Skoufis Hosts Community Blood Drive in Woodbury

Senator James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) hosted a community blood drive at the Woodbury Senior Center in partnership with the New York Blood Center. Over 40 constituents - as well as Skoufis' team - donated, exceeding the blood center’s goal for the event. Following his recovery from COVID-19, Skoufis donated plasma and has otherwise been a longtime blood donor.

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in New York, there have been serious shortages in blood supplies and donations throughout the state, including here in the Hudson Valley. This has resulted in an urgent need for blood donations; Skoufis encourages those who are willing and eligible to consider donating.

“Donating blood and bringing events like these directly to the community has always been a priority of mine,” said Senator Skoufis. “Now, with the pandemic, the need is even more critical, which is why I partnered with the New York Blood Center and did extensive outreach to get as many healthy donations as possible. My sincere gratitude goes out to everyone who participated as well as the health professionals who are continuing to work around the clock to close this gap in our state’s blood supply.” 

"The summer months are always difficult with schools on vacation and families going out of town, this year has been especially hard with COVID-19 limiting the number of blood drives," said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior Executive Director Recruitment and Marketing of the New York Blood Center. "Thank you Senator Skoufis for hosting a blood drive and encouraging your constituents to come out and donate. We need everyone to continue to donate blood in order to keep the supply stable and save lives.”

Back in June, Senator Skoufis donated convalescent plasma to the New York Blood Center one month after recovering from Coronavirus. Residents who are interested in participating but could not make the Woodbury blood drive are encouraged to sign up for Skoufis’ next blood drive in North Rockland on Friday, August 28. Those who are interested may sign up by contacting cfoster@nysenate.gov or 845-567-1270.

###