American Red Cross Month

Proclamation

By the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, in Alabama, we have a long history of helping our neighbors in need. American Red Cross Month is a special time to recognize and thank our heroes – those Red Cross volunteers and donors who give of their time and resources to help community members; and

WHEREAS, these heroes help families find shelter after a home fire. They give blood to help trauma victims and cancer patients. They deliver comfort items to military members in the hospital. They use their lifesaving skills to save someone from a heart attack, drowning or choking. They enable children around the globe to be vaccinated against measles and rubella; and

WHEREAS, the American Red Cross depends on local heroes to deliver help and hope during a disaster. We applaud our heroes here in Alabama who give of themselves to assist their neighbors when they need a helping hand; and

WHEREAS, across the country and around the world, the American Red Cross responds to disasters big and small. In fact, every eight minutes the organization responds to a community disaster, providing shelter, food, emotional support and other necessities to those affected. It collects nearly 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply; provides 24-hour support to military members, veterans and their families; teaches millions of people lifesaving skills, such as lifeguarding and CPR; and through its Restoring Family Links program, connects family members separated by crisis, conflict or migration; and

WHEREAS, the month of March is dedicated to all those who support the American Red Cross mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. Our community depends on the American Red Cross, which relies on donations of time, money and blood to fulfill its humanitarian mission. This year the Alabama Red Cross is marking 100 years of service to the people of the state:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim March, 2017, as

American Red Cross Month

in the State of Alabama and encourage all Alabamians to support this organization and its noble humanitarian mission.

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 29th day of March 2017.

Robert Bentley

Governor