Claverack Free Library partners with American Red Cross to host community blood drive

The Claverack Library will host a community blood drive with the American Red Cross on Saturday July 18 from 8 AM to 1 PM in the Community Room at 629 Route 23B.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org. Use Sponsor Code: claverack

“The Claverack Library is committed to strengthening our community and helping meet hospital and patient needs,” said Trustee Vicki Rosenwald.  “A blood donation is a simple way to help save the life of someone who could be a coworker, family member, or neighbor.”

Blood is routinely transfused to patients with cancer and other diseases, premature babies, organ transplant recipients and trauma victims, according to the Red Cross.

Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, B negative and A negative. According to the Red Cross, type O negative is the universal blood type that can be safely transfused to anyone, and is often used to treat trauma patients.

Donors must be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. Many former disqualifications have been removed, so people who were not able to donate in the past will now be eligible to do so. Call the Red Cross or look online to check.