Every year since 2007, I’ve partnered with the American Red Cross to host my annual Lifesavers Blood Drive to help counteract summer blood shortages and save lives. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and an increase in need as we continue to return to normalcy, the Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage that has forced some hospitals to restrict elective surgeries. In fact, there is an emergency need for type O blood – the most commonly used blood group – as the supply has dwindled to less than half a day.[1]

My annual blood drive brings out a record-breaking number of selfless donors, and this year’s drive will not divert from this goal. I’m aiming to collect at least 200 units of blood this year, so I invite everyone to come out Tuesday, July 20, to the Driver’s Village at 5885 E. Circle Drive in Cicero to give the gift of life. The event will feature live music and hundreds of prizes provided by local merchants, including grand prizes like box seats for the Syracuse Mets.

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.[2] It’s especially important for people who’ve fully recovered from COVID-19 to donate, because their plasma has antibodies that attack the virus.[3] Currently, hospitals use convalescent plasma as a treatment for those with serious conditions who require blood or plasma transfusions and those with life-threatening COVID-19 infections.[4]

The process of donating blood is very simple, and most New Yorkers qualify to be a volunteer donor. In our state, volunteer donors must be at least 17 years old to donate, or 16 with written consent from a parent or guardian. In addition, volunteers must weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and stay hydrated before and after donation. It’s suggested that donors drink an extra 32 ounces of water after giving blood. It’s also suggested that volunteers wait 56 days between blood donations if you wish to donate multiple times.[5]

To make an appointment, you can visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS and use my sponsor code Al Stirpe. Walk-ins and first-time donors are welcome at this event, which will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Be sure to bring your blood donor card (if you have one), driver’s license or two other forms of identification in order to donate. If you can’t attend my drive but would still like to donate, reach out to Central New York Red Cross at 315-234-2200 or visit redcross.org/local/new-york/western-and-central-new-york.

I look forward to breaking records and gathering with you again for a wonderful cause at my 15^th annual Lifesavers Blood Drive. For more information about the blood donation process during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit the Red Cross website at redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/coronavirus--covid-19--and-blood-donation.html, or reach out to my office at 315-452-1115 or StirpeA@nyassembly.gov.

[1] www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/press-release/2021/nation-confronts-severe-blood-shortage-blood-donations-urgently-needed.html

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

[3] redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/plasma-donations-from-recovered-covid-19-patients.html

[4] Ibid

[5] nybloodcenter.org/donate-blood/become-donor/can-i-donate-blood