American Red Cross of Western New York honors Sen. Baskin as legislator of the year
Originally published in
Cheektowaga Bee
on
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During the annual Legislators of the Year ceremony held during Red Cross Month (March), the American Red Cross of Western New York formally recognized New York State Sen. Baskin as legislator of the year and thanked Baskin, who represents Buffalo, Cheektowaga and Lackawanna, for her strong support of the organization’s mission.
The recognition took place during a special gathering Tuesday, March 11.
Nick Bond, CEO of the American Red Cross of Western New York Region, praised Baskin’s support for a wide range of Red Cross programs and campaigns, including her commitment to keeping her community safe through home fire prevention education and advancing lifesaving initiatives.
“Senator Baskin has long understood what it means to face disaster not as an observer, but as a survivor,” Bond said. “Her own experience has given her a deep and personal understanding of the financial and emotional toll that unexpected crises place on families. Instead of allowing that experience to be a private hardship, she transformed it into a public mission, to ensure that no family feels alone in their darkest moments.”
Following the 2022 winter storm in Buffalo, during which 50 people died, Baskin, then a member of the Erie County Legislature, worked with the American Red Cross and the Buffalo Bills to distribute emergency preparedness kits and provide families with needed education and support.
“I am incredibly honored to receive the 2026 New York State Legislator of the Year Award from the American Red Cross,” said Baskin. “I thank the Red Cross for their continued partnership and support, going all the way back to the Christmas blizzard of 2022. Since then, the Red Cross has stood by me and our community, advancing life-saving initiatives like Sound the Alarm and supporting Desha’s Law. The Red Cross has been a true partner in strengthening emergency preparedness in our community. I am committed to continuing to work with the Red Cross to expand education and blood donation efforts in support of families impacted by sickle cell disease.”
