Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont proclaims March is Red Cross Month

By Jennifer Costa, regional communications director

Governor Janet Mills of Maine, Governor Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire and Governor Phil Scott of Vermont each issued a proclamation recognizing March as Red Cross Month in their states to honor the more than 560 Mainers, 1,170 Granite Staters and 288 Vermonters who deliver care and comfort through the American Red Cross of Northern New England. 

The Red Cross mission has been part of the country for more than half of its 250‑year history. Red Cross Month began as a national call to action during WWII for individuals to address growing humanitarian needs. Now, it’s a community tradition honoring neighbors who deliver support when help can’t wait.

“Red Cross Month is more than a moment of recognition — it’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we come together to care for one another,” said Stephanie Couturier, regional CEO, Red Cross of Northern New England. “Here in Northern New England, ordinary people make an extraordinary difference every day — whether they’re responding to a local disaster, rolling up their sleeves to give blood or opening their hearts to make a generous donation. In life’s most difficult moments, this compassion brings relief and hope, strengthening the bonds that unite our community.” 

Every contribution matters — visit redcross.org to get involved by making a financial donation, giving blood or platelets, volunteering, or taking a class in lifesaving skills. During this year’s campaign:

• Financial donations made on March 25 for Disaster Relief will be part of Red Cross Giving Day, which aims to bring together 30,000 supporters to help ensure families don’t face disasters alone.
• 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. See RedCrossBlood.org/March.

How Red Cross Volunteers Help in Maine

In 2025, the Red Cross in Maine:

• Responded to 297 disasters (mostly home fires) assisting 956 people.
• Installed more than 1,750 free smoke alarms for families in need, including nearly 400 seniors, 180 individuals with disabilities, nearly 100 veterans and more than 230 children.
• Collected more than 56,500 units of lifesaving blood and held more than 2,100 blood drives.
• Service to the Armed Forces volunteers logged more than 1,600 hours supporting military members, veterans and their families.

“March is American Red Cross Month, a special time to honor the kindness of our neighbors who aid families in need every day in Maine, across the United States and around the world as they carry out the mission of preventing and alleviating suffering in the face of emergencies,” Governor Mills said in the proclamation. “The Red Cross aspires to turn compassion into action, and Maine people, American Red Cross volunteers, help each other when we are in need. I urge all citizens to recognize the tremendous contributions that the Red Cross and its volunteers make in Maine every day.”

Read the full proclamation from Gov. Mills: https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/official_documents/proclamations/2026-02-red-cross-month-march

How Red Cross Volunteers Help in New Hampshire

In 2025, the Red Cross in New Hampshire:

• Responded to 162 disasters (mostly home fires) assisting 710 people.
• Installed more than 1,150 free smoke alarms for New Hampshire families in need, including 320 seniors, 160 individuals with disabilities, 100 veterans and more than 175 children.
• Collected more than 77,000 units of lifesaving blood and held more than 2,300 blood drives.
• Service to the Armed Forces volunteers logged nearly 1,700 hours supporting military members, veterans and their families.

“Red Cross volunteers, donors, and community partners embody the spirit of service and generosity, dedicating their time, skills, and resources to those in need during times of crisis,” Governor Ayotte said in the proclamation.  “Red Cross Month serves as an opportunity to recognize the invaluable contributions of Red Cross volunteers and encourage residents of New Hampshire to support their mission by donating blood, learning first aid, volunteering or contributing to disaster relief efforts.”

How Red Cross Volunteers Help in Vermont

In 2025, the Red Cross in Vermont:

• Responded to 106 disasters (mostly home fires) assisting 432 people.
• Installed 320 free smoke alarms for Vermonters in need, including 48 seniors, 31 individuals with disabilities, nearly 13 veterans and 64 children.
• Collected more than nearly 29,000 units of lifesaving blood and held more than nearly 1,200 blood drives.
• Service to the Armed Forces volunteers logged more than 650 hours supporting military members, veterans and their families.

In March, we recognize members of the American Red Cross of Vermont who make its humanitarian mission possible through actions of kindness and necessity,” Governor Scott said in the proclamation. “The services of the American Red Cross of Vermont have contributed to the strength of Vermont communities, including countless pints of blood collected from individuals aligned with its humanitarian mission. The collective efforts of the American Red Cross of Vermont are symbolic of the strength of Vermont communities as no one has to face emergencies alone.”

Read the full proclamation from Gov. Scott: https://governor.vermont.gov/document/american-red-cross-month-proclamation-26-16 

How You Can Help

The Red Cross has an urgent need for disaster action team members and blood donor ambassadors throughout the region. These critical volunteer positions enable us to carry out our lifesaving mission in your community. Turn your compassion into action today!

Disaster Action Team Volunteers

Every day people are forced from their homes due to fires, storms and other disasters. Single- and multi-family fires account for 90% of our disaster responses. You can be part of a team that helps and responds to dozens of emergencies every year in New Hampshire by offering crucial emotional support, connecting families with recovery resources, and guiding them through the process of rebuilding after disasters like home fires.

Red Cross Blood Donor Ambassadors

Blood Donor Ambassador Volunteers

As a Blood Donor Ambassador volunteer, you will play a vital role in blood drives by welcoming, checking in, and thanking donors, ensuring a positive and productive blood donation experience. Each volunteer shift, you make a difference and can help save a life. 

Interested? Email VolunteerNNE@redcross.org or visit redcross.org/VolunteerNNE to sign-up or learn more.