Senator Patterson offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 19.

            A resolution commemorating March 2005 as Red Cross Month in Michigan.

            Whereas, The American Red Cross, founded in 1881 and guided by the principles of compassion, courage, character, and civic duty, has continually served the needs of Michigan residents as well as individuals in need worldwide; and

            Whereas, The American Red Cross is uniquely chartered by the United States Congress to act in times of need by providing assistance to persons afflicted by local, state, national, or international disasters, as well as to assist American military personnel and their families; and

            Whereas, The American Red Cross distributes about 80 percent of the blood and blood products used by Michigan residents during medical procedures and biomedical operations; and

            Whereas, Increased demands and declining donors are creating critical needs for citizens to donate blood, to the point where nonessential surgeries may have to be restricted by Michigan hospitals; and

            Whereas, In today’s new world of terrorism and threats to homeland security, the American Red Cross is urging all Americans to protect themselves through its "Together We Prepare" program, which includes five actions each citizen should take: Make a Plan, Build a Kit, Get Trained, Volunteer, and Give Blood; and

            Whereas, Security preparation efforts include training school teachers, coaches, businesses, and individuals to respond to first aid and safety concerns; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby proclaim March 2005 as American Red Cross Month in Michigan. Accordingly, we support this organization's noble and humanitarian mission by asking each Michigan citizen to participate in blood drives throughout this year; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross.