American Red Cross Month, 2022

Proclamation 10342 of February 28, 2022

American Red Cross Month, 2022

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Throughout our history, Americans have always stepped
up for each other in moments of crisis. This spirit is
woven into the fabric of our Nation, and for more than
140 years it has been exemplified by devoted employees,
volunteers, and supporters of the American Red Cross.
This month, we honor the American Red Cross and the
selfless Americans who serve our communities in need
across our country and around the world.

Since its founding in 1881 by Clara Barton, a nurse and
educator, the American Red Cross has carried out its
noble mission of preventing and easing human suffering.
Today, in big cities and small towns across the
country, hundreds of thousands of Red Cross workers--
more than 90 percent of whom are volunteers--continue
to carry out that mission by selflessly giving blood,
making donations, and teaching first aid in local
communities.

Support from the American Red Cross has provided hope
to people in their darkest hours--in the face of armed
conflict, climate-related disasters, and the COVID-19
pandemic. Red Cross volunteers are on the front lines
of recovery, providing emergency shelter to families
impacted by devastating floods, tornadoes, fires, and
other disasters; donating lifesaving blood to meet the
rising demand of hospital patients; supporting our
Nation's service members, veterans, and their families;
and providing medical care and essential resources to
combat diseases worldwide.

During American Red Cross Month, Americans who can are
encouraged to answer the call to donate blood and serve
communities in need. You are encouraged to learn more
about eligibility and the steps involved to donating
blood. Let us renew our commitment to Clara Barton's
timeless ideal of caring for one another in times of
hardship and uncertainty. Let us take part in this
proud tradition of lending a helping hand to those in
need. Let us live up to the duty of care we owe each
other through acts of compassion every day.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of
the United States of America and Honorary Chair of the
American Red Cross, by virtue of the authority vested
in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim March 2022 as American Red
Cross Month. I encourage all Americans to observe this
month with appropriate programs, ceremonies and
activities, and by supporting the work of service and
relief organizations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-eighth day of February, in the year of our Lord
two thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and forty-
sixth.