MURRAY, Utah (ABC4 Utah) – World Humanitarian Day is observed every year on August 19 to honor humanitarian workers and recognize those who have risked or lost their lives in the line of duty. The 2025 theme, “Strengthening global solidarity and empowering local communities,” emphasizes the importance of working alongside communities not just as recipients of aid, but as partners and decision-makers.

The American Red Cross joins the global humanitarian community in paying tribute to our local partners who lead with courage, insight, and unwavering commitment. The Red Cross stands in true solidarity—amplifying local capacity, shifting power, and working hand-in-hand to build stronger, more resilient communities around the world.

• Every day, more than 16 million Red Cross and Red Crescent workers help people in need in over 191 countries, often in dangerous and challenging conditions.
• In 2024 alone, 32 Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers worldwide died while carrying out their humanitarian duties, one of the highest annual tolls in our movement’s history. In 2025, the toll sits at 16 deaths so far this year.

The American Red Cross of Utah continues to serve communities across the state, putting specific emphasis on community resilience. Through the Community Adaptation Program (CAP), the American Red Cross is working to strengthen local partner networks across the country where families are struggling with chronic socioeconomic issues.

• Working one-one with over 300 local partners, the Red Cross offers support and funding for projects to increase local access to health, hunger and housing solutions – which are the largest barriers people face after disasters.
• Through these immersive collaborations, the Red Cross supports over 500 projects including: mobile health clinics, creating disaster resilience hubs, purchasing generators and solar panels, expanding food pantries and more.
• Locally, the Red Cross of Utah is continuing to expand our partnerships with places like the Hill Air Force Base and are now providing volunteers to help staff the food pantry on base to further support the military community in Utah.
• In addition, the Red Cross of Utah utilizes multiple preparedness programs in schools across the state to provide vital information in times of disasters. Educating children of the dangers or wildfires and home fires to empower them and their families to be prepared for when disaster strikes.

Turn your compassion into action — and help ensure people don’t face emergencies alone.
Visit redcross.org to get involved.

• DONATE: Donate to support our Disaster Relief efforts at redcross.org/GivingDay. A gift of any size makes a difference to provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support and other assistance. Your donation will be part of the annual Giving Day on March 22 to aid families in need across the country.
• GIVE BLOOD: Help ensure people receive the critical care they need. Make an appointment to give blood by visiting RedCrossBlood.org.
• VOLUNTEER: Volunteer by visiting redcross.org/Volunteer to review our most-needed positions in your community.
• TAKE A CLASS: Sign up at redcross.org/TakeAClass to learn lifesaving skills like first aid, CPR and how to use an AED, so you can help in the moments that matter.