REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proclamation of March as Red Cross Month
Report
BACKGROUND
The American Red Cross was founded by American nurse Clara Barton in 1881. Inspired by the Swiss Red Cross network, Clara Barton campaigned for the American Red Cross as an organization to conduct domestic and overseas disaster relief efforts.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation in 1943 to honor the organization's work and raise awareness on its mission. Since then, every United States president has proclaimed March as Red Cross Month.
Red Cross Month is an opportunity for cities to recognize Red Cross volunteers. Red Cross volunteers make a difference in local neighborhoods and across the nation by preparing, responding, and recovering from disasters and emergencies, by donating blood and through financial contributions.
The mission of the Red Cross is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. The Red Cross relies on their workforce, 90% of which are volunteers, to help millions of people, especially during local home fires, wildfires, as well as national hurricanes, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
DISCUSSION
At the March 19, 2024 City Council meeting, the City Council will proclaim March 2024 as Red Cross Month. Representatives from the Silicon Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross will accept the proclamation.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is an informative report only and no action is being taken by the City Council and no environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") is required.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City other than staff time.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City's website and in the City Clerk's Office at least...
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