Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I, Ref-Pulaski) and Oswego Mayor, Billy Barlow will host an American Red Cross blood drive on Friday, May 11 at the Oswego Elks Lodge, at 132 West 5th Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To schedule an appointment for the blood drive, contact Barclay’s office at 315-598-5185 or visit the American Red Cross Web site.

“Donating blood is a simple and easy way to make a difference in our community and to help those in need,” said Barclay. “Each year, I make an effort to donate at least once because I know how much of an impact it has on others. I’m pleased to host this year’s blood drive at the Oswego Elks Lodge, and I urge the community to come and do their part to save lives.”

“I’m honored to join Assemblyman Barclay to host such an impactful event,” said Barlow. “By giving just one pint of blood, each person can save up to three lives. If we all make an effort to donate, we can help countless people across the state. Everyone can stop by the Oswego Elks Lodge this Friday on May 11.”

For those donating, it takes 8-10 minutes to give blood with a total time to register and replenish with provided snacks of about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Donors are encouraged to eat well and hydrate prior to their appointment. Donating blood is an important and easy service people can provide to their community. Currently, there is an urgent need for blood, especially those who have Type O blood.

According to the Red Cross:

• Only 38 percent of the U.S. population is able to donate blood.
• Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.
• More than 44,000 blood donations are needed every day.
• The blood type most often requested by hospitals is Type O.
• More than 1 million new people are diagnosed with cancer each year. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.
• A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood.