Red Cross honors community heroes during annual Red Cross Month celebration in March

Each day the Red Cross delivers comfort and care to communities across Montana by responding to disasters, collecting and distributing lifesaving blood products and supporting Montana military families.

In March, the Red Cross of Montana honors those who make its mission possible during its annual Red Cross Month celebration — a national tradition started nearly 80 years ago when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first national Red Cross Month proclamation. Each U.S. president has issued a proclamation ever since.

“When emergencies strike, our community rallies together to help families and individuals when it matters most,” said Nicole Sirak Irwin, regional CEO of the Red Cross of Idaho and Montana. “We honor this dedication during our Red Cross Month celebration, and we invite everyone to turn their compassion into action by donating, volunteering or giving blood.”

Join Red Cross Month by visiting redcross.org to make a financial donation, give blood, becomeå a volunteer or take a class in lifesaving skills, such as first aid and CPR. On March 23, you can also join our annual Red Cross Giving Day campaign by donating at redcross.org/givingday to help provide assistance for people affected by disasters big and small.

HELP CAN’T WAIT DURING EMERGENCIES Last year alone, Montana Red Cross helped more than 740 people following disasters like home fires or wildfires by addressing their most immediate needs including food, shelter and emotional support.

Montana Red Cross collected 41,000 units of lifesaving blood at 1,900 blood drives last year, helping keep hospital shelves stocked with the blood products accident victims, cancer patients and so many others depend on.

The Red Cross blood supply remains incredibly vulnerable — especially as doctors begin to resume elective surgeries previously delayed by omicron. It’s critical that individuals schedule a blood donation immediately to help ensure patients get the care they need as soon as possible. To make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

As a thank-you, all those who come to give March 1-31 will receive a $10 e-gift card, thanks to Fanatics. Plus, those who come to donate in March will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to the 2022 MLB® All-Star Game® in Los Angeles, California.*

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; 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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.