LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim January 2015, as Blood Donor Awareness Month in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Gover-
nor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim January 2015, as Blood Donor Awareness
Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with National Blood Donor
Month; and
WHEREAS, The American Red Cross was founded in 1881 by Clara Barton
and is the United States premier emergency response organization; and
WHEREAS, The American Red Cross is a vital part of a worldwide organ-
ization which offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war;
and
WHEREAS, In the United States, approximately four million people give
blood to the Red Cross, making it the largest supplier of blood and
products in the nation; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, the American Red Cross, which relies on
donations of time, money and blood, has expanded its services, including
Disaster Services, with which this vital organization supports victims
of disasters such as fires, floods, earthquakes, heat waves and hurri-
canes; and
WHEREAS, This much needed support helps to pick up the pieces after
the disaster and may take the form of medical help, food safety, water
treatment, financial help, and emergency accommodation; and
WHEREAS, Blood Services offered by the American Red Cross serves more
than three thousand hospitals throughout the United States; and
WHEREAS, Through its Communications Between Military Members and Fami-
lies Services, the American Red Cross facilities communicate between
those serving in the Armed Forces in important events around the world
and their family members back home; and
WHEREAS, The Health and Safety Services include health and safety
training in a wide range of areas, from CPR and blood bourne pathogens
training to HIV/AIDS education; and from swimming and life guarding to
American Red Cross Preparedness programs which help people lead healthi-
er and safer lives; and
WHEREAS, The Red Cross' International Services consist of helping
vulnerable people worldwide to prevent, prepare for and respond to:
disasters, life-threatening health conditions, and complex humanitarian
emergencies; and
WHEREAS, The Volunteer Services entail various opportunities to help
the American Red Cross; these opportunities include: Disaster Services,
HIV/AIDS mentoring, Health and Safety instructors, Blood donor recrui-
ter, Youth group liaison, Speakers, and Special Projects; and
WHEREAS, Since its founding in 1917, the Red Cross has partnered with
the Junior Red Cross in its Youth Services which includes: Disaster
Response, Leadership Development, Health and Safety Services, Biomedical
Services, School Related Activities, and International Services; and
WHEREAS, Over 30,000 nurses are involved in paid and volunteer capaci-
ties at all levels and in all service areas throughout the American Red
Cross; its Nursing Services include: Functioning in governance roles;
Teaching and development courses: including CPR, first aid, Nurse
Assistant Training; and Direct services including local Disaster Action
Teams, volunteering in military clinics and hospitals, first aid
stations, blood collection teams and health fairs; and
WHEREAS, Blood Donor Awareness Month is a time to recognize all those
outstanding individuals who have contributed so much to the advancement
of blood donation, most particularly, to acknowledge and express our

deepest gratitude to those who donate their blood for their extraor-
dinary generosity in giving the gift of life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim January 2015, as Blood
Donor Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.