More than 25 local firefighter and police agencies are joining Unyts for a Holiday Heroes campaign to recruit blood donors.
The New York State Police, Erie County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, Wende Correctional Facility, Tonawanda First Responders, Buffalo Police Department and other police and fire agencies across the area are either hosting or promoting blood drives in December and January.
"The need for blood is constant throughout the entire year. Most often at this holiday time, folks are busy spending time with family, shopping, things of that nature," says Unyts Director of Blood Donor Recruitment, Amanda Farrell. "Often donating blood becomes kind of something that falls to the wayside, but again, the need is constant. We encourage people to spend 45 minutes with us, donate blood and you can save lives. What better gift is there?"
"We are so honored to be working again with area law enforcement, firefighters and first responders who are already heroes, taking one step forward and donating blood to hosting blood drives throughout the area," says Farrell. "At a time when most people are off or spending time with families, these heroes are working all throughout the holidays to help keep us save and help save lives as well."
Farrell encourages anyone who may be giving blood to drink lots of water and eat a hearty meal before donating. She says all blood donations stay here in Western New York.
The drives will also include an opportunity to register as an organ and tissue donor on the New York State Donate Life Registry.
