March is Red Cross Month, a time when the American Red Cross recognizes those who make its lifesaving mission possible — including the volunteers who represent 90 percent of its workforce. Throughout the 26-county California Gold Country Region, when help can’t wait, they step up to help people get the relief and care they need.

Red Cross Month began almost 80 years ago when President Franklin D. Roosevelt first proclaimed March as Red Cross Month to raise awareness of the organization’s critical humanitarian mission. Its work today is powered by volunteers, financial and blood donors, community partners and people trained in vital health and safety skills.

“Each week in March, we hope to partner with local media outlets to highlight several lines of service, plus the volunteers and partners who help us carry out lifesaving work each day,” said Communications Director Stephen Walsh.

Week 1 features Volunteerism; Week 2 Biomedical Services; Week 3: Training Services (first aid, CPR, AED, etc.); Week 4: Philanthropy (with a special focus on disaster preparedness and disaster relief to align with Giving Day on March 23); Week 5: Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) and the annual fundraising event, The BASH.

During Red Cross Month the public can make a difference by supporting the mission in a variety of ways:

• Support the annual fundraiser, The BASH, by bidding on your favorite auction items from March 16-30, 2022;

• Donate blood or plasma;

• Make a monetary gift in honor of Red Cross Giving Day;

• Sign up to become a Red Cross volunteer;

• Register for lifesaving classes online.

All are welcome to join in on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at 5 p.m. PST to celebrate Red Cross Month at THE BASH. Festivities will include a VIP reception and virtual pre-show, an online auction, and a live-streamed program at which you will hear from Gary Strong, CEO of the American Red Cross California Gold Country Region.

The Red Cross manages 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply and regularly hosts blood drives throughout the region. Right now, the Red Cross is experiencing the worst blood shortage in over a decade. The dangerously low blood supply levels have forced some hospitals to defer patients from major surgery, including organ transplants. Your donation is desperately needed.

The organization also:

• Helps members of the U.S. military, veterans and their families prepare for, cope with and respond to the challenges of military life;

• Is part of the world’s largest humanitarian network, working with Red Cross and Red Crescent teams to provide relief and hope when disasters and crises take hold around the world;

• Provides immediate help day or night to those who experience a home fire;

• Teaches disaster preparedness and lifesaving skills such as first aid, and CPR/AED training;

• Installs free smoke alarms in underserved communities via its Sound the Alarm initiative;

• Provides shelter, food, health and mental health services during natural disasters such as the California wildfires;

• Supports and trains a massive workforce that is 90 percent volunteers.

The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow them on Twitter at @RedCross.