By Stephanie Dunn Ashley
On Monday, March 3rd, we gathered at Town Hall to raise the Red Cross flag as First Selectman Fred Camillo proclaimed March as Red Cross Month in Greenwich.
This marked a tradition began over 80 years ago, when President Franklin Roosevelt issued the first national Red Cross Month proclamation. It is a month where we celebrate the work of the Red Cross and the people who make it possible our volunteers and supporters.
I couldn’t think of anybody better to raise the flag that morning than Ross Ogden, who this year will celebrate 65 years as a volunteer with the American Red Cross. He started his Red Cross journey when he was in high school, alongside some other notable Greenwich residents like police chief Jim Heavey.
Ross has held a variety of roles with the Red Cross since he began his service by responding to emergency calls on his bicycle. Currently, he is our lead volunteer for biomedical services, working with community groups locally to set up blood drives, and encouraging all residents to roll up their sleeves and help save a life.
For his commitment to the Red Cross, we are so excited to honor Ross next month during our 39th annual Red and White Ball: A Salute to Service and Valor.
Ross’ humanitarian spirit advances the lifesaving legacy of our founder, Clara Barton, to prevent and alleviate human suffering. Generation after generation, people have come together to adapt this timeless mission and support the health of our communities. We could not do the work we do without them.
Every day, people rely on Red Cross volunteers for support. There are many ways you can help, too. During Red Cross Month, you can support our lifesaving mission by visiting redcross.org to make an appointment to give blood or platelets at the Jill and John Coyle Blood Donor Center in Greenwich or at the drive nearest you. During March, the Red Cross will offer free A1C screening for diabetes and pre-diabetes on all successful donations. You can also volunteer to provide care and hope to people in need. And finally, you can sign up to take a class learn lifesaving skills like first aid, CPR and how to use an AED, so you can help in the moments that matter.
However you choose to celebrate Red Cross Month, please know we appreciate having you as part of our community!
