March is American Red Cross Month

VW independent/submitted information

The American Red Cross is recognizing the country’s everyday heroes during Red Cross Month.

“Our community is full of everyday heroes who help others in need,” said Derek Stemen, executive director of the West Central Ohio Chapter of the American Red Cross. “They are our selfless Red Cross volunteers, blood donors, and financial contributors who bring rescue to people facing life’s emergencies. During Red Cross Month, we thank them for their tremendous support.”

March has been recognized as Red Cross Month for more than 70 years. All U.S. presidents, including President Barack Obama, have designated March as Red Cross Month to recognize how the American Red Cross helps people across the country and around the world.

The Red Cross depends on local heroes to fulfill its mission. The Red Cross responds to a community disaster every eight minutes, 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 at home and around the world. It must collect 14,000 units of blood everyday to fulfill the country’s needs. It trains millions of people in first aid, water safety and other lifesaving skills. And it supports the vaccination of children around the globe against measles and rubella.

In 2015, the West Central Ohio Chapter assisted 163 families during emergencies, provided 488 services to military members and their families, installed more than 300 smoke alarms, and trained more than 6,980 people in lifesaving skills. And, people from this area donated 24,112 units of blood, which has the potential to impact over 60,000 lives.

“It’s easy to become a Red Cross community hero,” said Stemen. “Be ready for an emergency by creating a preparedness plan for your home. Test your smoke detectors and tell your neighbors to do the same. Or sign up to be a Red Cross volunteer, or make a financial donation.”

People can find more information about supporting the Red Cross at its website: www.redcross.org. 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 the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs.