Red Cross honors local community heroes during Red Cross Month celebration in March

Rhode Island residents advance legacy of Clara Barton, one of most honored women in US history 

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (March 1, 2023) — 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 American Red Cross in Rhode Island is honoring those who make its mission possible during the 80th annual American Red Cross Month celebration — a national tradition thatbegan in 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation.  

“When help can’t wait during emergencies, people in Rhode Island rally together to provide relief and hope for neighbors in need,” said Susan Roberts, Executive Director, American Red Cross Rhode Island Chapter. “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, or taking a lifesaving skills course.”

Participate in Red Cross Month by visiting redcross.org to make a financial donation, 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 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. 

Here in Rhode Island, this includes: 

• Engaging around 300 volunteers in our lifesaving mission to support community in need. 
• Responding to an average of one home fire each day and providing immediate disaster assistance to help families cope with emergencies. 
• Providing emergency communications, support services, and access to assistance to over 500 members of the military, veterans and their families each year. 
• Training nearly 9,000 people each year in First Aid, CPR & AED, water safety, babysitting and other lifesaving skills.