The American Red Cross recently honored Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) as a 2023 New York state ‘Legislator of the Year.’ Nick Bond, CEO of the Western New York Region for the Red Cross, highlighted that Palmesano helped promote 256 blood drives in his district in 2022 alone. Along with blood drive promotion, Palmesano has worked closely with the organization on the ‘Sound the Alarm’ fire safety program that installs free smoke detectors in homes in addition to promoting and supporting the Red Cross’ critical ‘Services to the Armed Forces’ program.

“I am truly humbled and want to thank the American Red Cross for this tremendous honor. Please know that I look forward to our continued collaboration and partnership in the future. Thank you so very much to all the dedicated staff, board members and volunteers across the state for your incredible, selfless commitment to helping those in need by providing invaluable support for so many,” said Palmesano. “Whether it be providing critical assistance during an emergency or disaster, providing smoke detectors to families, serving our veterans or saving lives through your critical blood drives, the work you do at the Red Cross is truly God’s work. I cannot thank you enough for all you do to serve the people of the 132^nd Assembly District and across this state, nation and world.

“It is important to raise public awareness that the Red Cross does far more than just blood drives. Their Sound the Alarm program has installed countless free smoke alarms for residents across our state and they have provided fire safety education to many. The Services to the Armed Forces program continues to help active-duty military members and veterans with important services and programs. 

“The American Red Cross relies on the hard work and dedication of countless volunteers. They are the real heroes who continue to put the needs of others in front of their own. While there is nothing we can say to fully thank them, we will continue to highlight their efforts that provide critical services for the most vulnerable and how they are saving lives daily,” concluded Palmesano.

Palmesano is asking residents of the 132^nd Assembly District to save a life and donate blood today. Appointments can be made by using the blood donor app, calling

1-800-RED CROSS or by visiting their Web site.