SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY (Monday, July 15, 2019) – Saratoga Casino Hotel is teaming up with the American Red Cross to host a Blood Drive on Monday, July 22. Members of the local community are urged to join dozens of Saratoga Casino Hotel team members to give blood on Monday, July 22 from noon to 6pm inside the hotel ballroom.
The blood drive comes as the Red Cross recently raised the need for blood from a critical level to an emergency need. The Red Cross experienced a shortfall of scheduled blood drives in early July, and as a result, a shortage of blood donations. It is estimated that the Red Cross is currently pacing 17,000 donations behind schedule.
“A blood transfusion is the fourth most common inpatient hospital procedure in the United States, yet only three out of 100 people in the United States give blood,” said Patty Corvaia, Communications Manager for the New York – Penn Blood Services Region. “Blood donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they’re coming into the Red Cross. More donations are needed now to replenish the blood supply.”
To date, Saratoga Casino Hotel has collected over 1,500 blood donations at their biannual blood drives. The collections have gone on to directly help over 3,500 patients in need.
“Our team members and the local community always respond with tremendous generosity when we host our blood drives,” said Alex Tucker, General Manager at Saratoga Casino Hotel. “Our partnership with the Red Cross is something we value, and we look forward to helping them out in a time of need.”
All presenting donors at this year’s Blood Drive will receive a $10 voucher to Perks Café, located in the hotel lobby. The Red Cross will also be providing donors with a free t-shirt. Donors are encouraged to make an appointment prior to the July 22 Blood Drive. To schedule a time, call 518-581-5801 or visit www.redcrossblood.org.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
