Murphy sponsors community blood drive at Mt. Pleasant Community Center

Valhalla, NY - As part of National Blood Month, Senator Terrence Murphy is sponsoring a blood drive on Wednesday, January 27 from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Mt. Pleasant Community Center, Recreation Room A, at 125 Lozza Drive in Valhalla, NY. The drive, co-hosted by Senator Murphy and the town of Mt. Pleasant, is being held to address the New York Blood Center's critical need for blood donations this winter.

"The recent snowstorm was a reminder that accidents and medical emergencies don't take a day off," Senator Murphy said. "The need for blood is constant, every minute of every day. I am proud to sponsor this blood drive and encourage everyone who is eligible to donate blood."

"The town of Mt. Pleasant is honored to coordinate this effort with Senator Terrence Murphy's office," said Town Supervisor Carl Fulgenzi.  "It is especially important this time of year when blood supplies are challenged.  I know we can depend on the people of Mt. Pleasant and the surrounding communities to come out and support this important drive."  

Nearly 2,000 blood transfusions are needed on a daily basis in New York and New Jersey alone. Because blood can be broken down into components, one pint of blood can save three lives. Blood donors meet the daily transfusion needs of cancer and surgery patients, accident and burn victims, newborns and AIDS and sickle cell patients among many others who depend on blood to survive. Because blood products have a limited shelf life, they must be constantly replenished.

"As our communities were digging out of this past weekend's blizzard, blood drive cancellations and Donor Center closures from Friday to Monday resulted in the loss of more than twelve hundred donations," said Andrea Cefarelli, Executive Director of Donor Recruitment for the New York Blood Center. "We're hoping the community comes out to replenish the blood supply. Types 0-, B- and platelet donations can only be made at our designated donor centers and are particularly needed."

Potential donors should be 16-years-old and up. Sixteen-year-olds will need a consent form signed by a parent. Seniors 76-years-old and older can donate if they have a letter signed by a physician.

Founded in 1964, The New York Blood Center serves 20 million people in the greater New York area through partnerships with more than 200 hospitals in New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, New Jersey and parts of Connecticut.

Refreshments will be served. To register, please call Senator Murphy's office at (914) 962-2624. For more information about donating blood, visit the New York Blood Center's website at www.bloodcenter.org/blood, or call 1-800-688-0900.