspiring volunteer stories.
American Red Cross Month Hero
Clara Barton
History of American Red Cross Month
The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Cresent Movement which aims to serve humanity. Henry Dunant, a Swiss entrepreneur, set off to meet French Emperor Napoleon III in 1852 to obtain permission for doing business in France. During one of his business trips, Dunant had the world-changing experience of seeing the battle of Solferino in which he witnessed around 40,000 casualties.
What he saw in this war was the lack of medical facilities and aides for the armies to care for the wounded. The horrific scenes he experienced in the aftermath of the battle inspired him to propose two terms to the governments in Europe. The first one was to establish a humanitarian agency that would provide medical aid and care to the soldiers fighting in different battles and future wars. This led him to establish the first Red Cross in Geneva, Switzerland. The second was to make that agency a transnational organization that would intercede the concept of national boundaries and thus would provide medical and humanitarian services regardless of their identity.
Following in the same footsteps, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross in 1881. Barton gained widespread popularity and support from the American public, which ultimately enabled her to establish the American Red Cross. Barton stayed as the head of the American Red Cross for two decades before resigning in 1900.
The American Red Cross continued to deliver humanitarian services in the U.S. and internationally. The services during World War I and World War II were so critically important that in recognition, President Franklin D. Roosevelt officially proclaimed March as the month to celebrate the American Red Cross at a national level. Since 1943, American Red Cross Month is celebrated every March, marking its seventh anniversary in 2022.
American Red Cross Month timeline
The American Red Cross Society is founded by Clara Barton.
The first-ever civilian blood donation program is organized by the Red Cross.
As proclaimed by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, American Red Cross Month is celebrated for the first time.
The American Red Cross marks its hundredth anniversary this year.
How Businesses Can Celebrate American Red Cross Month
Local businesses can honor American Red Cross Month by hosting a blood drive at their premises, encouraging employees and customers to donate. They can also launch a ’round-up at checkout’ campaign, allowing customers to donate spare change to the Red Cross. Consider offering a small discount or incentive to those who show proof of donation. Businesses can also organize workplace CPR and First Aid training sessions, promoting preparedness within their teams and communities.
American Red Cross Month FAQs
When is American Red Cross Month?
In 2027, American Red Cross Month will be observed throughout March, from Monday, March 1, to Wednesday, March 31. This annual observance highlights the vital work of the Red Cross.
How many volunteers does the American Red Cross have?
Annually, the American Red Cross mobilizes approximately 200,000 volunteers nationwide. These individuals contribute countless hours to blood drives, disaster relief, and other critical programs, making a profound impact on communities.
What is the mission of the American Red Cross?
The American Red Cross is dedicated to its mission of helping people prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. This encompasses vital services like blood collection, health and safety training, support for military families, and international humanitarian aid.
Is the American Red Cross a government agency?
Despite its close collaboration with federal agencies during emergencies, the American Red Cross remains an independent, non-governmental organization. It relies on private donations and volunteers to fulfill its humanitarian mandate.
How to Observe American Red Cross Month
Donate Blood
Help the American Red Cross by donating your blood for a cause that might save someone’s life. Be a hero!
Read about its history
Read up on the history of the American Red Cross. You will be surprised how much this organization has helped in days of need.
Volunteer for a cause
There are many open positions in the organization and by joining them you can play a vital role in providing the help that is needed. Not all heroes wear a cape, some simply volunteer!
5 Facts About American Red Cross Month
The Battle of Solferino
Around 40,000 troops either died or were wounded in this battle which later became a spark for the Red Cross.
The humble beginnings
Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross, was once a clerk in the U.S. Patent Office.
The third most popular non-profit organization
According to a study in 1996, the American Red Cross was the third most popular non-profit organization in the list of over 100 charitable organizations in the U.S.
Provides 40% of the blood supply
The American Red Cross single-handedly contributes to almost 40% of the blood donations needed in the U.S.
The ‘don’t-hold-back’ stance
The American Red Cross has adopted a ‘don’t-hold-back’ stance at an international level by helping those in need internationally.
Why American Red Cross Month is Important
Their services have won hearts
Where other organizations have focused on building a name, the American Red Cross Society has spoken less and done more. It is time to salute our unsung heroes who continue to dedicate their lives to the service of humanity.
It rekindles the passion for helping
It is not just about donating blood and encouraging others to donate. It is about showing up as volunteers and caregivers to those who are in the need without seeing color, caste, or ethnicity.
It makes the world a better place
Trust us, even a day spent in service of others has long-term positive effects on our minds. Just imagine a world in peace and you will find out why we love this month.
Social Media Tips for American Red Cross Month
Individuals
Creators
Brands