Title
To Recognize and Celebrate the American Red Cross for their Partnership During National Sickle Cell Awareness Month
Body
WHEREAS, September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month, a time when we as a society recognize the strength and perseverance of the community of people living with Sickle Cell Disease, and recommit to developing more effective treatments and increasing awareness; and
WHEREAS, about 1 in 13 Black children tests positive for the sickle cell trait, and about 1 in 365 Black Americans develops the disease over the course of their lifetime; and
WHEREAS, over the last two years the American Red Cross has partnered with Councilmember Bankston’s office and the City of Columbus to coordinate and run a series of blood drives in the month of September for National Sickle Cell Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, these blood drives are a pivotal resource to improving the quality of life for those who live with Sickle Cell Disease; and
WHEREAS, the American Red Cross depends on generous contributions of time, blood, and money from the American public to support their lifesaving services and programs such as these blood drives; and
WHEREAS, Columbus City Council greatly values the work and commitment the American Red Cross has made to serving those in need and appreciates the partnership the City of Columbus has continued to cultivate with the American Red Cross team; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council recognizes and celebrates the American Red Cross for their partnership with the City of Columbus during National Sickle Cell Awareness Month.