The Peru Gazette

            Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced he will be hosting three blood drives this month in an effort to ensure local hospitals are not faced with a summer blood shortage.             “Hospitals are always looking for blood donors, but it’s especially vital in the summer when blood supply tends to diminish,” Jones said. “It’s crucial that they have lifesaving blood and platelets on hand as more people spend time outside and the need for blood rises.”

The dates, times and locations for Jones’ blood drives are:

• Plattsburgh Blood Drive: Monday, July 17, 9 a.m – 4 p.m., UVM Health Network-CVPH, Auditorium B, 75 Beekman St., Plattsburgh

• Saranac Lake Blood Drive: Thursday, July 20, noon – 5 p.m. Adirondack Health, Second Floor, Red Field Board Room, 2233 New York 86, Saranac Lake

• Malone Blood Drive: Friday, July 21, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Alice Hyde Medical Center, New Cafeteria Conference Room, 133 Park St., Malone

All blood donations will be given to local hospitals to combat the recent blood emergency declared by the New York Blood Center (NYBC).[1]

“Blood drives are a great way for a community to come together and help save lives,” Jones said. “Tragedy can unfortunately strike at any time, serving as a reminder of just how important it is for our hospitals to have access to blood in a time of need. We can all do our part in ensuring that every patient can receive lifesaving blood.”

To donate, eligible donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, be in good health and meet all U.S. Food and Drug Administration and New York State Department of Health donor criteria, which can be found at nybloodcenter.org. For more information, contact Assemblyman Jones’ office at 518-562-1986 or JonesB@nyassembly.gov.