March is Red Cross Month, a time to remind everyone of the work of the American Red Cross in communities across the country and around the globe.

The American Red Cross was created in 1881 by Clara Barton and officially chartered by Congress in 1900 to provide national and international relief during disasters, and to give relief to the military and serve as a means of communication between members of the Armed Forces and their families.

From the beginning, people in this country have volunteered and donated funds to support the Red Cross in its mission to provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.
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Today, the American Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters a year, providing shelter, food, emotional support and other necessities to those affected. Through a worldwide network, the American Red Cross provides 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families – in war zones, military hospitals and on military installations around the world. Red Cross Blood Services collects and distributes more than 40 percent of this country’s blood supply. And, more than 9 million people across the United States receive American Red Cross training in first aid, water safety and other skills every year.

Thanks to the generous support of people in this country, the American Red Cross is able to mobilize to help people in need. The Red Cross is not a government agency, but relies on donations of time, money and blood to do its work.

Your generosity helps provide life-changing and often lifesaving services down the street, across the country and around the world. Show your support during Red Cross Month because moments of hope are made possible by people like you.

In 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed the first Red Cross Month in support of Red Cross fundraising efforts to respond to needs brought on by World War II. Since that time, every president, including President Obama, has designated March as Red Cross Month.

In Wisconsin, Rep. Ballwed and Sen. Olsen are sponsoring AJR-10 to commemorate Red Cross Month.

Whereas, each year in March the legislature recognizes the humanitarian service and the lifesaving programs of the American Red Cross; and
Whereas, the legislature honors and thanks our American Red Cross heroes—volunteers, blood donors, class takers, and financial supporters; and
Whereas, the 3,165 American Red Cross volunteers and staff work tirelessly to provide 24-hour support when someone needs lifesaving blood or the comfort of a helping hand; and
Whereas, across the country, the American Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters a year and provides some 400,000 services to military members, veterans, and civilian family members; and
Whereas, the American Red Cross distributes about 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply, and trains more than seven million people in first aid, water safety, and other lifesaving skills; and
Whereas, our state depends on the American Red Cross, which relies on donations of time, money, and blood to fulfill its humanitarian mission, despite these challenging economic times; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin legislature proclaim March 2013 as American Red Cross Month in Wisconsin and commend this observance to all residents; and, be it further
Resolved, That the members of the legislature call upon Wisconsin residents to become partners with the American Red Cross in emergency preparedness by learning how to respond to emergencies and by donating blood, time, and financial resources in support of the American Red Cross mission; and, be it further
Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall provide a copy of this joint resolution to the American Red Cross.

Celebrate by Donating Blood

The Red Cross is inviting individuals to celebrate Red Cross Month by donating blood, simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information.