Senator Kennedy to Sponsor UNYTS Independence Day Blood Drives

Blood drives in West Seneca this weekend on Friday, July 1 and Monday, July 4

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Senator Timothy M. Kennedy (D-58th District) is calling on the community to help keep the blood supply strong this Independence Day. The demand for blood tends to outpace supply during the summer season, but Western New Yorkers have an opportunity to change that trend this weekend at the Upstate New York Transplant Services (UNYTS) blood drives, which are sponsored by Senator Kennedy.

On Friday, July 1, the blood drive runs from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Monday, July 4, the drive will start at 9 a.m. and end at 1 p.m. Both blood drives will take place at the UNYTS Neighborhood Blood Donation Center at the Southgate Plaza (1000 Union Road) in West Seneca.

“It can be a struggle to keep the blood supply strong during the summer months, but you can make a difference this Independence Day weekend by taking part in a true patriotic act – giving blood,” Senator Kennedy said. “Your blood donation will be critically important in the regional and nationwide efforts to keep the supply strong. It will help our nation and our region remain always prepared to save lives in any circumstances. Giving blood is a fantastic way to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday – you will be strengthening our nation’s emergency preparedness and helping save lives.”

“For many people, the summer season is a time to enjoy traveling, warm weather, holidays and other activities, but unfortunately, it is also a time of year when blood transfusions have historically been needed the most due to the spike in accidents related to the nice weather and the blood supply is often low,” said UNYTS CEO and President Mark Simon. “When you donate through UNYTS, you’re ensuring that your friends, family and neighbors have blood available when they need it. Just one pint can help save up to three local lives,” Simon added.

All presenting blood donors will receive a free t-shirt and 2 FREE Buffalo Bisons flex passes. To schedule an appointment to donate blood, please contact UNYTS at 716-512-7940, or you can sign up online at www.unyts.org. For more information, you can also contact Senator Kennedy’s office at 716-826-2683.

Local Blood Facts

Headquartered in Buffalo and established in 1981, Upstate New York Transplant Services is among the leading organ procurement organizations in the United States and is the only establishment of its kind nationwide to offer opportunities for organ, eye, tissue and blood donation. More information is available at www.unyts.org.