Pine Bluff Mayor Vivian Flowers recently issued a proclamation recognizing March as Red Cross Month to honor neighbors who deliver care and comfort throughout the Greater Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross.
“Here in Pine Bluff, we take care of one another,” Flowers said in a news release. “In moments of crisis, it is organizations like the American Red Cross that step forward to provide comfort, support and lifesaving assistance to families when they need it most. Their commitment to serving our neighbors reflects the compassion and resilience that define our community. The city of Pine Bluff is proud to support the American Red Cross and grateful for the vital role they play in helping our residents recover and rebuild.”
Red Cross Month began as a national call to action during World War II 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 our opportunity to honor the people who make our mission possible,” said Riva Brown, executive director for the Greater Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross. “Our commitment to alleviating human suffering is especially meaningful in Pine Bluff, our designated focus community. We are working to strengthen our presence, recruit more volunteers, and ensure that every response reflects the care and compassion our neighbors deserve. Each day, we see volunteers, donors, and community partners step forward to offer help and hope when it matters most — and that spirit of service is exactly what this month celebrates.”
Every contribution matters — visit redcross.org to get involved by making a financial donation, volunteering, or taking a class in lifesaving skills, according to the release.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
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.
HOW RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS HELP IN PINE BLUFF
As the community marks Red Cross Month, local numbers show how volunteers are making a difference in Pine Bluff and Jefferson County.
Since January 2025, the American Red Cross in Jefferson County:
• Responded to 66 disasters, mostly home fires, assisting 137 people across the Pine Bluff area.
• Installed 124 free smoke alarms, helping protect 57 households and creating 44 fire escape plans.
• Served seven veterans, 39 youths, 19 individuals with disabilities and 52 seniors through the Home Fire Campaign and community outreach efforts.
BECOME A DISASTER ACTION TEAM VOLUNTEER
The Red Cross has an urgent need for disaster action team members throughout Greater Arkansas. These critical volunteer positions enable the agency to carry out its lifesaving mission across the state.
Every day, people are forced from their homes due to fires, storms, and other disasters. Single- and multi-family fires account for 90% of Red Cross’ disaster responses.
“You can be part of a team that helps and responds to dozens of emergencies every year in the Pine Bluff area by offering crucial emotional support, connecting families with recovery resources, and guiding them through the process of rebuilding after disasters like home fires,” according to the release.
Details can be found by visiting redcross.org or by calling 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).