Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-Utica/Rome) announced that her blood drive, which was held on Thursday, April 21, in partnership with the American Red Cross of Central & Northern New York, was an overwhelming success.

“In the face of significant blood shortages, I hosted this event with the American Red Cross to boost our blood supply and help provide lifesaving care to Mohawk Valley residents,” said Buttenschon. “I want to thank all of our generous donors and especially those who donated after recovering from COVID-19 as this can help people currently battling this virus. I’ll continue working with vital organizations like the Red Cross and state and local leaders to protect our families’ health and keep our communities safe.”

Buttenschon’s blood drive collected blood from generous donors from across the Mohawk Valley. 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.[1] According to the Red Cross, the United States is facing the worst blood shortage in more than a decade, particularly for Type O positive and negative blood and platelets.[2]

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 contact Buttenschon’s office at 315-732-1055 or ButtenschonM@nyassembly.gov.

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

[2] www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/red-cross-national-blood-shortage-crisis.html