Title
Proclamation recognizing the month of March as "American Red Cross Month" and commending the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter for their outstanding humanitarian efforts, helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.
Body
WHEREAS, the American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies; and
WHEREAS, the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter serves more than 1.6 million people of Allegheny, Fayette, Greene and Washington counties, responding to a disaster nearly every 24 hours and playing an integral role in training these communities in vital emergency preparedness steps and planning; and
WHEREAS, during fiscal year 2004/2005 the agency responded to 354 emergencies and assisted more than 550 families, the Armed Forces Emergency Services volunteers facilitated more than 1,400 military families' requests for assistance, and more than 40,500 disaster education materials were distributed in the four-county region. The organization trained nearly 2,000 individuals in Emergency Preparedness and assisted over 275 special care facility administrators in the development of emergency operations plans; and
WHEREAS, other significant achievements included executing a full-scale evacuation drill with the Baptist Homes of Mt. Lebanon and local emergency management, supporting the PNC Park terrorism exercise with recruitment and coordination of more than 3,000 volunteers, expanding their partnerships by signing formal agreements with food banks in Fayette, Washington and Greene counties, and managing a shelter in East Deer for a train derailment in January 2005. The agency was successful in achieving a national goal to recruit and train 800 volunteers in response to Hurricane Katrina, actually training a total of 920 volunteers; and
WHEREAS, after a disaster strikes, the American Red Cross enables people to resume their normal daily activities independently, which is made possible through the generous contributions of people's time, skills and money;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Allegheny County Council hereby recognizes the month of March as “American Red Cross Month” and commends the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter for their selfless efforts and unwavering dedication to assisting individuals and families affected by disaster. This Council also extends its deepest appreciation for their public service, which has earned the esteem of the citizens of Allegheny County.