SR0563 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0563 LRB094 16614 HSS 51876 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, January is commemorated as "National Blood Donor Month"; and

WHEREAS, Every three seconds in this country someone will need blood; and

WHEREAS, A single trauma patient can use well over 100 units of blood; and

WHEREAS, A single blood donation can save up to three lives; and

WHEREAS, Blood only has a shelf life of 42 days; and

WHEREAS, Blood is not only needed in times of disaster but on a constant basis to treat everyday people; and

WHEREAS, Cancer patients are the biggest user group of blood followed by use in treatment of neonatal, dialysis, burn victims, and heart disease; and

WHEREAS, Blood is required in every organ transplant; and

WHEREAS, Less than 5% of the eligible population actually donates blood; and

WHEREAS, Community blood centers rely 100% on donations from volunteer donors in order to maintain a safe and viable blood supply; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois recognizes the importance of blood donation through the Blood Donation Act, the Employee Blood Donation Leave Act, and the Organ Donor Leave Act; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we name the month of January as "Blood Donor Month"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That anyone who has never donated blood but is eligible to is urged to step up to the challenge and become a first time donor; and be it further

RESOLVED, That those who have donated blood are urged to become regular donors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That all Illinoisans are urged to pay tribute to those among us who donate for others in need; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Illinois Coalition of Community Blood Centers.