As climate disasters, blood donation needs and other emergencies upend lives, local community heroes are stepping up to care for one another.
This March, the American Red Cross Northern Ohio Region is honoring those who make its mission possible during the 80th annual Red Cross Month celebration–a national tradition that began in 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation.
“When help can’t wait during emergencies, people in northern Ohio rally together to provide relief and hope for neighbors in need,” said Mike Parks, regional CEO. “This humanitarian spirit is at the heart of our community, and we are proud to honor all those who make our mission possible during this year’s Red Cross Month celebration. You can join in their commitment by donating, volunteering, giving blood or platelets, or taking a lifesaving skills course.”
All are invited to participate in Red Cross Month by visiting redcross.org to take a class in lifesaving skills, such as first aid, CPR and how to use an AED.
The annual Red Cross Giving Day campaign will be held March 22. Donating at redcross. org/givingday will help provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support and other assistance for people affected by disasters big and small.
• Continuing Clara Barton’s lifesaving legacy: Today’s Red Cross volunteers, blood and platelet donors and supporters are advancing the lifesaving legacy of Clara Barton, one of the most honored women in United States history, who founded the American Red Cross more than 140 years ago. Her vision to prevent and alleviate human suffering has never wavered: Generation after generation, people have come together to adapt this timeless mission for their communities’most urgent needs.
• Join a rewarding day of giving back: Home fires are the most frequent disaster response for the Red Cross, which also is working to help families stay safe by installing free smoke alarms during its Sound the Alarm home fire safety events in at-risk communities. Volunteers are needed for events occurring April 22 through May 6 in northern Ohio. To register or learn more, visit redcross.org/noh.
• Prevent a blood shortage: When volunteer blood and platelet donors lend an arm this March, they’ll help keep the blood supply from dropping this spring. All who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in March will receive a $10 Visa prepaid card by email and will automatically be entered for a chance to win a $3,000 Visa prepaid card. There will be five winners. Terms for both offers apply. Visit rcblood.org/help for details.
A blood drive is set for March 31, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 102.3 Proclaim FM, 7112 Angola Road, Holland.
Appointments also can be scheduled to donate blood at the Red Cross Toledo Blood Donation Center, 3510 Executive Parkway, Toledo.
Hours are Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-733-2767.
