H.R. No. 369



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, For more than eight decades, 33 locally operated and 
supported Texas chapters of the American Red Cross have assisted 
disaster victims and provided information and education to help 
individuals more effectively respond to emergencies; and
	WHEREAS, In today's uncertain environment, the American Red 
Cross has collaborated with the federal government and other 
emergency-planning community partners to create Together We 
Prepare; this basic, five-step initiative--to make a plan, build a 
kit, get trained, volunteer, and give blood--shows how each of us 
can make our communities, and ultimately our country, safer; and
	WHEREAS, In the year 2002 alone, Texans helped each other by 
making more than 102,000 blood donations, while over 33,500 
volunteers assisted in the work of their local chapters; in 
addition, nearly 508,000 individuals learned such lifesaving 
skills as first aid, defibrillator use, and CPR; and
	WHEREAS, American Red Cross services benefited myriad Texas 
military families last year, as well as victims of more than 4,900 
disasters, including fires, wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and 
tornadoes; moreover, volunteers from the Lone Star State traveled 
to other countries struck by natural disasters in order to help 
people get access to safe drinking water and aid in the fight 
against malnutrition and life-threatening diseases; and
	WHEREAS, The American Red Cross has long been a major source 
of comfort and support in time of emergency, and it is a privilege 
to join in recognizing the organization's significant 
contributions to the lives of Texans over the years; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby recognize March 2003 as American Red Cross Month 
in Texas and commend all those affiliated with this exemplary 
organization for their outstanding efforts in promoting safety and 
providing disaster relief.

                                                                            Wong

                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 369 was adopted by the House on March 
3, 2003, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House