To the Editor:

The American Red Cross responds to an emergency every day. No one else does this: not the government, not other charities. The Red Cross helps members of the military, veterans and their families prepare for, cope with and respond to the challenges of military service. We’re there when your neighbor experiences a house fire. We’re here to help our community prepare and respond to hurricanes. The Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood. We go wherever we’re needed.

Since 1917, the Red Cross has served the Washington area by preventing and alleviating human suffering. Today, the Red Cross stands ready to provide lifesaving blood to all hospitals in the Washington area. Partner with the Red Cross and help make your community stronger by joining our trusted lifesaving network. Your blood drive sponsorship, volunteerism, disaster preparedness and financial gift, as appropriate, will help ensure the Red Cross can deliver lifesaving services when and where they are needed most. Your partnership can support a reliable blood supply, Disaster Relief, services to members of the Armed Forces, Community Health and Preparedness Training and International Services. This region collects blood each day in order to provide for a safe and ample blood supply for patients in need.

The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the community to perform its mission. They play a crucial role in helping provide the critical blood that must be on the shelves before an emergency. It may be difficult to believe, but every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. The recipient could be a heart or cancer patient, a mother giving birth or a car accident victim.

To host a blood drive, volunteer or to schedule a blood donation appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

 

Bernadette Jay

American Red Cross