[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 101 (Wednesday, June 18, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1266]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      SARATOGA COUNTY BLOOD DRIVE

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                       HON. KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 18, 2008

  Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend two 
organizations from my home district, the State Employees Federal Credit 
Union (SEFCU) and American Red Cross Adirondack Saratoga Chapter, who 
are partnering to sponsor a community blood drive to help save lives in 
my district on Monday, June 23. The blood drive will be held at the 
Saratoga Springs Public Library in Saratoga Springs, New York.
  The theme for the event is ``Give Some Red and Help Save Some 
Green.'' In keeping with its commitment to the community and the 
environment, SEFCU will plant a tree for every donor who gives blood on 
the 23rd. This is one in a series of blood drives within the ``Give 'n 
Take'' Campaign, which schedules community-based blood drives 
throughout the calendar year to highlight the importance of donating 
blood. I note its significance because:
  Only about 5 percent of the population in the United States donates 
blood, though about 60 percent of the population is eligible.
  Just one pint of blood can help save as many as three lives.
  Approximately every 2 seconds, someone in America needs blood. Every 
day, about 34,000 donations are needed to help save the lives of cancer 
patients, accident victims and children with blood disorders in the 
United States.
  Approximately 1 out of 3 people will need blood in their lifetime.
  Type O blood can help anyone in need. All patients can receive Type O 
during an emergency when there is no time to test a patient's blood 
type.
  Donors can give blood every 56 days.
  The American Red Cross Adirondack Saratoga Chapter is dedicated to 
saving lives and helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to 
emergencies. It is led by a volunteer board of directors with 250 other 
volunteers and 10 paid employees. The local Red Cross is supported by 
community donations and provides services to Warren, Washington, 
Saratoga, Hamilton and southern Essex counties. Last year the Red Cross 
ran 650 aquatic courses and 1,048 first aid and CPR courses, collected 
over 19,000 units of whole blood, helped deliver 230 emergency messages 
for members of our armed forces, and assisted more than 1,200 neighbors 
who were affected by local disasters.
  I am proud to call on residents in New York's 20th Congressional 
District to join these two partners to help save lives.




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