Started as a war relief effort to provide life-saving blood for soldiers during WW II, Red Cross Blood Services has grown to become an industry leader. All the technology and science, however, is only made possible by one simple selfless act: an average person takes time out of his/her busy schedule to give the gift of life.

      Today, the safety and availability of the blood supply is our highest priority. Cayuga County has over 41 organizations which sponsor sites for blood drives, averaging 6 drives each month.

      In partnership with the NY/Penn Blood Region, the chapter collected over 4,000 units of blood during 2006/07. The chapter sponsors an annual "Community That Cares" Blood Drive which collected 293 units on August 16, 2007.

      To learn more about giving blood, to sponsor a blood drive or to be a Blood Services Volunteer contact the Red Cross at 252-9596.

      For a listing of blood drives across New York State
go to www.DonateBloodNow.org