PRINTER'S NO. 3219
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
781
Session of
2018
INTRODUCED BY MURT, BARRAR, R. BROWN, BURNS, CALTAGIRONE,
CHARLTON, SCHLEGEL CULVER, DAVIS, DiGIROLAMO, DONATUCCI,
DRISCOLL, DUSH, HENNESSEY, JAMES, KINSEY, LONGIETTI,
MACKENZIE, J. McNEILL, MENTZER, MILLARD, NEILSON, PASHINSKI,
PICKETT, SAINATO, SCHLOSSBERG, SCHWEYER, SONNEY, TOOHIL,
WARD, YOUNGBLOOD, B. MILLER, DALEY, STAATS, KAVULICH,
WHEELAND AND BERNSTINE, APRIL 2, 2018
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
APRIL 2, 2018
A RESOLUTION
Designating the month of March 2018 as "American Red Cross
Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, On May 21, 1881, Clara Barton founded the American
Association of the Red Cross; and
WHEREAS, In 1900, the Congress of the United States granted
the American Red Cross a charter, making the volunteer
organization responsible for providing services to members of
the armed forces of the United States and relief to disaster
victims domestically and abroad; and
WHEREAS, Today's American Red Cross is a humanitarian
organization led by volunteers that provides relief to victims
of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond
to emergencies; and
WHEREAS, For more than a century, the American Red Cross has
been at the forefront of helping Americans prevent, prepare for
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and respond to large and small disasters; and
WHEREAS, Just as families and communities depend on the
American Red Cross in times of need, the American Red Cross
depends on the support of the American people to help sustain
the foundation; and
WHEREAS, Residents of this Commonwealth have donated hundreds
of thousands of units of blood to help save the lives of their
neighbors and provide for their needs; and
WHEREAS, The American Red Cross strives to prevent and
alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found, to protect
life and health and to ensure respect for each human being; and
WHEREAS, The American Red Cross has trained more than 261,811
people in many different programs Statewide; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 131,180 individuals were trained in
first aid, the proper way to perform CPR or the use of an
automatic external defibrillator; and
WHEREAS, 47,060 individuals have received training in
aquatic/water safety, and 80,799 individuals were trained in
emergency preparedness; and
WHEREAS, 2,772 individuals have received training in
caregiving; and
WHEREAS, 21,174 children participated in the Pillowcase
Project, a free interactive preparedness program designed for
children 8 to 11 years of age, that aims to increase
understanding of natural hazards and teach safety and personal
preparedness skills; and
WHEREAS, There were 6,265 American Red Cross volunteers
Statewide who donated time and energy to their communities; and
WHEREAS, In fiscal year 2017, the American Red Cross housed
296 new families at the Red Cross House, including 515 adults
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and 284 children, for a total of 10,772 nights of shelter at the
Red Cross House and an estimated 32,316 meals served; and
WHEREAS, The year 2017 saw 2,116 disasters Statewide; and
WHEREAS, There were 4,369 families assisted with direct
client assistance Statewide; and
WHEREAS, The American Red Cross continues to work with local
fire departments to ensure that anyone who needs a working smoke
alarm can access one; and
WHEREAS, The American Red Cross is working to educate and
equip community members with fire safety plans, which helps
families understand how to evacuate their homes in the event of
a fire; and
WHEREAS, The American Red Cross makes no discrimination as to
nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political
opinions; and
WHEREAS, Services provided by the American Red Cross promote
mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace
among all people; and
WHEREAS, The American Red Cross continues to play a valuable
role in catastrophe relief, humanitarianism and volunteerism
during the 21st century; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate the
month of March 2018 as "American Red Cross Month" in
Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
American Red Cross, its employees and its volunteers for their
dedication, service and sacrifice to the communities and
residents of this Commonwealth; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to
the American Red Cross, 2221 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
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19103.
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