Honor Red Cross Month

Senate Resolution No. 2369 BY: Senator RIVERA MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2020, as American Red Cross Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in the communities across New York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2020, as American Red Cross Month in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, For more than 70 years, United States Presidents and Governors around the country have recognized March as American Red Cross Month to thank this vital humanitarian organization and to urge the public to continue to support its work through volunteerism, financial contributions, or the donation of blood; and WHEREAS, American Red Cross Month celebrates the everyday heroes who work tirelessly in times of disaster to offer the comfort of a helping hand; and WHEREAS, The American Red Cross, founded in 1881 by Clara Barton and chartered by the United States Congress in 1905, is one of our nation's oldest and most recognized humanitarian organizations; and WHEREAS, For more than a century, the American Red Cross, along with its generous donors, volunteers and employees, have shared a mission of preventing and relieving suffering, here at home and around the world, through disaster relief, support of America's military families, lifesaving blood, international services, as well as health and safety services; and WHEREAS, In New York State, this esteemed nonprofit organization's

12 regional chapters, along with the New York-Penn Blood Services Region and its Fort Drum service, have a long history of providing compassionate care to those in need; and WHEREAS, On a daily basis, this remarkable institution helps make communities safer in these uncertain times through its disaster preparedness and response efforts; its volunteers are always among the first on the scene providing food, shelter, clothing and friendly faces for support; and WHEREAS, In addition, the American Red Cross provides nationally recognized training in first aid and water safety, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), child care, and HIV/AIDS prevention; and WHEREAS, As a vital part of its preparedness efforts, the American Red Cross provides approximately half of the nation's blood supply and, through the New York-Penn Blood Services Region, provides the safest blood products possible to those in need throughout New York State; and WHEREAS, The American Red Cross continues to provide comfort and support to our military families and, working with the International Red Cross, collects and distributes funds to those suffering from the effects of civil unrest and natural disasters around the world; they have also spearheaded a campaign to immunize millions of children in developing countries who do not have access to life saving vaccines; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2020, as American Red Cross Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.