This March, we celebrate American Red Cross Month by recognizing the compassionate acts of people in Los Angeles, and by renewing our commitment to lend a helping hand to our neighbors in need.
Since Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross more than 140 years ago, generation after generation has stepped up to deliver relief and care across our country and around the world, bringing out the best of humanity in times of crisis.
For Red Cross Month this year, to boost community health, Red Cross is offering free A1C testing for blood donors. One-third of people lack access to regular primary care in the U.S., where diabetes affects one in ten people and nearly a quarter of those living with it have been undiagnosed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The free A1C screening aims to help address this gap by empowering blood donors with valuable information to maintain their health and well-being. This new offering is among the longtime work of the Red Cross to support the health of communities, which also includes disaster relief efforts such as basic disaster health and mental health services, among other assistance.
Since the wildfires began in January, over 1,000 Red Cross responders, supported by local community members, continue to provide food, shelter, emotional care, recovery planning, and financial assistance. Red Cross caseworkers are helping shelter residents plan their next steps in disaster recovery and connecting them with other community resources. The top priority is housing, but we also help individuals with transportation, health care, childcare, and many other needs.
The Red Cross has been here from the beginning, and we will continue to be here in your community helping with recovery every day.
By Angelica Sauceda
Comments