Ossining, NY – April is National Donate Life Month, dedicated to raising awareness for organ and tissue donations and registering new donors. It is a time to recognize those who have donated, celebrate those who continue to live on after receiving donations, and advocate on behalf of the thousands of people waiting for an organ donation. In recognition of Donate Life Month, State Assemblymember Dana Levenberg held an event in collaboration with the Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Live On NY, and the New York Blood Center on Monday, April 13th. The event consisted of a flag raising with Live On NY followed by an opportunity to donate blood. The event also featured Girl Scouts Troop 1308 distributing cookies to blood donors. 

“April is an important time to raise awareness about donations that can save lives,” said Levenberg. “A single blood donation can save up to three lives. A single organ donor can save up to eight lives. A tissue donor can improve the lives of up to 75 people. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who stepped up today to donate blood, and I encourage anyone who is healthy enough to do so to learn more about becoming an organ and tissue donor.” 

The event was hosted at Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps (OVAC). EMS Director Nick Franzoso said, “As EMS Director of the Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps, I was proud to welcome our community to OVAC for this important blood drive held in partnership with Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg and LiveOnNY. Events like this are a reminder that protecting the health of our community goes far beyond emergency response alone. Giving blood is a simple act that can have a lifesaving impact for neighbors, friends, and families throughout our region. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this event possible and to each person who came out to donate and support this shared effort.”

Blood cannot be synthetically made, so donor blood is a critical resource in hospitals. Extreme weather events this winter forced the New York Blood Center to cancel hundreds of donation appointments, worsening an existing blood shortage. This event yielded 34 units of blood, enough to assist 90 recipients. Events such as this are not the only opportunity to donate blood; those healthy enough to donate can visit their web site to learn more about blood donation and make an appointment. 

“We are proud to partner with our colleagues at LiveOnNY, Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg, and the Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps on this blood drive and raising of the flag to mark National Donate Life month,” said Jeannie Mascolino, Vice President, Blood Operations at New York Blood Center. “Blood is needed every day for trauma care, surgeries such as organ transplants, cancer treatment, and more, and there is no substitute when donations fall short. Ensuring the stability of the blood supply is a team effort. Together, we inspire and call on our communities to care for one another by making simple yet lifesaving blood donations.”

Event participants were also offered information about organ donation, including personal testimony from the parent of an organ donor, Brian Carey, Sr., whose son Brian Jr. saved five lives through organ donation. “I would like to thank Assemblymember Levenberg for allowing me to share Brian's organ donation story,” said Carey. “It was an honor to meet you all and to donate a pint of blood as well. Thank you for letting people know the importance of organ and blood donation.” 

Organ donation offers people with terminal illness, severe injuries, and many other medical diagnoses a renewed chance at life. While some organs can only come from a recently deceased person, it is also possible to be a living donor who gives a kidney or part of a liver, to specify two common examples. Prospective organ donors can learn more about organ donation and register at the LiveOnNY web site. 

“This month – and every month – we honor the extraordinary generosity of donor heroes and the strength of their families, whose decisions continue to save and heal lives,” said Leonard Achan, President and CEO of LiveOnNY. “LiveOnNY was proud to stand with State Assemblywoman Levenberg for this meaningful flag raising, recognizing the lasting legacies of all those who said yes to donation. Their gifts remind us of the profound impact one decision can make for so many.”

"Thank you to Assemblymember Dana Levenberg, OVAC, the New York Blood Center and LiveOnNY for sponsoring this event,” said Ossining Town Supervisor Liz Feldman, who was in attendance. “The blood donations made today will help people in our region immediately, and I am hopeful that more people will be inspired to consider organ donation this month as we continue to encourage people to Donate Life. The Ossining community is home to several people in need of organ donations, including a first responder who is on the organ donation list for a 9/11-related illness. I strongly encourage anyone who is healthy enough to do so to please learn more about organ donation and register to make a life-saving gift."