March is "American Red Cross Month" in the United States. As part of the world's largest humanitarian network, the Congressionally-chartered organization provides assistance across the U.S. and around the world. Statistics speak volumes to this point.
- 97 million volunteers helping in 186 countries.
- 200 times a day, American Red Cross volunteers help a family who has lost everything in a house fire or other disaster.
- 475 times a day, the American Red Cross connects deployed service members with their families.
- 21,000 times a day, a patient receives blood through the American Red Cross blood program.
- 43,000 times a day, someone receives life-saving American Red Cross health, safety and preparedness training.
On March 1, 2010, President Barack Obama continued a tradition dating back to 1943 by proclaiming March to be "American Red Cross Month". Gail McGovern, President and CEO of the American Red Cross, commented on this year's recognition. "The American Red Cross is there when people need us most," she explained. "During March, we thank those whose support enables us to continue our work. Their generosity helps us continue to serve those who need us every day – whether they are down the street, across the country, or around the world."
A Brief History of the American Red Cross
When Clara Barton established The American Red Cross on May 21, 1881, the organization had a simple mission - to help people in need. Today, the Red Cross is performing this mission around the world. Since its founding, the organization has evolved to incorporate other important relief efforts. Today, the Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. Miraculously, all of this is done through the support and generosity of the American public.
Getting Involved
The popularity of CR4's Shipping Container Housing for Haiti thread is a testament to the goodwill of our engineering community. If you are looking to get involved with the Red Cross, March is one of the best times to do so. Due to this months' recognition, chapters all over the United States are hosting activities to give blood, take training in CPR and first aid, volunteer, or give a financial gift to help when the next disaster strikes.
If you don't have time to volunteer, donations for a variety of causes are also an option - including the relief efforts for Chile and Haiti. Whether you are volunteering or donating a couple of dollars, you are helping the American Red Cross touch the lives of millions of people around the world.
For more information, please visit www.redcross.org.
Sources:
The American Red Cross, "March is American Red Cross Month".
www.redcross.org
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