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<PRE>[DOCID: f:hr202eh.txt]
H. Res. 202

                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                     September 5, 2001.
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
Whereas the summer of 2001 would be an appropriate season to establish as Summer 
        Emergency Blood Donor Season: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, 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.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.

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