Each year on September 21, the American Red Cross joins communities around the world in recognizing International Day of Peace. While peace is often associated with the absence of conflict, it is also built through daily acts of compassion, service, and support for our neighbors. At the American Red Cross, peace begins with our mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. Through the dedication of our employees, volunteers, donors, and partners, we help strengthen communities, foster resilience, and provide hope when it is needed most.

Every day, the Red Cross shelters, feeds, and comforts families affected by disasters, supplies approximately 40% of the nation’s blood, teaches lifesaving skills, delivers humanitarian aid, and supports members of the military, veterans, and their families. These acts of service help create safer, stronger communities and demonstrate that peace is not simply an idea. It is something we build together through action.

Across the Texas Gulf Coast, local Red Cross teams and community partners contribute to that effort every day. Whether responding to disasters, strengthening local organizations, or ensuring patients have access to lifesaving blood, each action helps ease suffering and brings communities together.

Building Peace Through Local Partnerships

The May5 Foundation and American Red Cross Blood Drive: In partnership with the May5 Foundation, the Texas Gulf Coast Region hosted a community blood drive that brought people together for a shared purpose: saving lives. The event not only helped collect critical blood donations but also raised awareness about sickle cell disease, a condition that often requires ongoing blood transfusions. Donors, volunteers, and community members connected over a common goal, sharing conversations, refreshments, and encouragement. Through simple acts of generosity, participants demonstrated how caring for one another can strengthen the bonds that unite a community.

Community Adaptation Program in Cameron County: Creating stronger, more resilient communities is another important way the Red Cross promotes peace. Through the Community Adaptation Program, the American Red Cross collaborates with local nonprofit organizations to help strengthen essential services and increase preparedness for the growing impacts of climate-related disasters.

Since 2024, the Texas Gulf Coast Region has partnered with Loaves and Fishes in Harlingen, Texas, to support efforts that help vulnerable residents better withstand and recover from disasters. By investing in local organizations and empowering communities to adapt and prepare, the Red Cross helps reduce suffering before emergencies occur and supports long-term stability and resilience.

Responding When Communities Need Us Most

Tropical Storm Edouard: When Tropical Storm Edouard impacted Texas Gulf Coast communities in September 2026, Red Cross volunteers and staff from across the region came together to provide assistance to affected families. Teams distributed food and relief supplies, assessed damage, and connected residents with critical recovery resources. In moments of uncertainty, these efforts provided comfort, hope, and a path forward for those facing the challenges of disaster.

Hurricane Beryl Relief Efforts: During Hurricane Beryl, the American Red Cross partnered with the National Spiritual Care Community and local faith-based organizations to support residents across the Houston area. Volunteers distributed water and snacks while churches opened their doors as cooling centers for those without power. These collaborative efforts demonstrated how communities can come together during times of crisis, providing care, comfort, and relief to neighbors in need.

Empowering Communities Through Lifesaving Training

Peace is also built through preparedness. When people are equipped with the skills and confidence to act during emergencies, entire communities become safer and more resilient. The American Red Cross offers a wide range of training and certification programs, including:

  • First Aid for adults, children, and infants
  • CPR for adults, children, and infants
  • Babysitter Training
  • Water Safety
  • Lifeguarding
  • Emergency Medical Response Training
  • Basic Life Support

Every class represents an opportunity for someone to gain the knowledge needed to save a life, respond to an emergency, or help a neighbor in need.

Every Action Counts

On this International Day of Peace, we celebrate the thousands of volunteers, donors, partners, and supporters who turn compassion into action every day. From donating blood and preparing communities for disasters to responding in times of crisis and teaching lifesaving skills, every act of service contributes to a more caring and resilient world.

Peace is not built by one person or one moment. It is built through countless acts of kindness, generosity, and humanity. At the Red Cross, we are proud to stand alongside our communities as we work together to alleviate suffering and create hope, one action at a time.

Story by Helen Meza