For More Information:
William R. Steinhaus
Dutchess County Executive
(845) 486-2000
countyexec@co.dutchess.ny.us
For Immediate Release
August 1, 2002
Dutchess County Executive William R. Steinhaus announced today that Dutchess
County, in collaboration with the Dutchess County Chapter of the American Red
Cross, is encouraging county residents to donate blood locally. As part of this
effort, the County and the Red Cross will be conducting a special ‘Blood Drive’
for Dutchess County employees on August 6th from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30
p.m. at the Social Services Department building on 60 Market Street in
Poughkeepsie.
County Executive Steinhaus stated that, “Among the actions that individuals can
take to prepare themselves, their families and our community in the event of an
emergency, is donating blood. The American Red Cross is the primary supplier
of blood to local hospitals in both Dutchess and Ulster Counties. Right now
blood supplies are critically low. So we’re asking our Dutchess County
neighbors to roll up their sleeves and help.” The County Executive noted that
county residents and employees have a tradition of volunteerism and the County
has a history of participation in the Red Cross ‘Blood Drives’.
Michelle Conrad, Executive Director of the American Red Cross, Dutchess County
Chapter said, “The American Red Cross has a long and successful tradition of
helping people and communities. One of our most important contributions to
community disaster preparedness is helping maintain sufficient inventories and
supplying blood when it is needed.” Ms. Conrad emphasized that not enough blood
donors have responded to the American Red Cross’s New York-Penn Region appeal
begun this June and that if volunteers do not come forward to donate blood
during current drive, hospital and patient needs will not be met.
Ms. Conrad said, “The statistics show that only 4.1% of those in our region who
are eligible to give blood actually do so. That simply is not enough to sustain
the needed supply.” New donors are needed. Anyone who is at least 17 years
old, weighs at least 110 pounds, and is in generally good health can give
blood. And current donors can help by donating more frequently. There would be
a tremendous impact if those donors who currently give only once a year gave a
second time.
For a list of ‘Blood Drives’ in our area, contact the American Red Cross at
845-471-0202 ext. 313.
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