Harckham / Ulaj Blood Drive in Ossining Could Save 135 Lives

Ossining, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham, joined by Westchester County Legislator Emiljana Ulaj, hosted a blood drive here at the Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps (OVAC) yesterday and collected more than 45 pints of blood—enough to potentially can save up to 135 lives.

The blood drive, Harckham’s seventh since taking office in 2019, was held in partnership with the New York Blood Center (NYBC) and OVAC at the ambulance corps headquarters. The NYBC declared a blood emergency on June 2 because there is less than a one- to two-day supply of critical blood types across the region. This puts people at risk who are experiencing all kinds of medical and health emergencies and issues, from trauma victims and surgery patients to those undergoing cancer treatment or facing life-threatening complications.

“This blood drive was a great example of how community members can come together to help in times of a severe shortage in our blood supply,” said Harckham. “I thank our generous donors, Legislator Ulaj, the NYBC and the Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps for responding to the blood emergency and making this drive a success.”  

“I am glad to join Senator Pete Harckham in sponsoring a blood drive in Ossining,” Ulaj said. “Stepping up to donate blood is one of the most noble ways we can give back to our communities. Our blood centers are running low, and we appreciate all of the work of the Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps and the New York Blood Center.”

NYBC Account Manager Camilo Rubio said, “We’re so grateful to the Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corp, Senator Harckham, and Legislator Ulaj for stepping up during this critical time. Thanks to their support and the generosity of local donors, our blood drive collected 45 lifesaving pints—enough to help save the lives of 135 patients in local hospitals. This is the kind of community effort that keeps New York’s blood supply strong.”

“The Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps was happy to help sponsor and provide space for the blood drive so that precious donations can be collected to save lives,” said OVAC Chief Nick Franzoso. “Our department continues to respond to emergencies, and our team knows first-hand the need for blood to treat those who are injured. I thank my members who also donated blood during the drive.”

Rubio, who supervised the drive, said that summer is always a challenging time for the blood supply. Accidents and trauma cases tend to rise, while donations often decline due to vacations and school breaks. 

With more than 56,000 traumas reported annually in the state, predominantly during weekends and summer, the need for donors is crucial. One unit of blood can be separated into several components, including red blood cells, platelets and plasma. The red blood cells are key to respiration, while platelets promote blood clotting and support cancer treatments. 

Founded in 1964, the NYBC has served the tri-state area for more than 60 years, delivering 500,000 lifesaving blood products annually to more than 150 hospitals, EMS and healthcare partners.