ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) -- The American Red Cross will partner with the Tompkins County Departments of Emergency Response and Whole Health along with the Ithaca-Tompkins International Airport for a blood drive Saturday, September 14th from 10am to 2pm at the Whole Health building located at 55 Brown Road in Ithaca.

This year's blood drive is taking place during the 2024 Airport Day and Preparedness Expo.

“Tompkins County, as an organization, is committed to strengthening our community and helping meet hospital and patient needs through blood donations,” said Geoff Dunn, Community Preparedness Coordinator for the Department of Emergency Response, “This blood drive is our way of giving staff, colleagues and neighbors an opportunity to help save lives.”

The Red Cross states that someone in the United States is in need of blood every two seconds, highlighting the need for blood products nationwide. They also stated that bouts of extreme weather and high heat have impacted donation volumes in 2024.

“We urge community members to donate blood and help ensure that patients in local hospitals have a supply of blood ready and waiting before an emergency arises,” added Amy Bobbette, Account Manager with the American Red Cross. “There’s no better feeling than knowing that your blood donation may give someone a second chance at life.”

Appointments for donation can be made by calling 1-800-733-2767 or by visiting redcrossblood.org and using the code "ithacacares" to find the correct time and date.

Donors of all types are encouraged to attend, with an emphasis on donors with blood types O-, A-, and B-.