While the oppressive heat wave we are currently experiencing has kept many people indoors, the
summer season typically brings people outside more frequently and for longer time periods. The
end result is that most of us see more of our friends and neighbors and feel a greater connection
to our community. As we embrace this positive aspect of the summer season, now is a perfect
time to reflect on how we can positively impact our community. One of the most meaningful
ways to do so is by donating blood and this summer the Town of Clarkstown has two upcoming
opportunities for you to participate in making these life saving donations.
Clarkstown’s long standing partnership with the New York Blood Center (NYBC) continues
next week with our annual summer blood drive. The New York Blood Center plays a pivotal role
in our community by supplying approximately one million blood products annually to nearly 200
hospitals in the Northeast. Their dedication to medical research and innovation has contributed
significantly to advancements in healthcare, including the development of vaccines and blood
purification technology.
On Monday, July 22nd, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, I invite you to Town Hall, located at 10
Maple Avenue, New City. The drive will be held in Room 301. This event is a symbol of our
community’s support for the healthcare needs of our immediate community and beyond. Whether
you’re a first-time donor or a regular contributor, your participation is crucial in replenishing the
blood supply that supports our local hospitals and saves lives daily. Donors are encouraged to
sign-up for a time slot by going online to www.nybc.org or calling the Supervisor’s office at
(845) 639-2050. Walk-ins are welcome too.
I am also delighted to announce our collaboration with NYS Senator Bill Weber in the “Five
Towns of Rockland Red Cross Blood Drive Challenge”. Blood donations from this drive will go
to the American Red Cross, a highly esteemed global organization known for its efforts and
pivotal role in disaster relief. Their blood donation program stands as a cornerstone in
guaranteeing that patients nationwide receive critical, life-saving blood transfusions.
This drive is scheduled for Wednesday, August 2nd, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Clarkstown
Town Hall, Room 301, and also aims to further bolster our region’s blood supply during the
summer months. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to join a friendly competition between the 5
Rockland towns to see which one raises the most donations. Donors can sign up at https://www.redcrossblood.org/ or by calling the Supervisor’s office. Walk-ins are also welcome
for this event.
Donating blood is a selfless act of charity with a profound impact. Each donation has the
potential to save multiple lives through the separation of blood components. Hospitals constantly
require donations to assist trauma victims, cancer patients, newborns, and those undergoing
surgeries or treatments. Your contribution, regardless of blood type, makes a significant
difference in meeting these critical needs.
I encourage you to mark your calendars and join us in donating blood this summer. It’s a simple
yet impactful way to give back to our community and support those in need. Whether you
participate in the New York Blood Center Blood Drive or the Red Cross Blood Drive Challenge,
your generosity will make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.
Let’s make this summer memorable not only for its sunny days and outdoor activities but also for
the lives we save through our collective efforts. Your support is greatly appreciated, and together
we can ensure that patients receive the critical blood transfusions they require. So please, join us
in donating blood; it’s a gift that truly matters.
