Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Red Cross Month 2026

TYLER, Texas, March 2, 2026 — Communities across East Texas are officially proclaiming March as Red Cross Month, a national tradition that began in 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first proclamation — and each U.S. president has followed ever since.

 

During this month, the Red Cross celebrates the people and community partners who step up when needed to help their neighbors.

 

Become a Disaster Action Team (DAT) Responder

This March, the Red Cross invites East Texans to get involved with this month-long celebration by becoming a Disaster Action Team (DAT) Responder. Volunteers make up more than 90% of the Red Cross workforce, and DAT Responders strengthen local response by helping neighbors in their greatest time of need, most often after home fires.

 

The academies provide hands-on training and an overview of how volunteers support families after home fires and other local disasters, including sheltering, relief supplies, and emotional care. No prior experience is required.

 

DAT Academy Training Details:

• Dates: March 13 or March 14, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (attend one day)
• Location: Red Cross Tyler Chapter Office, 320 E. Rieck Rd.
• Click here to register

 

“Red Cross Month reminds us what’s possible when neighbors step up for one another,” said Karen Holt, Executive Director, American Red Cross East Texas Chapter. “These training academies give East Texans a powerful way to help families in their most difficult moments.”

 

Other Ways to Get Involved

• Sign up to donate blood & help save lives by visiting redcross.org/blood
  • Join us at one of our upcoming Tyler blood drives:
     March 20 | 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Red Cross Tyler Chapter Office, 320 East Rieck Rd
     March 21 | 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Texas African American Museum, 309 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
  • In March, the Red Cross will provide free A1C testing on successful blood, platelet and plasma donations. Those who come to give March 1-31 will also get a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email.
• Take a first aid & CPR class
• Make a financial donation to support disaster relief

 

Compassion in action begins with you. Learn more at RedCross.org/March

 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.