The American Red Cross is recognizing the country’s everyday heroes during Red Cross Month.

“Our community is full of everyday heroes who help others in need,” CEO for the American Red Cross Virginia Region Reggie Gordon said.

“They are our selfless Red Cross volunteers, blood donors and financial contributors who bring rescue to people facing life’s emergencies. During Red Cross Month, we thank them for their tremendous support.”

March has been recognized as Red Cross Month for more than 70 years. All of our presidents, including President Barack Obama, have designated March as Red Cross Month to recognize how the American Red Cross helps people across the country and around the world.

The Red Cross depends on local heroes to fulfill its mission. The Red Cross responds to a community disaster every eight minutes, providing shelter, food, emotional support and other necessities to those affected. It provides 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families at home and around the world.

It must collect 14,000 units of blood everyday to fulfill the country’s needs. It trains millions of people in first aid, water safety and other lifesaving skills. And it supports the vaccination of children around the globe against measles and rubella.

In fiscal year 2015, the Virginia Region assisted 1,570 families following local emergencies, assisted 10,695 military families and trained 108,695 people in lifesaving skills.

“It’s easy to become a Red Cross community hero,” said Gordon. “Be ready for an emergency by creating a preparedness plan for your home. Test your smoke detectors and tell your neighbors to do the same. Or sign up to be a Red Cross volunteer or make a financial donation.”

People can find more information about supporting the Red Cross on redcross.org.