MOBILE, Ala., March 2, 2009—  As one of the nation’s best known humanitarian organizations, the Red Cross has been at the forefront of helping Americans prevent, prepare for and respond to large and small disasters for 127 years.  Communities depend on the Red Cross in times of need, and the Red Cross depends on the support of the American people to achieve its mission.

In the past year alone, the Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter responded to 279 local emergencies, assisted 2,563 military families and trained 5,325 people in lifesaving CPR and First Aid skills.  Across this community, the Red Cross is an organization people can rely on for help, comfort, assistance and compassion.

This year the Red Cross is taking time in March to focus on the volunteers and employees who demonstrate such compassion and generosity by supporting the Red Cross in Mobile and around the country.  “We are proud to be the place where everyday people can do extraordinary things, and we hope our entire community will continue to support us so that we can continue to offer lifesaving services everyday,” said Leisle Mims, Chapter Executive of the Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter.  As one of more than 700 chapters and blood regions across the country, we rely on these everyday heroes to give their time and talents to help others through CPR, first aid and automated external defibrillator training, to coordinate blood drives, or make financial donations.

Each year since 1943, the president of the United States proclaims March as Red Cross Month in an official document known as the Presidential Proclamation.  For more information about the programs and services of the local chapter please log on to www.redcrossalcoast.org or call (251) 438-2571.