Proclamation Declaring March 2023 as
American Red Cross Month
WHEREAS, during American Red Cross Month in March, we celebrate the humanitarian spirit of Contra Costa residents 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 Contra Costa residents whose simple acts of kindness through the Red Cross provide help and hope in people’s most difficult moments — continuing the lifesaving legacy of Clara Barton, who founded the Red Cross 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, floods and other disasters, or donating blood for cancer patients, accident victims, people with sickle cell disease and other life-threatening conditions; and
WHEREAS, in 2022, the Red Cross assisted 172 families in need and held 568 blood drives in Contra Costa, collecting over 16,823 units of blood; and
WHEREAS, every day, these ordinary individuals also support military members and veterans, along with their families and caregivers, assisting 320 cases in 2022; and use vital skills like first aid and CPR to help people survive medical emergencies, and trained over 7,000 in these skills in 2022; and
WHEREAS, in addition, these ordinary individuals, through the Red Cross Sound the Alarm program installed 300 smoke alarms making households safer and trained over 400 youth in preparedness through the Prepare with Pedro and Pillowcase Project; and
WHEREAS, the support, volunteerism and generous donations by individuals and partners are critical to our community’s resilience; and
WHEREAS, the City of Richmond joins Contra Costa County to recognize March 2023 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 that the Richmond City Council does hereby declare March 2023 as Red Cross Month and encourages all residents of Richmond to reach out and support the Red Cross’ humanitarian mission.
Eduardo Martinez Soheila Bana
Eduardo Martinez Soheila Bana
Mayor Councilmember
Dated: February 28, 2023