WeLoveU Partners With the American Red Cross to Host Blood Drive in Syracuse

WeloveU’s First Blood Drive in Syracuse

On Sunday, February 28, 2021, the International WeLoveU Foundation hosted a blood drive at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, NY, in partnership with the American Red Cross. Approximately 50 volunteers from Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse registered to donate blood.

With COVID-19 cases rising, blood centers are seeing a drastic decline in blood donations. Inclement weather has also affected blood donations. Blood donation centers transport donated blood to local hospitals. However, inclement weather has halted the transportation processes, and as a result, the donated blood expires.

To help resolve the shortage, WeLoveU began hosting blood drives nationwide throughout January and February. In upstate New York, the WeLoveU volunteers joined the National Blood Drive, pledging to lead their community to donate blood safely. 

One of the campaign’s key messages is to encourage people to donate blood wherever they are by scheduling an appointment with their local blood center. Even if people can’t donate blood, raising awareness is equally important to bring more attention to blood donations.

A Message of Encouragement to Donate Blood

In total, 63 units of blood were donated. Nearly 200 lives will benefit from the donor’s efforts. In recognition of the volunteers’ unity, the WeLoveU Foundation received proclamations from Syracuse and Rochester.

“We are so excited to be partnering with the WeLoveU Foundation in upstate New York. This is the first blood drive for us. We have had a wonderful turnout and incredible support. And we really ask that donors who haven’t donated that they realize the need is constant. Every two seconds, somebody somewhere needs blood, and storms and pandemics don’t make that go away,” said Katie Hout, American Red Cross representative.

The blood drive followed the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, ensuring everyone’s safety. These guidelines include scheduling appointments, physical distancing, wearing masks, and checking body temperatures.