Res. No. 445
Resolution declaring September to be "Blood and Bone Marrow Donor Month" in the City of New York.
By Council Members Oddo, Lanza, McMahon, Avella, Barron, Boyland, Clarke, Comrie, Fidler, Jackson, Liu, Nelson, Recchia, Vann, Weprin, Gennaro, Gentile and Sears
Whereas, The use of blood and bone marrow in various medical procedures has assisted in the restoration of the health and saved countless lives in New York City and around the country; and
Whereas, There is a dire need to insure that there is a sufficient supply of blood and bone
marrow, which must be continually supplemented to meet the demands of those in need; and
Whereas, It is important to make potential donors aware of the safety of the blood and bone marrow collection process; and
Whereas, The American Red Cross states that, although giving blood is easy, safe and takes less than an hour, only about 5 percent of the estimated 60 percent of eligible Americans donate blood; and
Whereas, On June 21, 2004, The New York Blood Center projected that by early July their inventory would drop below 5,000 pints, which is less than half of what they need to meet hospital demand for blood in New York and New Jersey; and
Whereas, According to the Blood and Tissue Center of Central Texas, the only hope for survival for many patients with leukemia and other life-threatening blood diseases, is a marrow transplant, but unfortunately, nearly 70 percent of these patients cannot find a suitable marrow match; and
Whereas, No one should lose their life or not be restored to good health due to an inadequate supply of appropriate blood or bone marrow; and
Whereas, Donating blood during the month of September is a way to honor the victims of
September 11, 2001; and
Whereas, Blood and bone marrow donation is a vital means for someone to contribute to the health and safety of others in New York City and the United States; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York declares September to be "Blood and Bone Marrow Donor Month" in the City of New York.