SENATE RESOLUTION 23

(By Senators Takubo, Rucker, Lindsay, Phillips, Beach, Hamilton, and Stollings)

[Introduced March 19, 2021]

Designating March 2021 as Red Cross Month.

Whereas, March is American Red Cross Month, a special time to honor the kindness of our neighbors who aid families in need every day in West Virginia, across the United States, and around the world. Their dedication touches millions of lives each year as they carry out the organization’s 140-year mission of preventing and alleviating suffering; and

Whereas, During the trying times of the coronavirus pandemic, people have stepped up to help others in need, whether it was responding to this year’s record-breaking disasters across the country or rolling up their sleeves to give blood when our country faced a severe blood shortage; and

Whereas, Here in West Virginia, families have relied on almost 700 local volunteers for comfort and hope while coping with home fires, floods, and more.  Volunteers also helped over 700 families impacted by home fires in West Virginia by addressing their urgent needs like food, lodging, and recovery support; and

Whereas, West Virginia volunteers have supported local families in other ways, too. Last year in West Virginia, the Red Cross collected over 30,000 units of life-saving blood while testing these donations for COVID-19 antibodies and provided nearly 3,000 services to over 1,000 military members, veterans, and their families; and

Whereas, This life-saving work is vital to strengthening our community’s resilience. Nearly 200 years since the birth of American Red Cross founder Clara Barton, we dedicate this month of March to all those who continue to advance her noble legacy, and we ask others to join in their commitment to care for people in need; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates March 2021, as Red Cross Month; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Senate encourages all West Virginians to reach out and support the humanitarian mission of the Red Cross; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to Erica Mani, Regional Chief Executive of the American Red Cross, Central Appalachia Region.