PRINTER'S NO. 601
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
95
Session of
2017
INTRODUCED BY MURT, BAKER, BARRAR, R. BROWN, BURNS, CALTAGIRONE,
CHARLTON, SCHLEGEL CULVER, DAVIS, DiGIROLAMO, DUSH, FARRY,
FREEMAN, HILL-EVANS, JAMES, KINSEY, LONGIETTI, MACKENZIE,
McNEILL, MILLARD, NEILSON, PASHINSKI, READSHAW, ROZZI, RYAN,
SAINATO, SAMUELSON, SCHLOSSBERG, SCHWEYER, SONNEY, WARD,
WARREN AND WATSON, FEBRUARY 23, 2017
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
FEBRUARY 23, 2017
A RESOLUTION
Designating the month of March 2017 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
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
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 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 trained more than 187,778
people in many different programs Statewide; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 102,714 individuals were trained in
first aid, the proper way to perform CPR or the use of an
automatic external defibrillator; and
WHEREAS, 33,865 individuals received training in
aquatic/water safety and 46,622 were trained in emergency
preparedness; and
WHEREAS, 7,677 individuals received training in caregiving;
and
WHEREAS, 16,813 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, teach safety and personal
preparedness skills; and
WHEREAS, There were 7,010 American Red Cross volunteers
Statewide who donated time and energy to their communities; and
WHEREAS, In fiscal year 2016, the American Red Cross housed
385 new families at the Red Cross House, including 707 adults
20170HR0095PN0601 - 2 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
and 438 children, for a total of 23,112 nights of shelter at the
Red Cross House and an estimated 64,109 meals served; and
WHEREAS, The year 2016 saw 2,276 disasters Statewide; and
WHEREAS, There were 4,372 families assisted with direct
client assistance Statewide; and
WHEREAS, The year 2015 saw 2,263 fires Statewide, prompting
the American Red Cross to take notice; and
WHEREAS, The American Red Cross is working to ensure that no
more fire deaths occur in this Commonwealth through their Home
Fire Campaign; and
WHEREAS, The American Red Cross is partnering 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 will help
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 2017 as "American Red Cross Month" in
Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
20170HR0095PN0601 - 3 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
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
19103.
20170HR0095PN0601 - 4 -
1
2
3
4
5
6