Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) recently announced he will team up with the American Red Cross to sponsor a community-wide Mega Blood Drive in Batavia to bolster a depleted summer blood supply.

The blood drive will be held Thursday, August 10th at the Holiday Inn in Batavia. Blood donations will be collected between 11 am and 7 pm.

“I am asking the public to join me in donating,” said Hawley. “It only takes an hour of your time, but it could mean a lifetime for someone else.”

Traditionally, summer blood donations decrease by approximately 15%. Despite the trend, the Red Cross must still meet hospital needs during this time and can only do so with the generosity of volunteer donors.

The recent hot weather has also hurt local collections. Organizers hope to replenish the local supply by reaching out to citizens to make donation appointments for the blood drive. As of Monday of last week, 80 appointments had been made, 40 short of the Red Cross’ goal of 120.

To give blood, individuals must be healthy, at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and not have donated blood within the last two months.

“Together, we can ensure that a safe and healthy supply of blood is readily available to meet the needs of hospital patients throughout our community,” said Hawley.

For more information about the Mega Blood Drive in Batavia, residents are encouraged to call Hawley’s district office in Albion at (585) 589-5780.