Red Cross Honors Local Community Heroes During Red Cross Month Celebration in March

March 2, 2023

Topeka, KS- 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 Greater Kansas Chapter is honoring those who make its mission possible during the 80th annual American Red Cross Month celebration — a national tradition that began in 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation. President Joe Biden has continued this tradition, and Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has declared March as Red Cross Month.

“When help can’t wait during emergencies, people in the Greater Kansas Chapter rally together to provide relief and hope for neighbors in need,” said Jane Blocher, chapter Executive Director. “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.”

Participate in Red Cross Month by visiting redcross.org to make a financial donation, give blood or platelets, become a volunteer or take a class in lifesaving skills, such as first aid, CPR and how to use an AED. On March 22, you can also join our annual Red Cross Giving Day campaign by donating at redcross.org/givingday to 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 U.S. 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.

Today in Greater Kansas, this includes:

Meeting immediate needs of families in Dodge City, Garden City and Liberal affected by tornadoes just days ago. The Red Cross will continue to be there for these families throughout their recoveries.
Giving more than 47,000 units of blood in 2022.
Deploying to Florida, Kentucky and other states on Red Cross relief operations to help thousands affected by natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes.
Teaching almost 13,000 people lifesaving skills like CPR and water safety.

JOIN A REWARDING DAY OF GIVING BACK Home fires are the most frequent disaster response for the Red Cross, which is also 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 an event on March 11 in Junction City — register and learn more at SoundTheAlarm.org/kansas.

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 March 1-31, 2023, will receive a $10 Visa® Prepaid Card by email.* Plus, they’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a $3,000 Visa Prepaid Card – which could help toward expenses like gas or groceries. There will be five lucky winners.*

Upcoming blood donation opportunities March 1-31 Residents throughout the Greater Kansas Chapter area can donate at one of several blood drives. Click here to see the full list.
To make an appointment at the Hays or Salina donor centers, visit redcrossblood.org.

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.