Not All Heroes Wear Capes

... Although Many Wear Red!

By Geoff DeLizzio, Chief Operating Officer

In March we celebrate American Red Cross Month and honor those who dedicate themselves to our mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in our community, country, and around the world.  (See President Obama’s Proclamation Here)

Everyday Heroes Helping Every Day 

In the first 2 months of 2014 the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region has responded to over 100 incidents and served over 450 clients in every jurisdiction throughout the DC Metro Area. We’ve responded to those impacted by house and apartment fires, water main breaks, gas and power outages, and set up emergency shelters during the extreme weather events of January and February.

We continue to train our community in First Aid, CPR, and general preparedness. Recently we launched the Pet First Aid App that provides advice for everyday emergencies such as the treatment of wounds, shock, heat-related emergencies and CPR for both dogs and cats. In February alone, over 30% of incidents we responded to included pets needing love and care. 

On any given day you can find an American Red Cross blood drive throughout our region. Due to the extreme weather there is still an urgent need for blood donors. Ever wanted to save a life? This is how you can do it today!  (Find a donor site here)

Heroes Helping Heroes

The American Red Cross is also present on most military installations throughout the DC region. Our heroes directly support the troops and their families by giving workshops on topics such as coping with deployment and resiliency training, serve as volunteers on installations including Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Fort Belvoir, and greet our wounded warriors every week when they arrive at Joint Base Andrews. 

Our volunteers have already been busy in 2014. We cannot do it without them and we need more heroes. 

How Can You Get Involved?

• Volunteer:  Become a Hero and serve your local community
•  Donate Blood:  Save a life. Need I say more?
• Donate Money:  We exist on the generosity of our donors. Consider a donation of any size
• Be Prepared:  Get Trained and Make a Plan for you and your family (don’t forget Fido)
• Attend one of our March Events
• March28:  One Enchanted Evening, Heritage HuntCountry Club
• March27:  Social Hour at Virtue in Alexandria

I may be biased, but our volunteers are HEROES! A big THANK YOU to all those who serve: past, present, and future!