President Barack Obama has proclaimed March as Red Cross Month across the country, a tradition begun by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943. All of our presidents, including President Barack Obama, have designated March as Red Cross Month to recognize how the American Red Cross helps people across the country and around the world.

The Bluegrass Chapter of the American Red Cross serves 37 counties and 1.2 million people in Central Kentucky. The Bluegrass Chapter of the American Red Cross provided disaster relief to 417 families during the 2014 – 2015 fiscal year. During the first year of the Home Fire Prevention Campaign, 206 smoke detectors were installed in the service area; this fiscal year there have already been 2,400 smoke alarms installed as part of the campaign. The Red Cross has a commitment to serve the Armed Forces and their families, and as part of that commitment, 301 military families were connected via emergency communication services during the last fiscal year.

The American Red Cross only accomplishes what it does with the help of volunteers and donors. The everyday heroes of the Red Cross help disaster victims get on the road to recovery, give blood to help hospital patients, and brighten the day of an injured service member who is in the hospital. There are numerous ways for you to get involved with the Red Cross, and what better time to start than during Red Cross Month.

With the support of the community and the continuous efforts of the hundreds of volunteers across the region, the Bluegrass Chapter of the American Red Cross will continue to serve its 37 county region and fulfill its mission to provide compassionate care to those in need, preventing and relieving suffering.

Now is the time to get involved and become an everyday hero in your community. The Red Cross offers numerous volunteer opportunities. You can find out what opportunities are available in the Bluegrass Region by visiting http://www.redcross.org/support/volunteer/opportunities#step1. Due to the harsh winter across the county this year, blood supply is low. There are multiple blood drives throughout the Bluegrass. You can donate blood and save lives. To find a blood drive near you visit http://www.redcross.org/give-blood. If you would like to make a monetary contribution to the American Red Cross in honor of Red Cross Month, please visit https://www.redcross.org/donate/neu-h1015. You can also contact the Bluegrass Chapter of the American Red Cross at (859)-253-1331 should you need assistance or want to learn more.