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.
The humanitarian effort of the American Red Cross is a symbolism for the hope and relief they promote around the world. By providing basic human needs, the Red Cross helps keep the dignity of the people they are serving regardless of their economic, ethnic, or social status.
DISCUSSION
At the March 25, 2025, City Council meeting, the City Council will proclaim March 2025 as Red Cross Month. Executive Director Reagan Lund and Boardmember Saksham Gakhar 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.
FIS...
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