Alabama Blood Donation Day

Proclamation

By the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, the State of Alabama is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living in and visiting our state; and

WHEREAS, low blood supply is a public safety concern both locally and nationally, and our hospitals and medical centers need to sustain a healthy supply for our residents and visitors; and

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are more than 9.5 million blood donors in the United States and an estimated 5 million patients receive blood annually; and

WHEREAS, one pint of blood can save the lives of up to three patients, and although an estimated 38-percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood at any given time, less than that eligible population actually participate in blood donations each year; and

WHEREAS, Alabama is home to a number of committed public service and private organizations working to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation, including American Red Cross, the Dr. Daliah Show, and many others; and

WHEREAS, the Alabama Blood Donation Day effectively serves to remind us that we need to replenish our blood supply through donation and community awareness:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim September 10th, 2016, as

Alabama Blood Donation Day

in the State of Alabama, and I encourage all the people of Alabama to support our local blood drives as saving lives and protecting our citizens is our primary goal.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 1st day of September 2016.

Robert Bentley

Governor