Donate blood during Red Cross Month

Editor:

March has been recognized as Red Cross Month for more than 70 years. It is the time of year when Montana Red Cross recognizes our volunteers as true heroes. Here in Montana, Red Cross volunteers assist people during emergencies, teach lifesaving skills, donate blood, or give financial donations to help people in need.

In fiscal year 2016, Montana Red Cross volunteers responded to 223 local emergencies, assisted 257 military families and trained 10,123 people in lifesaving skills. Montanans also donated 39,752 pints of blood. These acts of service save lives.

Red Cross Month is the ideal time to join the Red Cross as a new volunteer. With flood and wildfire seasons just around the corner, there is still time to train and be ready to make a difference in your community. We have a wide variety of positions available — to explore and apply, visit us at redcross.org/montana. People can also support our mission by becoming a blood donor or financial contributor.

Thank you to all our volunteers and donors who assist their neighbors when it’s needed most. We are deeply grateful.

Diane Wright

Executive director

American Red Cross of Montana