2009 Senate Joint Resolution 14
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: declaring March 2009 American Red Cross Month.
Whereas, each year during the month of March we recognize the humanitarian service and the lifesaving programs of the American Red Cross; and
Whereas, part of the international Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the American Red Cross was formed 125 years ago and chartered by the U.S. Congress to provide aid and comfort in times of crisis; and
Whereas, since the early years of 20th century, the Red Cross in Wisconsin has played a critical role in helping our citizens prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies; and
Whereas, American Red Cross volunteers and staff responded to 1,099 local disasters throughout the state of Wisconsin last year, providing emergency assistance to 2,168 families affected by fire, flood, tornadoes, and other disasters. In 2008, 83,364 persons learned to prevent and prepare for disasters by participating in Red Cross community disaster education programs; and
Whereas, 236,655 Wisconsin individuals are prepared to help their neighbors in a crisis because they have been trained in Red Cross lifesaving classes. These classes include CPR, use of automated external defibrillators, first aid, aquatics, babysitting, and HIV/AIDS education; and
Whereas, Wisconsin Red Cross chapters served 153,662 people in 2008 through a variety of community programs, including transportation services and initiatives for low-income, elderly, and special-needs populations; and
Whereas, armed forces emergency services caseworkers transmitted 3,893 emergency messages between members of the armed forces and their families and loved ones; and
Whereas, countless lives were saved last year because nearly 96,000 people donated blood in Wisconsin and 45 Wisconsin hospitals were served by Red Cross biomedical services; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin legislature proclaim the month of March 2009 as American Red Cross Month in the state of Wisconsin, and commend this observance to all citizens; and, be it further
Resolved, That the members of the legislature call upon our citizens to become partners with the American Red Cross in emergency preparedness by learning how to respond to emergencies and by donating blood, time, and financial resources in support of the Red Cross mission; and, be it further
Resolved, That the senate chief clerk shall provide a copy of this joint resolution to the American Red Cross.
