American Red Cross Month
American Red Cross Month is an annual observance held every March to honor the humanitarian work of the American Red Cross. It celebrates the organization’s volunteers, donors, and employees who provide disaster relief, blood donations, and lifesaving services across the United States and globally.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: March
- Tagged as: Humanitarian Service, Disaster Relief
- What’s the hashtag?: #RedCrossMonth
- When was it founded?: 1943 (official proclamation by President Franklin D. Roosevelt)
- Who founded it?: Clara Barton (founded the American Red Cross in 1881)
History of American Red Cross Month
American Red Cross Month was first proclaimed in 1943 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during World War II to recognize the organization’s critical role in supporting soldiers and civilians. Since then, every U.S. president has continued the tradition of honoring the Red Cross in March. The organization itself was founded by Clara Barton in 1881, inspired by her experiences with the International Red Cross.
Timeline
- 1881: Clara Barton founds the American Red Cross.
- 1900: The organization receives its first congressional charter.
- 1943: President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaims March as American Red Cross Month.
- 2023: The Red Cross responds to Maui wildfires, showcasing its ongoing commitment to disaster relief.
Upcoming Dates
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 1 | Saturday |
| 2026 | March 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | March 1 | Monday |
| 2028 | March 1 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | March 1 | Thursday |
| 2030 | March 1 | Friday |
Observed
American Red Cross Month is observed through blood donation drives, disaster preparedness training, CPR classes, and volunteer recruitment campaigns. Communities across the U.S. host events to raise awareness and support for the organization’s lifesaving mission.
Fun Facts About American Red Cross Month
- The American Red Cross provides about 40% of the nation’s blood supply.
- It responds to an emergency every 8 minutes, equating to approximately 180 emergencies daily.
- Clara Barton was a former clerk at the U.S. Patent Office before founding the organization.
Quiz
- Who founded the American Red Cross? (Answer: Clara Barton)
- When was American Red Cross Month officially established? (Answer: 1943)
- What percentage of U.S. blood supply does the Red Cross provide? (Answer: About 40%)
FAQs
Q: How can I support the American Red Cross during its month?
A: You can donate blood, volunteer your time, or make a financial contribution through their website or local chapters.
Q: Is the American Red Cross a government agency?
A: No, it is a nonprofit humanitarian organization with a congressional charter.
Q: What services does it provide?
A: Disaster relief, blood banking, health training (like CPR), and support for military families.
Importance of American Red Cross Month
This month highlights the significant role of volunteers and donors in helping communities recover from disasters, ensuring access to lifesaving blood supplies, and promoting health and safety education.
Related
- International Federation of Red Cross Societies
- World Humanitarian Day (August)
- National Volunteer Week (April)