The New York Giants, PYX 106, NewsChannel 13, and the American Red Cross are teaming up to host the "Training Camp" blood drive on Thursday, August 2 from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Best Western Sovereign Hotel at 1228 Western Avenue in Albany, N.Y. Every presenting donor will have a chance to get their photo taken with the Super Bowl XLVI Trophy and meet Giants alumni such as George Martin, OJ Anderson and Joe Morris. The first 500 presenting donors will also receive a limited edition Giants/American Red Cross Commemorative t-shirt. Free parking will be available for all donors at this event.
With extreme heat keeping some donors at home and severe storms forcing the cancellation of dozens of blood drives earlier in the month, the Red Cross continues to have an emergency need for donors of all blood types. Red Cross blood donations are at the lowest they have been in 15 years. Public support from the organization's late-June appeal helped temporarily stop a decline in the blood supply. However, the mid-week Independence Day and extreme summer weather have contributed to a decrease in donations lately.
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. As the nation's single largest supplier of blood and blood products, the Red Cross is dedicated to ensuring that every patient who needs a lifesaving transfusion is able to receive one. In fact, the Red Cross must collect more than 17,000 pints of blood each day to meet the needs of patients at more than 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country. It is the blood on the shelves today that helps save lives tomorrow.
Walk-ins are always welcome, however donors are highly encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance to help eliminate unexpected wait times and to ensure they have ample time for photo opportunities. All current eligible and new donors can schedule an appointment to donate blood by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visiting redcrossblood.org.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross has been a primary supplier of lifesaving blood products in the United States for more than 50 years. The Red Cross Blood Services - Northeast Division must distribute approximately 3,000 units of blood each day just to meet the basic needs of area patients. Eligible volunteer blood donors are asked to please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive and to make appointments. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in New York State), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to give blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.
*prizes are nontransferable and not redeemable for cash
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