Senate Resolution No. 70

BY: Senator PARKER

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
May 8, 2023, as Red Cross and Red Crescent 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 Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 8, 2023, as Red Cross
and Red Crescent Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of World Red Cross and Red Crescent 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 Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 8, 2023, as Red Cross
and Red Crescent 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 Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.