By By: Staff Writer
Globally, Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers observe May as Red Cross Month. This year, the Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS) joins the worldwide campaign under the theme United in Humanity — a call for compassion, solidarity, and service as humanitarian needs grow. Each year on May 8, the Movement commemorates the birthday of founder Jean Henry Dunant and honors life-changing humanitarian work in communities.
The Government of Liberia has underscored its support by officially proclaiming May as Red Cross Month. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., Chief Patron of the Liberian Red Cross, declared May 1–31, 2026 as World Red Cross Month and May 8 as World Red Cross Day.
“This recognition highlights the Red Cross’s vital role in protecting humanity and meeting urgent needs across Liberia,” said Gregory T. Blamoh, Secretary General and CEO of LNRCS.
May’s activities go beyond symbolism. They represent a nationwide drive for compassion and action that spotlights the humanity of both volunteers and those they serve, while building resilience and expanding access for vulnerable groups.
“The Red Cross is not just an institution; it is the heartbeat of humanity in Liberia,” Blamoh stated. “During storms, fires, or health crises, our volunteers stand at the frontlines as a beacon of hope. United in Humanity, we reaffirm our pledge to serve impartially, compassionately, and tirelessly — because humanity is not only our strength; it is our destiny.”
In the proclamation, President Boakai urged civic organizations and government agencies to take part in LNRCS programs to make the month meaningful.
Throughout May, the Red Cross will scale up resource mobilization to support affected communities, with priority given to victims of recent storms in Nimba and Lofa Counties and fire incidents in Rivercess, Nimba, Montserrado, Grand Cape Mount, and Margibi Counties. “This celebration reminds us that humanity begins at home,” Blamoh noted.
By growing its membership, mobilizing resources, and deepening partnerships, LNRCS is committed to turning compassion into action. With government, partners, and community support, “we stand united in humanity — delivering critical aid to those who need it most.”
The proclamation calls on all residents of Liberia to observe the event under the global theme United in Humanity, which promotes solidarity and compassion while honoring volunteers and beneficiaries.
The Red Cross continues to lead disaster response, bringing relief to communities hit by storms, floods, and fires. Beyond disaster work, LNRCS is central to health emergencies — responding to epidemics and raising awareness to ensure vulnerable people get timely help.
In recent years, the Red Cross has provided cash aid to thousands of flood-affected families, supplied farmers with tools and training, and improved access to safe drinking water in flood-hit communities in Montserrado, Grand Cape Mount, Bong, and remote towns across Sinoe, Grand Kru, and River Gee.
Beneficiaries describe the impact directly. “When the flood destroyed our home, we thought all hope was lost. The Red Cross gave us shelter and food — they restored our dignity,” said a mother from Grand Cape Mount County. A Bong farmer shared, “The volunteers came when no one else would. They built handpumps and gave us farming tools. For us, the Red Cross is our family.” A young person from Montserrado added, “After the fire left me with nothing, the Red Cross gave me clothes and helped me rebuild. They reminded me that humanity still exists.”
These testimonies reflect the true spirit of Red Cross Month: compassion put into action. LNRCS, with its partners and communities, remains a symbol of hope, resilience, and humanity.
The Red Cross serves individuals and communities based on need alone, without discrimination. For more than 100 years, it has responded to Liberia’s challenges with compassion, delivering relief, saving lives, and offering hope.
“Empowering local actors highlights the crucial role of staff and volunteers, who are first to arrive and last to leave during local disasters,” the proclamation states, “emphasizing that humanity begins at home, with members of their own family.”
