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 distributes 80 percent of the blood and blood products used by Michigan residents for medical procedures and biomedical operations; and,

Whereas, Increased demands and declining donors are creating critical needs for citizens to donate blood, to the point where nonessential surgeries may have to be curtailed by Michigan hospitals; 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 five actions each citizen should take: Make a Plan, Build a Kit, Get Trained, Volunteer and Give Blood; and,

Whereas, Security preparation efforts include training school teachers, coaches, businesses and individuals to respond to first aid and safety concerns; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim March, 2004, as Red Cross Month in Michigan and I urge all citizens to get prepared, give blood and take part in advancing the noble and humanitarian mission of the Red Cross.