[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E471]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 COMMEMORATING MARCH AS RED CROSS MONTH

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                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 24, 2010

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize March as 
National Red Cross Month. The American Red Cross has provided 
assistance and comfort to communities stricken by disasters large and 
small since it was founded in 1881 by Clara Barton. For over 100 years, 
the American Red Cross has continued to help ensure our communities are 
prepared and resilient in the face of future disasters.
  Madam Speaker, at home and abroad, one in five Americans is touched 
by the Red Cross every single year. On September 29, an 8.0 earthquake 
in the Pacific Ocean generated tsunami waves in American Samoa, Samoa 
and Tonga, killing more than 170 people. The district I represent, the 
37th of California, has the largest population of Samoans in the 
continental United States, so this tragedy directly impacted many 
families in my district. I would like to recognize the American Red 
Cross for their invaluable assistance and quick response in providing 
relief after this event. I can attest to the good work they did when I 
traveled to American Samoa to deliver supplies donated by my 
constituents. The American Red Cross mobilized 90 volunteers to provide 
food, water, and relief supplies, as well as tracing services for 
families separated during the disaster. The Samoan Red Cross mobilized 
200 volunteers to distribute relief items and support camps sheltering 
the homeless, with the goal of assisting 15,000 people.
  In my district, the Greater Long Beach Chapter of the American Red 
Cross has 590 registered volunteers. They have certified 32,160 people 
in CPR/first aid, AED and water safety skills, and more than 4,330 
people have received disaster preparedness training through health 
fairs, speaking engagements or trained in preparedness classes. In 
addition, the Disaster Action Teams (DAT) responded to 33 local 
emergency operations, opened 3 shelters and provided disaster shelter 
and food to 58 individuals, and financial support to 39 families. 
Finally, our volunteer youth group served 1,000 needy adults and 
children at their annual Holiday Project.
  In conclusion, Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished 
colleagues join me in applauding the hard work of the American Red 
Cross volunteers and celebrating March as American Red Cross Month.

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