SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 444

WHEREAS, The observance of Red Cross Day at the State Capitol on March 20, 2019, presents an ideal opportunity to honor this venerable organization; and

WHEREAS, Nearly 140 years ago, the American Red Cross was established to help anyone in need; today, it is one of the world's largest humanitarian organizations dedicated to alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies, and 90 percent of its work is carried out by volunteers; and

WHEREAS, In Texas, the Red Cross has 17 chapters across four regions, and in 2018 alone, more than 7,000 volunteers contributed nearly 600,000 hours to the organization's efforts; in the wake of the mass shooting at Santa Fe High School, the Red Cross established a canteen for first responders, as well as a family reunification center and family assistance centers offering mental health services and spiritual care; the organization also supported law enforcement and emergency personnel dealing with the package bombings in Austin; and

WHEREAS, The Red Cross benefited Texans in many ways during and after Hurricane Harvey; it opened mega-shelters across the state and looked after evacuees until they were able to return home; in addition, volunteers offered long-term assistance for hundreds of thousands of families affected by the devastation; and

WHEREAS, Each year, the Red Cross trains a host of volunteers in first aid and such lifesaving techniques as CPR; it also delivers blood to hospitals, installs free smoke alarms in at-risk neighborhoods, and provides special services to veterans, members of the military, and their families; and

WHEREAS, Countless people have looked to the Red Cross for comfort, assistance, and guidance in their darkest hour, and the members of the organization may take justifiable pride in their contributions; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th Legislature, hereby recognize March 20, 2019, as Red Cross Day at the State Capitol and honor the members of the organization for their outstanding record of service; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for the organization as an expression of high regard by the Texas Senate. Alvarado, Campbell, Huffman, Lucio, Zaffirini

____________________________________________________________

Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate

____________________________________________________________

Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate

______________________________

Member, Texas Senate

______________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 20, 2019.

______________________________

Secretary of the Senate