Individuals urged to donate blood this summer

Assemblyman Charles Nesbitt is urging local business, community and civic leaders to lend their support to causes that are vital to all of us: blood donations and blood drive sponsorships.

The community is facing a potentially serious situation - an inadequate blood supply. As stewards of the blood supply for 54 counties in New York state, the New York-Penn Region of American Red Cross Blood Services ideally needs between five and seven days worth of blood to ensure that it can adequately meet patient needs on a daily basis and appropriately respond to any unforeseen disaster. The region, along with the rest of the country, usually peaks at a three-day supply, and during the summer months, blood reserves often drop to a one- or two-day supply.

Throughout the summer, the community blood supply typically drops about 15 percent, partially due to the lack of blood drives at high schools and colleges. "For this reason, I am asking for support of local leaders. By sponsoring a blood drive this summer, our leaders can help make up this 15 percent deficit and ensure that the community has a strong and stable blood supply. Sponsoring a blood drive is a charitable act that takes a minimal amount of time and money, yet its impact - the availability of lifesaving blood for patients in need - is invaluable," said Nesbitt.

"It is impossible to know when we, a friend or a loved one may require blood, yet we always expect it to be there when we need it," Nesbitt said. "I encourage you to join me in this important cause to ensure the health of our entire community."

For information on giving blood or sponsoring a blood drive, call the Red Cross at (800) 514-4319, ext. 804.