Red Cross holds blood drives around Saratoga County | Events

The American Red Cross has issued an appeal for blood donors of all types. It says the nation faces a critical blood shortage.

While demand for blood products remains steady, donations to the Red Cross this summer are the lowest the Red Cross has seen in over a decade. All types are needed, but especially O negative, which can be used to treat any patient.

The Red Cross Northern New England Blood Services Region provides blood to more than 80 hospitals and needs more than 500 people a day to give blood and platelets.

The blood goes to accident victims, as well as patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses.

Everyone who comes in to donate blood in July at a Red Cross blood drive in New York will receive a coupon for a free carton of ice cream, redeemable at any participating Friendly’s restaurants.

The American Red Cross will hold several community blood drives during the month of July.  All eligible and new blood donors are encouraged to give blood.  Blood donors are needed everyday to ensure an adequate blood supply for patients in need.  All presenting donors will receive a coupon for a free* carton of Friendly’s Ice Cream.  To make an appointment to donate blood, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or log onto redcrossblood.org.

The upcoming blood drives taking place in Saratoga County are listed below.

Friday, July 15, 2011                                        Malta Ridge Fire Department

1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.                                       5 Hearn Rd, Malta, NY

Saturday, July 16, 2011                                    American Legion Post 278 Old Saratoga Post

8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.                                       6 Clancy St, Schuylerville, NY

Monday, July 18, 2011                                     Town of Milton Community Center

1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.                                       310 Northline Rd, Ballston Spa, NY

Monday, July 18, 2011                                     Cambridge Calley Lodge 481

1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.                                       Rt 372, Cambridge, NY

Tuesday, July 19, 2011                                     Saratoga Public Library

12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.                                     49 Henry St, Saratoga Springs, NY

Saturday, July 23, 2011                                    F.B. Peck Hose Co.

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.                                     85 Saratoga Ave, Waterford, NY

Monday, July 25, 2011                                     Mt. McGregor Correctional Facility QWL Blg

12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.                                     1000 Mt. McGregor Rd, Wilton, NY

Saturday, July 23, 2011                                    Ballston Lake Fire Department

8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.                                       1125 Rt 146A, Ballston Lake, NY

Wednesday, July 27, 2011                               Clifton Park Halfmoon Emergency Medical Services

1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.                                       15 Crossing Blvd, Clifton Park, NY