In honor of those that turn compassion into action, Red Cross Month falls in the month of March. The Red Cross Society has been saving lives since the 1800s and is made up of volunteers who offer to help others in times of crisis. The American Red Cross came into being in 1881. Their first congressional charter was received in 1900. According to the statistics, the American Red Cross responds to an emergency every eight minutes. That means that in every 24-hour period, the Red Cross responds to approximately 180 emergencies. The Red Cross needs volunteers now more than ever, so consider donating some time or funds to the cause.
History of Red Cross Month
The Red Cross is a committee dedicated to helping people affected by war and crises, as well as anyone else in dire need of help. It is made up of fearless volunteers who make it their objective to put others’ needs above their own.
The International Committee of The Red Cross (I.C.R.C.) was founded in 1863 by Henry Dunant in Geneva, Switzerland, and called for improved care for wounded soldiers in wartime. In August 1864, the first Geneva Convention was held and armies became obliged to care for wounded soldiers — whatever side they were on. A unified emblem — the now-iconic red cross on its white background — was implemented.
In 1919, following the end of World War I, the I.C.R.C. founded the League of Red Cross Societies. Later, in World War II, the Red Cross’s activities expanded hugely as the organization worked tirelessly to save the lives of soldiers and civilians on both sides of the conflict. The Red Cross worked tirelessly to ship relief supplies across the globe, reaching both prisoners of war and civilians.
Since the early 1900s, the Red Cross has been giving training to other civilians. It is thanks to the Red Cross that the first U.S. civilian blood program was launched in the 1940s. Today, that program provides more than 40% of the blood products in the country.
Red Cross Month honors people like you who make the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross possible. The celebration has been an annual tradition since 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt announced that March would now be Red Cross Month.
Red Cross Month timeline
The International Committee of The Red Cross is founded by Henry Dunant in Geneva, Switzerland.
The American Red Cross is founded by Clara Barton on May 21.
After World War I, the I.C.R.C. founds the League of Red Cross Societies.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt issues the first Red Cross Month proclamation.
Red Cross Month FAQs
Is the Red Cross Catholic?
No. The Red Cross has no political, religious, or cultural affiliations.
How do you become a Red Cross volunteer?
The Red Cross website has an orientation video for new members and volunteers. You can also contact your local chapter. You’ll find all the necessary contact details on their website.
What is the Red Cross motto?
The International Committee of the Red Cross’s original motto was ‘Inter Arma Caritas’ (‘In War, Charity’).
How to Observe Red Cross Month
Volunteer to help
The Red Cross runs with the help of volunteers from across the world. Do a selfless act today by volunteering to help the Red Cross Society near you. You can touch souls and possibly save lives.
Donate blood
The Red Cross organizes many blood donation runs. Find out more information from your local Red Cross and pick a day to donate some blood. These donations are used to help wounded soldiers or civilians in need.
Learn lifesaving skills
Learning a lifesaving skill is a necessity. You never know when or where you can meet someone in need of help. The Red Cross conducts training on things like first aid and CPR to help civilians learn the skills they need to possibly save a life. Book a training session today.
5 Important Facts About The Red Cross
It was inspired by war
Henry Dunant witnessed the Battle of Solferino, which inspired him to form the I.C.R.C.
Florence Nightingale didn’t buy the idea
Nightingale originally thought the idea of the Red Cross was absurd and would relieve the government of a responsibility that should be theirs.
A cross is not its only symbol
Islamic nations use a red crescent as the symbol.
It’s won more Nobel Peace Prizes than anyone
The I.C.R.C. has won the Nobel Peace Prize three times — in 1917,1944, and 1963.
Disaster relief efforts are 24/7
The Red Cross Societies are constantly monitoring for disasters, ready to dispatch at a moment’s notice.
Why Red Cross Month is Important
It's a humanitarian cause
The Red Cross Society is geared at humanitarian activities and helping people in the military, as well as civilians. It’s a selfless humanitarian cause that should be celebrated.
The Red Cross is saving lives
The Red Cross is geared at protecting and saving human lives. This selfless committee is saving thousands of human lives every year through disaster relief.
The Red Cross is protecting our military
In addition to protecting civilian lives, the Red Cross protects the lives of our members of the military. They conduct war relief to help ensure that our soldiers don’t die in the line of service.
Red Cross Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 1 | Saturday |
| 2026 | March 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | March 1 | Monday |
| 2028 | March 1 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | March 1 | Thursday |
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