American Red Cross

Margareta Wahlstr?m is the driving force behind some of the most impactful initiatives happening within the global Red Cross Movement. Margareta's experience includes working in crisis situations in Vietnam and Afghanistan, as well as holding high-level positions at the United Nations and the Swedish Red Cross. In 2018, she co-founded GLOW Red, with the goal of encouraging more women to become involved with the Red Cross and Red Crescent. In the few years that GLOW Red has been established, it has helped to better support women in leadership roles within the Movement. Margareta's dedication was recognized last year when she was awarded the 2024 Henry Dunant Medal for her outstanding contributions to the Red Cross movement. Today, she continues to inspire many humanitarians across the globe working to make a difference in their communities! #IWD2025 #GLOWRed

Does this sound like you? Then you might be the perfect blood donor ambassador — a role our blood drives would not be the same without. These volunteers make the blood donation experience a positive one from start to finish by greeting donors, answering questions and thanking them for their generosity. You can hear from one of our passionate blood donor ambassadors and learn about our most-needed positions by attending our virtual Volunteer Information Session on Tuesday, March 11 from 3-4 p.m. ET. Sign up here: https://bit.ly/43jPtXR

Picture this: You're rooting for your team when someone sitting next to you goes into cardiac arrest. Is it safe to use an AED if they're on a metal bleacher? Test your first aid knowledge below and check back tomorrow for the right answer!

"I became a law enforcement officer to serve and help others, and I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time to save a life." Deputy Kelly Olson was off duty chaperoning a school trip in Munich, Germany, when she encountered a woman who was choking. During breakfast at a hotel, Kelly noticed the woman struggling to breathe at a nearby table. As a school resource officer back home in Stillwater, Minnesota, she relied on her years of training to take action. Kelly rushed over and performed abdominal thrusts until the obstruction cleared and the woman was able to breathe again. To honor her quick thinking and bravery, Kelly was presented with the Red Cross Certificate of Personal Action from the American Red Cross Minnesota & Dakotas Region. Her family was by her side as she was recognized, including her father — a retired police lieutenant who served for 30 years — as well as her mother, husband and their new baby girl. ??

Every act of kindness has a story behind it. Whether it makes you feel good, you’re continuing a family legacy, or benefitted from services you received after an emergency. Tell us why you give back to charity and consider supporting our mission on Red Cross Giving Day, March 26. Your gift to Disaster Relief can bring hope to someone on one of the worst days of their lives. Give today: https://rdcrss.org/3QLOI24 #HelpCantWait

These statistics are alarming but true. According to the CDC: ? 8.7 million people in the U.S. are living with undiagnosed diabetes. ? Approximately 80% of people with prediabetes are unaware they have it. Unmanaged diabetes can cause serious health concerns. This month, we’re expanding our health offerings with free A1C testing for all who successfully give blood through March 31. Gain valuable information about your blood sugar levels over the past three months by making an appointment to donate blood: https://rdcrss.org/4i8f3nk

One moment in college nearly 60 years ago inspired Larry Hines' lifelong commitment to service. Thanks to women like her, our military received essential support during the Vietnam War. During her senior year, Larry was in her school's career center when she crossed paths with a Red Cross recruiter who was on campus. As a former Red Cross youth volunteer, Larry thought she was coming across another chance to volunteer. "She pointed out to me that I could have the opportunity to go to Vietnam during the height of the war," Larry said. As soon as she graduated in 1968, Larry flew to Vietnam to support our troops for 13 months. She was one of nearly 500 Donut Dollies who were part of the Red Cross Supplemental Recreational Activities Overseas (SRAO) program. Larry and her fellow Dollies delivered mail, served meals and organized games for service members. They also provided comfort and a listening ear to the troops who witnessed the horrors of the war. Larry received the Medal for Civilian Service in 1969 for her service in Vietnam. Her experience overseas led her to continue helping military veterans and their families when she returned to the States. Today, she continues to support the Red Cross while also volunteering with the United Service Organizations (USO). "Since I came back from Vietnam, the Red Cross has always been a priority for me," Larry said. "I'm proud to be part of their mission and I will be for the rest of my days." We are grateful for every brave and resilient Donut Dolly like Larry who brought compassion and a touch of home to the frontlines.

Whether you're a volunteer, employee or a donor, we couldn't do our critical work without you. March is Red Cross Month, a time to celebrate all of the humanitarians who have supported our mission for the last 140+ years by: - Giving blood. - Responding to disasters. - Teaching lifesaving skills. - Supporting our military and their families. - And so much more! Tell us what you're most proud of as a Red Crosser! ??

Make a difference with just one click! Today (March 3), our friends at Cherokee Nation are kicking off Red Cross Month by matching gifts, dollar for dollar, until midnight ET: https://rdcrss.org/3D9d7eS Your donations will support those who have lost everything to disasters, providing them with shelter, food and other critical recovery support to help rebuild their lives. “In Cherokee culture, we have a word, Gadugi, which represents the idea of community working together for the greater good,” said Chuck Hoskin Jr., Cherokee Nation’s Principal Chief. “It's about lifting each other up and coming together when help is needed the most.” This is your chance to make a greater impact and brighten the lives of those affected by home fires, hurricanes, wildfires, and countless other crises. Let’s come together in the spirit of Gadugi and make double the difference. #HelpCantWait

The A1C test — also known as the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test — is a simple blood test used to diagnose prediabetes or diabetes, and monitor your progress. ? Genetics is a significant factor in the development of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Individuals who are African American or Black, American Indian, Hispanic or Latino, and Asian American all have higher rates of diabetes and higher rates of serious, diabetes-related health complications, including death, than those who are non-Hispanic, white Americans.?This is why?access to preventative care and?diagnostic testing?is so important. ? During the month of March, the American Red Cross will provide free A1C testing on all successful blood, platelet, and plasma donations. ? Swipe to learn about A1C testing, the importance of knowing your results, and how you can get one. ? If you are not a blood donor, talk to your primary care doctor on how to get an A1C test. https://lnkd.in/e7wqVfw3