Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Cicero) announced that his 14^th annual Lifesavers Blood Drive, hosted in conjunction with the American Red Cross on Tuesday, July 21, was a huge success despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, collecting 182 units of blood and tying the record for most ever collected at the annual event.

“The simple fact is that blood donors save lives, especially during the difficult times we find ourselves in,” said Stirpe. “COVID-19 has hurt the ability to conduct blood drives across the country, while the need for blood and plasma at our hospitals and treatment centers continues. I’m grateful to everyone who donated, and I am once again inspired by the generosity of Central New Yorkers who come out year after year to give the gift of life.”

Blood and plasma donations are used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including cancer, leukemia, sickle cell disease, anemia, severe burns and trauma, internal bleeding, premature births and blood transfusions.^[1]

“Donating blood is always important, but it’s incredibly vital right now to help COVID-19 patients recover and ensure local hospitals aren’t impacted by regional blood shortages,” said Kristin Crandall of the American Red Cross. “I’m grateful to everyone who made a donation, especially during this ongoing public health crisis.”

The assemblyman also wanted to thank the musicians who played at the event; the businesses and individuals who donated prizes, Aminy & Edward Audi of Stickley and Patrick Mannion, in particular; and everyone who came out to give. And Assemblyman Stirpe wanted to apologize to those who tried to be walk-in donors but were turned away due to the overwhelming response of donors.

One particularly interesting aspect of this year’s blood drive was that it occurred while the assembly was in session. Usually, the mid-summer event happens once session has concluded for the year. But due to the pandemic, a remote session was scheduled the same day as the annual drive. “I was attending assembly session remotely from the blood drive,” said Stirpe. “Not only did I have three bills pass the assembly that day, but I believe I became the first New York assemblyperson to vote on a piece of legislation while actually giving blood. So, it was an interesting day.”

For more information about making a blood donation, visit the Red Cross website at redcrossblood.org/donate, or contact Stirpe’s office at 315-452-1115 or StirpeA@nyassembly.gov.

[1] redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-donation-process/what-happens-to-donated-blood.html