Senate Resolution No. 497

BY: Senator RIVERA

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
March 2023, 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 Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2023, as American
Red Cross Month in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, For 80 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
nine regional chapters, along with the New York-Penn Blood Services
Region and its presence at Fort Drum and at the US Military Academy at
West Point, 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 CPR and AED, First Aid, Basic Life Support,
Babysitting, Caregiving, Lifeguarding Water Safety, and more; 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 Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2023, 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 Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.