Declare Red Cross Day

May 8, 2020, as Red Cross Red Cresent Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official days that are set aside to increase awareness of organizations that benefit the citizens of New York State; 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 May 8, 2020, as Red Cross Red Cresent Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of World Red Cross Red Cresent Day; and WHEREAS, For more than 70 years, United States Presidents and Governors around the country have recognized the American Red Cross as a vital humanitarian organization; all New Yorkers are urged to continue to support its work through volunteerism, financial contributions, or the donation of blood; and WHEREAS, In the United States, almost five million people require a blood transfusion each year; the volume of blood donated to the Red Cross is enough for 21,000 blood transfusions a day; 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, life-saving blood, international services, as well as health and safety services; and WHEREAS, In New York State, this esteemed nonprofit organization's

36 chapters 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 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 May 8, 2020, as Red Cross Red Cresent Day 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.