HR0776 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, September 15 through October 15 marks National Hispanic Heritage Month; and

WHEREAS, Our State's hospitals and surgery centers rely on a continual safe supply of 100% donated blood; and

WHEREAS, Although Latinos make up 17% of the general population nationwide, they make up less than 4% of blood donors; and

WHEREAS, The Latino population has a high percentage of type O blood, which is in high demand since it can be transfused to patients with other blood types; Latino blood also contains important antibodies, unique to the Latino population, making their donations especially vital to other Latinos in need of an exact antigen match for a transfusion; and

WHEREAS, A single unit of blood can save up to 3 lives, while a single trauma patient can use over 100 units of blood; and

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

WHEREAS, Blood centers rely heavily not only on blood donated on their premises, but on blood drives organized throughout their communities by volunteers; and

WHEREAS, Blood can be donated every 56 days and can improve the health of the donor by reducing excess iron and encouraging the body to produce more blood; 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 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we encourage the Latino community in the State to share its unique gift of life by donating blood; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we further encourage Latino businesses, churches, and other organizations to consider hosting a blood drive in their community and urge community colleges, colleges, universities, and trade schools to host blood drives and participate in the National Cesar E. Chavez Blood Drive Scholarship Challenge; and be it further

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