Senator Kennedy Sponsors Unyts Independence Day Blood Drives

Blood drives in West Seneca this week on Wednesday, July 4, and Friday, July 6

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Senator Timothy M. Kennedy, D-58th District, is asking 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 next week at Unyts blood drives, which Senator Kennedy is sponsoring.

On Wednesday, July 4, the blood drive runs from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Friday, July 6, the drive will start at 7 a.m. and end at 2 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 by taking part in a true patriotic act – giving blood,” Senator Kennedy said. “Your blood donation will be critically important to ensure there is sufficient supply to meet the high summer demand. 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 be entered to win a free tank of gas. One winner will be selected each week. To schedule an appointment to donate blood, please contact Unyts at 716-512-7940, or you can sign up online atwww.Unyts.org. For more information, you can also contact Senator Kennedy’s office at 716-826-2683.

Local Blood Facts

• Every 3 seconds someone needs blood.
• 100 people in WNY will need blood today.
• This year, area hospitals will use 60,000 units of blood.
• Just one pint can help save up to 3 local lives.
• It’s about an hour of your time… It’s about life.

Unyts blood drive, hosted by Senator Kennedy

• Wednesday, July 4, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Unyts  Blood Donation Center, Southgate Plaza, West Seneca.
• Friday, July 6, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Unyts Blood Donation Center, Southgate Plaza, West Seneca.

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Senator Timothy M. Kennedy represents the New York State Senate’s 58th District, which is comprised of the towns of Cheektowaga, Eden, Hamburg and West Seneca, the city of Lackawanna and parts of the city of Buffalo. More information is available at http://kennedy.nysenate.gov.  

Headquartered in Buffalo and established in 1981, Unyts 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.