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 responded worldwide to more than 68,000 disaster incidents last year and aided about 13,000 individuals and 3,000 families in Michigan with disaster assistance; 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 the five actions each citizen should take, Make a Plan, Build a Kit, Get Trained, Volunteer and Give Blood; and,

Whereas, Preparation efforts include training school teachers, coaches, businesses and neighborhoods to appropriately respond to first aid and safety concerns; and,

Whereas, Other responsibilities of the American Red Cross include Biological Services including major blood collection drives, Armed Forces Emergency Services, education and training on health and safety issues including use of automated external defibrillators and HIV/AIDS education; and now therefore be it

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim March, 2003, as American Red Cross Month in Michigan. I encourage each Michigan citizen to be prepared, enlist as a Red Cross volunteer, and give part of themselves to advance this organization’s noble and humanitarian mission. I also encourage all agencies of state government to support and assist the various activities of the American Red Cross.