American Red Cross Month is a time when we celebrate the life-saving work of the American Red Cross (ARC) and the dedicated volunteers who make it all possible. The American Red Cross is an organization that has been providing vital services to people in need for over a century, and their contributions to communities locally and across the country cannot be overstated. At The LCADA Way, we know how important it is to protect save lives. The American Red Cross was founded in 1881 by Clara Barton, a nurse who had served during the Civil War. The organization’s mission is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. The American Red Cross provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and education in the US and around the world. The American Red Cross provides a wide range of services to individuals and families in need. Their blood donation program is one of the most well-known, with the organization collecting and distributing approximately 40% of the nation’s blood supply. The ARC provides services to military families, including counseling, financial assistance, and emergency communication services, along with offering health and safety training, including CPR and first aid certification courses and disaster preparedness education. Best known for their unwavering support in times of crisis, the American Red Cross provides shelter, food, and emotional support to those affected by disasters like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. Volunteers are the backbone of the American Red Cross, with over 90% of their workforce consisting of individuals who give their time and talents to support the organization’s mission. From blood drives to disaster response, the American Red Cross relies heavily on volunteers to provide critical support to communities across the country. To celebrate American Red Cross Month, there are a number of ways that individuals can get involved and support the organization’s mission: – One of the simplest ways is to donate blood. Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood, and the American Red Cross makes it easy to donate through their network of blood drives and donation centers.  Simply contact your ARC local office, and they will help with a convenient location near you. – Make a financial donation. The organization relies on the generosity of donors to provide their services. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference. Donations can be made online, by phone, or through the mail. – Get involved by volunteering your time and skills. Whether it’s helping at a blood drive, responding to a disaster, or providing support to military families, there are many opportunities for you to give back to your community through the American Red Cross. To find more information about American Red Cross Month events and activities in Northeast Ohio, visit the American Red Cross Northeast Ohio Chapter website or contact them directly. Throughout the month of March, let’s all honor people who make the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross possible — the individuals locally and across the country who turn compassion into action, helping others in times of crisis.