Erie County Legislator Joe Lorigo is partnering with ConnectLife to sponsor an upcoming Emergency Blood Drive in West Seneca. There is a severe blood shortage due to the COVID-19 outbreak and an increasing need for donors in the coming months.

The drive will take place Tuesday, April 21, 2020 from 10am-8pm at the Southgate Neighborhood Blood Donation Center, 984 Union Road West Seneca. Those interested in donating must sign up to make an appointment beforehand by visiting ConnectLifeGiveBlood.org or by calling 716-529-4270.

Legislator Lorigo said, “Donating blood saves lives, and ConnectLife is going to need help securing donations throughout April and May. I encourage everyone to consider making a donation in the coming weeks. The staff and volunteers at ConnectLife are doing an incredible job to increase awareness surrounding the growing need for donors while helping communities facilitate blood drives.  I am proud to support their mission by sponsoring a drive in my hometown of West Seneca.”

Amanda Farrell, ConnectLife Blood Donor Recruitment Director said, “Through April 18^th we have lost 56 blood drives and over 1800 units of blood as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We expect this number to grow on a daily basis as blood drives continue to cancel and the community stays home. The response to the call for blood donors has been overwhelming, and we thank the community for their support. This is going to be a long battle though, and we will need donors to come in for weeks to come. Making appointments throughout the months of April and May will help ensure a STEADY blood supply for our local hospitals in need. All donations throughout this situation - today, tomorrow, next week, next month - are important in maintaining a SAFE blood supply.”

For additional information on donation opportunities or to make an appointment for another time and location, visit ConnectLife.org.