Following a tradition that began in 1931 with President Franklin D. Roosevelt, President Barack Obama has declared March 2014 as Red Cross Month to recognize the nation’s everyday heroes who reach out to help their neighbors when they are in need.
“During American Red Cross Month, we honor those who devote themselves to bringing relief where there is suffering, inspiring hope where there is despair, and healing the wounds of disaster and war,” the proclamation reads. “Today, American Red Cross workers, alongside countless humanitarian organizations and caring volunteers, deliver life-saving assistance in every corner of our Nation and all across the globe.”
Montana Red Cross CEO Rodd Kopp hopes that local residents will be inspired by the proclamation to join the Red Cross as volunteers or to contribute in other ways. “Our heroes are our volunteers, our blood donors, people who take our classes or those who make a financial contribution to help us help others,” said Kopp. “During Red Cross Month we thank them and encourage everyone to discover their inner hero by giving time to help people in our community.”
The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters of all sizes big and small in this country every year. It provides 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families – in war zones, military hospitals and on military installations around the world; collects and distributes about 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply and trains millions of people in first aid, water safety and other life-saving skills.
In FY 2013, right here in Montana, the American Red Cross
assisted 568 individuals affected by fires and other disasters;
opened 20 shelters and served 21,045 meals and snacks to Montanans affected by floods and wildfires;
helped 3,882 Montanans prepare for emergencies with their Get Ready, Montana preparedness workshops;
distributed 40,000 units of lifesaving blood to 30 hospitals across the state;
provided pre-deployment briefings to 2,495 military families;
provided 1,081other services to members of the military, veterans and their families, including emergency communications with service members on active deployment;
taught 14,401 Montanans lifesaving skills through Red Cross first aid and other training courses.
The Red Cross is not a government agency and relies on donations of time, money and blood to do its work. An average of 91 cents of every dollar given to the Red Cross is invested in helping people in need.
You can help people affected by disasters like house fires, wildfires, floods and avalanches, as well as countless other crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit http://www.redcross.org/montana or call 1-800-ARC-MONT (1-800-272-6668). Contributions may also be sent to American Red Cross of Montana, 1300 28th Street South, Great Falls, MT 59405.
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