COLUMBUS-The Polk County Board of Commissioners proclaimed July as American Red Cross month.

Commissioners met June 19 and approved a proclamation in support of the American Red Cross, which is celebrating 100 years of service in the county.

Commissioners met with Alli Trask, with the American Red Cross during the meeting and read the proclamation.

Trask said the Red Cross is honored to have such amazing volunteers and told the county they should know the Red Cross is available in Polk County if they are ever needed.

Following is the proclamation Polk County approved:

WHEREAS, the American Red Cross serving Polk County is celebrating 100 years of service; and

WHEREAS, the Red Cross plays a vital humanitarian role in Polk County as it organizes caring members of the community to donate their time, talent, money and blood to help ease suffering and to save lives in our county, state, nation and world;

WHEREAS, for 100 years, the Red Cross, by partnering with local, county and state agencies, has supported Polk County residents when home fires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes or other disasters strike with emergency assistance, such as food, clothing and shelter;

WHEREAS, a vital part of the Red Cross mission is to provide preparedness training to encourage people to be prepared for the unexpected;

WHEREAS, the Red Cross provides training in CPR, water safety, sheltering and first aid giving Polk County residents the confidence and skills to respond to life-threatening emergencies;

WHEREAS, the Red Cross saves lives every day as it collects blood and platelets for thos who need it most;

WHEREAS, the Red Cross provides 24-hours support to all members of the military, veterans and their families, including a vital worldwide communications link to their families and loved ones back home;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Polk County Board of Commissioners declares July as “American Red Cross Month” in Polk County, North Carolina.