News from Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb
Albany Office:
LOB 725 • Albany, NY 12248 • 518-455-3979
District Office:
70 Elizabeth Blackwell St. • Geneva, NY 14456 • 315-781-2030
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For Release: IMMEDIATELY, May 24, 2018
Contact: Mike Fraser, office: (518) 455-3751; cell: (518) 859-8518
Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb to Partner with The American Red Cross For June 5th Blood Drive In Geneva

Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C,I,Ref-Canandaigua) is partnering with the American Red Cross once again to sponsor an annual summertime blood drive. Residents can donate at the Belhurst Castle, located at 4069 West Lake Road in Geneva, on Tuesday, June 5, between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.

"Giving blood is a selfless act that can help save lives. It's one of the most important things we can do for patients and neighbors facing serious health crises," Leader Kolb said. "I am honored to partner with the American Red Cross to get the word out to our community about the need for blood donations, especially during the summer months when demand is greatest. This is a great opportunity for folks to directly contribute and give the gift of life."

Donated blood is only viable for 42 days, requiring that the supply is continuously replenished. Every two seconds in the U.S., someone needs blood, and the American Red Cross is responsible for 40 percent of blood reserves.

"The American Red Cross is urging eligible individuals to give blood this summer to help ensure a sufficient supply for hospital patients," said Amber Young, of the American Red Cross. "With many donors vacationing and schools that host blood drives on break, summer is an especially difficult time for us to collect enough blood donations to meet patient needs. Please come give blood at Belhurst Castle on Tuesday, June 5, and the Red Cross will send you a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Suburban Propane. The best reward, though, is knowing you helped save up to three lives! We hope to see you there!"

In conjunction with the blood drive, participants will also have the opportunity to register to donate bone marrow. A bone marrow transplant is often the only potential for a cure for patients with leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell anemia and many other diseases. Bone marrow donation is an extensive process which takes place in a hospital, but its value to those in need is immeasurable. For more information on bone marrow donation please visit Be The Match website.

The American Red Cross urges all those who are eligible to consider donating blood. Eligible donors must be 17 years of age (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 lbs., and all donors must be in good health. You may also consider volunteering or making a monetary donation to the American Red Cross. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit www.redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or receive additional information.