Donors urgently needed at New York State Fair Blood Drive; all blood types are needed to help save lives
The American Red Cross continues to have an emergency need for blood donors to give now and address a critical blood shortage. The New York State Fair Blood Drive comes during the difficult summer months, a time when many regular donors postpone giving blood due to vacation plans and summer activities.
New York State Fair Blood Drive, Fair Grounds near Gate 4, Thursday, Aug. 25 through Monday, Sept. 5, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Right now, blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. As a thank you, all who come to donate at the New York State Fair blood drive will receive an $8 voucher for a carry out meal courtesy of Wegmans. Those who donate by August 31 may also receive a $5 Amazon.com gift card claim code.
Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800- RED CROSS (1-800- 733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information.
Who Blood Donations Help
Every two seconds in the United States blood and platelets are needed to respond to patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. The Red Cross must collect approximately 14,000 blood and platelet donations every day for the patients at about 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org 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.
Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
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 redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.