Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) today announced he will host his annual blood drive in partnership with the American Red Cross on Friday, May 16, at the McCrobie Building, located at 41 Lake Street in Oswego. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Donating blood is a simple way to make a difference in our community and to help those in need,” said Leader Barclay. “The need for blood donations is critical, and unfortunately never goes away. I’m pleased to host this year’s blood drive with our great partners at the Red Cross who do so much every day to save lives.”

According to the Red Cross, only 38 percent of the U.S. population can donate blood. There is an urgent need for blood donations across the country. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. More than one million new people are diagnosed with cancer each year, and many patients will need blood, sometimes daily, during chemotherapy treatments.

To schedule an appointment, please contact Leader Barclay’s office at 315-598-5185 or visit the American Red Cross website. For those donating, it takes 8 to 10 minutes to give blood, with a total time to register and replenish of about one hour and 15 minutes. Donors are encouraged to eat well and hydrate before their appointment.