Senator Valesky Partners with Oneida YMCA and Red Cross for Blood Drive

SYRACUSE--Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) is partnering with the American Red Cross for a special “Communities That Care” blood drive on Friday, June 27, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Oneida YMCA, 701 Seneca St., Oneida.

A “Community That Cares” blood drive is a Red Cross initiative to engage local citizens and boost regional blood supplies by enlisting community support. The need for blood is constant and is an essential component for patient care in area hospitals. Each day, the Red Cross New York-Penn Region needs to collect about 1,200 units of blood to maintain a sufficient supply.

“Blood donations are crucial for saving lives right here in our community,” Senator Valesky said. “The Red Cross provides a vital service through blood drives. I encourage everyone who can to come out on June 27 and give blood.”

“Many people say they never fully understood the importance of donating blood until they or someone they love needed it,” said Kay E. Schwartz, CEO of the Red Cross New York-Penn Blood Services Region. “Donors are needed every single day to ensure an adequate blood supply is available for patients this summer and throughout the year.”

According to the Red Cross, it is often difficult to collect enough blood donations to meet patient needs during the summer months when schools are out and many families are on vacation. About half the number of 18- to 24-year-old donors, who account for as much as 20 percent of donations during the school year, give blood during summer compared to the rest of the year. This seasonal challenge could be overcome, the Red Cross says, if just two more donors above the expected number give blood at each Red Cross blood drive this summer.

Donors at this event will receive a special t-shirt and have the opportunity to enter a raffle for a $200 Visa gift card courtesy of Suburban Propane. Walk-ins are welcome, but donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by visiting redcrossblood.org.