Special to the OBSERVER
The American Red Cross of Southwestern NY would like to thank all those who show a dedication and commitment to help save lives in our community by donating at local blood drives this summer.
However, in June, blood donations were down more than 10 percent across the country, with 50,000 fewer pints of blood than expected. This is almost half the amount of readily available blood in the Red Cross inventory than there was this time last year.
Every day, the American Red Cross must collect more than 17,000 pints of blood for patients at more than 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country. Approximately every two seconds, a patient in the United States needs a blood transfusion.
By making an effort to donate blood, you can make a significant impact on someone's life.
Blood and platelets are needed for many different kinds of patients. It could be the little girl with a rare blood disorder, a family member fighting cancer, or a friend involved in a car accident.
A supply shortage means that blood may not be available when it's needed most. Below is a list of upcoming blood drives in July.
If you would like to donate, please call 1-800-REDCROSS to sign up. The American Red Cross of Southwestern New York is a United Way agency.
July 8 at the Elks Club BPOE 922, Dunkirk from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free t-shirts will be available.
July 9 at Eason Hall in Westfield from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
July 16 at Blessed Mary Angela Parish, Dunkirk from noon to 6 p.m.
July 17 at the First United Church, Silver Creek from noon to 5 p.m.
July 18 at Stanley Hose Co., Sherman, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
July 20 at SUNY Fredonia in Alumni Hall from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
July 25 at the Sheridan VFW Post from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
July 28 and 29 at the Chautauqua Fair Grounds Mobile Unit, Dunkirk, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Fralick Donation Center, 325 E. Fourth St., Jamestown, is open Wednesday and Thursday from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. (Closed July 4)
