Senate Concurrent Resolution 561

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION DESIGNATING MARCH 2023 AS "AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH IN MISSISSIPPI" IN SUPPORT OF ITS CRITICAL HUMANITARIAN MISSION.

WHEREAS, during American Red Cross Month in March, we celebrate the humanitarian spirit of Mississippi and reaffirm our commitment to help ensure no one faces a crisis alone; and

WHEREAS, caring for one another is at the heart of our community and exemplified by the people of Mississippi, whose simple acts of kindness through the Red Cross provide help and hope in people's most difficult moments, continuing the life-saving legacy of Clara Barton, who founded the organization more than 140 years ago to prevent and alleviate human suffering; and

WHEREAS, every day, these ordinary individuals lend a helping hand to make an extraordinary difference for neighbors in need, whether it's providing emergency shelter, food and comfort for families displaced by home fires and other disasters; donating life-saving blood for cancer patients, accident victims, and people with sickle cell disease and other life-threatening conditions; supporting military members and veterans, along with their families and caregivers, through the unique challenges of service; using vital skills like first aid and CPR to help others survive medical emergencies; or delivering international humanitarian aid and reconnecting loved ones separated by crises around the world; and

WHEREAS, their support, volunteerism and generous donations are critical to our community's resilience. We hereby recognize this month of March in honor of all those who fulfill Clara Barton's noble words, "You must never think of anything except the need and how to meet it," and ask everyone to join in this commitment:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby extend the support of the Mississippi Legislature for the critical humanitarian mission of the American Red Cross and designate March 2023 as "American Red Cross Month in Mississippi," encouraging all citizens of Mississippi to reach out and assist in this commitment.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the Mississippi Chapter of the American Red Cross, forwarded to the State Board of Health, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.