Cicero, N.Y. – Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Cicero) is once again answering the call to help those in need by holding his ninth annual Lifesavers blood drive with the American Red Cross on Tuesday, July 21, from noon to 8 p.m. at Driver’s Village, 5885 E. Circle Drive in Cicero.

“I’m asking everyone in our community to join me and the Red Cross this summer to help make a difference in the lives of our friends, loved ones and neighbors by being a part of the Lifesavers blood drive,” said Assemblyman Stirpe. “When you choose to donate blood, you are giving a lifesaving gift to people in need. This year, your donation will help us reach a milestone of 1,000 pints of blood collected in the nine years of these Lifesavers blood drives.”

It’s often difficult to collect enough lifesaving blood products for hospital patients in the summer, because high schools and colleges are out of session, and donors are on vacation or busy with summer activities. During the months of June, July and August, on average, about two fewer donors schedule an appointment to give blood at each Red Cross blood drive than what patients need. This can add up to more than 100,000 fewer donations during the summer.

Assemblyman Stirpe learned the importance of donating blood on a regular basis from his father, who sponsored similar yearly blood drives in the village of Clyde for over 20 years. Assemblyman Stirpe encourages the Central New York community to give the gift of life this summer and make a difference.

“Blood donations have proven vital to so many, and it’s important to remember that at any moment, this single act of kindness can help save the lives of three people,” said Assemblyman Stirpe. “The whole process is about an hour, but it only takes a few minutes to donate, and those few minutes could have a lasting impact.”

In the Red Cross New York-Penn Blood Services Region, approximately 1,000 pints of blood need to be collected each day to help many hospital patients who don’t get a vacation from transfusions. A single car accident victim could require as much as 100 pints of blood.

Donors of all blood types, especially O negative, A negative and B negative, and platelet donors are needed to help ensure a stable blood supply this summer. Individuals are encouraged to choose their day to give hope by making an appointment to give blood or platelets. The only source of blood is a healthy, volunteer blood donor.

The Red Cross and Assemblyman Stirpe encourage eligible donors to roll up a sleeve and make an appointment for the ninth annual Lifesavers blood drive by contacting the Assemblyman’s Office at 452-1115 or StirpeA@assembly.state.ny.us. Those who come to donate at the July 21 blood drive will receive a Red Cross baseball hat, while supplies last.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit the Red Cross Web site or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit the Red Cross Web site or visit them on Twitter.