The American Red Cross empowers ordinary people to do extraordinary things. March is Red Cross Month, a great time to celebrate and recognize everyday heroes in the community – those who help their neighbors by giving blood or platelets, learning lifesaving skills, volunteering or making a financial contribution to the Red Cross.
It doesn’t take a cape, super powers or a secret identity to be a hero. Blood and platelet donors are everyday heroes who help save lives.
“Such everyday heroes first stocked, and then restocked, our shelves when severe winter weather struck earlier this year and forced the cancellation of about 1,500 blood drives. Donors of all blood types continued to be needed,” stated Carolyn Kean, Community CEO, American Red Cross, Greater Alleghenies Blood Services.
Kean explained that blood drives were affected across 34 states and the District of Columbia in January and February, resulting in more than 50,000 uncollected blood and platelet donations.
Eligible donors with Rh negative blood types are encouraged to give double red cells where available. Type O negative is universal and can likely be transfused to anyone who needs blood. Types A negative and B negative can be transfused to patients with either Rh positive or negative blood.
Since Red Cross Month was first proclaimed in 1943, every U.S. president has called on the nation to support the humanitarian mission of the Red Cross.
Everyday heroes enable the Red Cross to respond to disasters, both large and small, here and around the world; help members of the military; provide about 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply and teach lifesaving skills.
The Red Cross invites community members to discover their inner hero this month. To make an appointment to donate blood or for more information about other ways to get involved with the Red Cross, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).