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- Every March
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Red Cross Month mobilizes support every March for the American Red Cross, celebrating its vital mission of turning compassion into action. This month highlights the tireless efforts of volunteers and staff who provide critical aid in emergencies. Consider donating blood, volunteering your time, or contributing funds to support their life-saving services.
Want to sponsor Red Cross Month? Learn how
Expected Red Cross Month Deals
Red Cross Month focuses on rallying community support rather than commercial deals. Throughout March, look for opportunities to engage with the American Red Cross through various initiatives. Many corporations, such as State Farm, Amazon, and CVS Health, partner with the Red Cross for donation drives and matching gift programs, encouraging employees and customers to contribute. Local businesses often host blood drives or offer special promotions where a portion of sales benefits the Red Cross. Organizations like Subaru have supported disaster relief efforts through their ‘Share the Love’ event. We will update this page with confirmed live events and partnership announcements as March approaches, encouraging participation in this crucial cause.
Platform Guide for Red Cross Month
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #RedCrossMonth. Share stories of community impact and professional volunteerism.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #RedCrossMonth. Share local Red Cross chapter events and calls for volunteers.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #RedCrossMonth. Amplify urgent calls for blood donations or disaster relief efforts.
Red Cross Month Hero
Clara Barton
History of Red Cross Month
The Red Cross is a committee dedicated to helping people affected by war and crises, as well as anyone else in dire need of help. It is made up of fearless volunteers who make it their objective to put others’ needs above their own.
The International Committee of The Red Cross (I.C.R.C.) was founded in 1863 by Henry Dunant in Geneva, Switzerland, and called for improved care for wounded soldiers in wartime. In August 1864, the first Geneva Convention was held and armies became obliged to care for wounded soldiers — whatever side they were on. A unified emblem — the now-iconic red cross on its white background — was implemented.
In 1919, following the end of World War I, the I.C.R.C. founded the League of Red Cross Societies. Later, in World War II, the Red Cross’s activities expanded hugely as the organization worked tirelessly to save the lives of soldiers and civilians on both sides of the conflict. The Red Cross worked tirelessly to ship relief supplies across the globe, reaching both prisoners of war and civilians.
Since the early 1900s, the Red Cross has been giving training to other civilians. It is thanks to the Red Cross that the first U.S. civilian blood program was launched in the 1940s. Today, that program provides more than 40% of the blood products in the country.
Red Cross Month honors people like you who make the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross possible. The celebration has been an annual tradition since 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt announced that March would now be Red Cross Month.
Red Cross Month timeline
The International Committee of The Red Cross is founded by Henry Dunant in Geneva, Switzerland.
The American Red Cross is founded by Clara Barton on May 21.
After World War I, the I.C.R.C. founds the League of Red Cross Societies.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt issues the first Red Cross Month proclamation.
Red Cross Month FAQs
When is Red Cross Month?
In 2027, Red Cross Month will again take place throughout March, emphasizing the ongoing need for blood donations, disaster preparedness, and volunteer services. The month serves as a crucial period for fundraising and public education.
How many emergencies does the American Red Cross respond to?
The American Red Cross maintains a consistent pace, responding to roughly 180 emergencies daily across the nation. This includes providing shelter, food, and emotional support to families displaced by fires and other unforeseen events.
How many volunteers support the American Red Cross?
With an enduring spirit of service, hundreds of thousands of volunteers continue to be the backbone of the American Red Cross. Their commitment ensures the organization can deliver vital aid and support to communities in need across the country.
What is the difference between the American Red Cross and the International Red Cross?
While both are part of the same global humanitarian network, the American Red Cross focuses on U.S.-based operations, whereas the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) address international humanitarian law, conflict zones, and global disaster response, respectively.
How to Observe Red Cross Month
Volunteer to help
The Red Cross runs with the help of volunteers from across the world. Do a selfless act today by volunteering to help the Red Cross Society near you. You can touch souls and possibly save lives.
Donate blood
The Red Cross organizes many blood donation runs. Find out more information from your local Red Cross and pick a day to donate some blood. These donations are used to help wounded soldiers or civilians in need.
Learn lifesaving skills
Learning a lifesaving skill is a necessity. You never know when or where you can meet someone in need of help. The Red Cross conducts training on things like first aid and CPR to help civilians learn the skills they need to possibly save a life. Book a training session today.
5 Important Facts About The Red Cross
It was inspired by war
Henry Dunant witnessed the Battle of Solferino, which inspired him to form the I.C.R.C.
Florence Nightingale didn’t buy the idea
Nightingale originally thought the idea of the Red Cross was absurd and would relieve the government of a responsibility that should be theirs.
A cross is not its only symbol
Islamic nations use a red crescent as the symbol.
It’s won more Nobel Peace Prizes than anyone
The I.C.R.C. has won the Nobel Peace Prize three times — in 1917,1944, and 1963.
Disaster relief efforts are 24/7
The Red Cross Societies are constantly monitoring for disasters, ready to dispatch at a moment’s notice.
Why Red Cross Month is Important
It's a humanitarian cause
The Red Cross Society is geared at humanitarian activities and helping people in the military, as well as civilians. It’s a selfless humanitarian cause that should be celebrated.
The Red Cross is saving lives
The Red Cross is geared at protecting and saving human lives. This selfless committee is saving thousands of human lives every year through disaster relief.
The Red Cross is protecting our military
In addition to protecting civilian lives, the Red Cross protects the lives of our members of the military. They conduct war relief to help ensure that our soldiers don’t die in the line of service.
Social Media Tips for Red Cross Month
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