Each year since World War II, every president has designated March as Red Cross Month, recognizing the help received by people across the country and around the world.

At Naval Hospital (NH) Jacksonville, American Red Cross volunteers contribute about 900 volunteer hours each month, and over 11,000 hours annually.

"Our American Red Cross volunteers are essential to our Navy and Marine Corps team, and they reflect the best of our nation's spirit," said Capt. David Collins, NH Jacksonville commanding officer. "They unselfishly dedicate a large amount of time to our patients and staff, and they do so with kindness and compassion."

The American Red Cross provides 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans, and families at home and around the world.

The Northeast Florida Chapter, founded in 1914, serves 17 counties.

At any given time, NH Jacksonville American Red Cross volunteers can be found counseling patients on personal and family issues; helping with plans and arrangements for emergency or convalescent leave; getting background information from patients for use by medical staff in diagnosis and treatment; providing for the reception and comfort of relatives of the seriously ill; or serving as NH Jacksonville ambassadors lifting the spirits of patients, visitors and staff.

To find out about volunteering, call the Northeast Florida Chapter at 904-358-8091 or NH Jacksonvilles American Red Cross at 904-542-7525, or go online to www.redcross.org.

NH Jacksonvilles priority since its founding in 1941 is to heal the nation's heroes and their families. The command is comprised of the Navys third largest hospital and five branch health clinics across Florida and Georgia. Of its patient population (163,000 active and retired sailors, soldiers, Marines, airmen, guardsmen, and their families), about 84,000 are enrolled with a primary care manager and Medical Home Port team at one of its facilities. To find out more or download the commands mobile app, visit www.med.navy.mil/sites/navalhospitaljax.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Hospital Jacksonville, visit www.navy.mil/.