Bill Text: GA HR608 | 2009-2010 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: American Red Cross Month; March, 2009; recognize and invite reps to House

Sponsorship: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-1)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2009-03-10 - House Read and Referred [HR608 Detail]

Download: Georgia-2009-HR608-Introduced.html

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09 LC 33 3119

House Resolution 608

By: Representatives Gardner of the 57th, Cheokas of the 134th, Fullerton of the 151st,
Baker of the 78th, Kaiser of the 59th, and others

A RESOLUTION

Commending the American Red Cross and recognizing March, 2009, as American Red Cross Month at the state capitol and inviting representatives of the American Red Cross to appear before the House of Representatives; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, The American Red Cross plays a vital humanitarian role in Georgia by empowering tens of thousands of caring citizens known as "Hometown Heroes" to make a difference each day by giving of their time, talent, money, and blood to help ease and prevent human suffering, and to save lives in our state, the nation and the world; and

WHEREAS, the Red Cross, though not a government agency itself, is a valued partner that collaborates with Georgia's emergency planning community to respond to disasters of all types; and

WHEREAS, last year, through a state-wide network of 22 chapters, the Red Cross provided food, clothing, shelter, first aid, health care, and counseling to more than 5,700 Georgia families following 3,000 local disasters; and

WHEREAS, the Red Cross brought compassionate relief to thousands of our neighbors following three devastating tornado outbreaks in the spring of 2008; and

WHEREAS, last year alone, Red Cross Blood Services collected 329,300 units of blood, including red blood cells and platelets, from Georgia blood donors, who in turn may have helped save more than 922,400 lives through their selfless generosity; and

WHEREAS, last year, Red Cross training in programs in such areas as first aid, CPR, use of an AED, and water safety gave more than 146,700 Georgia citizens the confidence and skills they need to respond to life-threatening emergencies; and

WHEREAS, as part of its humanitarian mission, the Red Cross provides the only worldwide communications link between service members and their loved ones, and last year, the Red Cross helped 15,800 of Georgia's military families send emergency messages, get financial assistance, find counseling, and get referrals, and briefed 98,400 family members on services available to them; and

WHEREAS, preparedness is a vital part of the Red Cross mission, and the Red Cross, in partnership with state and local agencies, is helping Georgia's families become safer, healthier, and better prepared for the unexpected, whether natural disasters, manmade threats, or health emergencies such as a pandemic flu outbreak; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting that this body recognize and celebrate the contributions of Georgia's Hometown Heroes, Red Cross volunteers, donors, partners, and employees, including those visiting the capitol on March 18, 2009.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body recognize March, 2009, as American Red Cross Month at the state capitol, commend the outstanding humanitarian aid provided by this organization and its proud heritage of service, and invite representatives of the American Red Cross to appear before the House of Representatives at an appropriate date and time to be designated by the Speaker of the House.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to the American Red Cross.