IV 107th CONGRESS 1st Session H. Res. 202 In the House of Representatives, U.S., September 5, 2001. M_. ______ submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on _______________ RESOLUTION

Whereas every 3 seconds someone in the United States needs a blood transfusion; Whereas approximately 32,000 pints of blood are used each day in the United States; Whereas donated blood is used for transfusions of platelets, red blood cells, and plasma; Whereas between 5 and 8 pints of red blood cells and approximately 5 pints of platelets are needed for the average open-heart surgery; Whereas people who have been in car accidents and suffered massive blood loss may require transfusions of 50 pints or more of red blood cells; Whereas blood centers are often in short supply of type O and type B blood; Whereas shortages of type O and type B blood are most acute during the summer and during traditional vacation periods during the winter; Whereas blood shortages can result in canceled surgeries, emergency room closures, and even death; Whereas the Southeastern United States was in short supply of blood for transfusions before being hit by tropical storm Allison and is now experiencing a blood shortage crisis; Whereas other States are donating blood from their own fragile blood supplies to the States that were hit hardest by tropical storm Allison; Whereas the State of New York is experiencing a blood shortage crisis; Whereas eligible donors in the State of New York are less than half as likely as other eligible donors in the United States to donate blood; Whereas due to higher rates of cancer and other factors, the demand for blood in New York is higher than in other States; Whereas the State of New York and the entire United States would benefit from increased blood donation; Whereas the establishment of a Summer Emergency Blood Donor Season would encourage eligible donors in the United States to donate blood; and; and Whereas the summer of 2001 would be an appropriate season to establish as Summer Emergency Blood Donor Season: Now, therefore, be it

That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that— 1.a Summer Emergency Blood Donor Season should be established to encourage eligible donors in the United States to donate blood; and 2.the President should issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe the summer of 2001 with appropriate programs and activities, including, in the case of eligible donors, the donation of blood.

Clerk.