Celebrate Red Cross Month in March

Governor Ted Kulongoski has proclaimed March as Red Cross Month in Oregon, joining President Barack Obama in a tradition upheld by every U.S. President dating back to Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943. See Oregon's 2010 Red Cross Month proclamation at www.oregonredcross.org/proclamation.

"The American Red Cross is there when people need us most. During March, we thank those whose support enables us to continue our work," said Maree Wacker, Regional Executive for the American Red Cross in Oregon. "Their generosity helps us continue to serve those who need us every day – whether they are down the street, across the country or around the world."

The American Red Cross is part of the world's largest humanitarian network – 97 million volunteers helping in 186 countries. In this country, the Red Cross helps change lives seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

Last year in Oregon:

* 600 families relied on the Oregon Red Cross for immediate help after a disaster.
* 2,200 military families received assistance with emergency communications from the Oregon Red Cross.
* 6,500 Oregonians give their time to make their communities safer by volunteering for the American Red Cross.
* 74,000 Oregonians gave life-saving blood through the American Red Cross.
* 122,000 Oregonians learned life-saving skills through the American Red Cross.

The help of the American Red Cross extends around the world to those in need. In just a little over a month since the earthquake devastated Haiti, the Red Cross has helped more than one million people in the region. Relief efforts include providing clean water and sanitation, food and relief supplies, and health care. It will take many years for the people of Haiti to recover and the American Red Cross will work in close coordination with other organizations to support longer-term assistance projects.

March is a great time for people to get involved with the American Red Cross – to give blood, take training in CPR and first aid, volunteer or give a financial gift to help when the next disaster strikes. Contact the Oregon Trail Chapter at 503-284-1234 or visit http://www.oregonredcross.org/ to find out how you can get involved.