BUFFALO, NY — ConnectLife launched the "Save Our Summer" campaign in partnership with Western New York first responders to help spread the message about the need for blood donations.
According to ConnectLife, blood donations drop significantly during the summer and it is currently without O- blood due to large spikes at ECMC and other area hospitals.
"We rely on school and college drives for a significant amount of blood but, in the summer we don't have that," said Zachary Kineke, ConnectLife's Blood Donor Communications Director.
More than 30 first responder organizations are opening their fire halls and police departments for blood drives throughout June and July.
"Blood is so critical at all times of the year, so to see anything, especially in the summer months like a campaign we love to see," said Lt. David Morales with the Getzville Fire Company.
The organizations are getting a competitive nudge as well, whoever has the most donations wins a suite at a Buffalo Bisons game.
"We are typically the first ones on the scene so we get to see the proceeds of something like this in action," said Lt. Jeremy Lehning with Erie County Sheriff's Office.
The campaign allows everyday citizens to make a difference.
"First responders are the lifesavers but this time we want the community to be the lifesavers," said Lt. Morales.
Full list of blood drives being held at departments and fire halls
6/5 Brighton Volunteer Fire Company 1 pm - 6pm
6/7 Erie County Sheriff's Office Holding Center 10 am - 3 pm
6/13 Snyder Fire District 3 - 7 pm
6/14 Lake Shore Volunteer Fire Co. 2- 6 pm
6/17 Niagara Falls Fire Department 3 - 7 pm
6/22 Williamsville Fire Department 9 am - 1 pm
6/28 Lake Erie Beach Fire 12 - 5 pm
6/28 Cheektowaga Police Department 2 - 5 PM
6/29 Arcade Fire Department 9 am - 1 pm
7/2 Mercy Flight - Olean Base 11 am - 4 pm
7/9 Bowmansville Fire Company 2:30 pm - 7 pm
7/10 Mercy Flight- Buffalo Base 10 am - 2 pm
7/16 Hamburg Volunteer Fire Department 2 - 7pm
7/20 East Aurora Fire Department 9 am - 1 pm
7/23 Doyle Hose Company No. 1 3:30 - 7:30 pm
7/26 Gowanda Volunteer Fire Dept 2 - 6 pm
7/27 Getzville Fire Company 9 am - 1 pm
7/30 Twin District Volunteer Fire Co. 2 - 5 pm
7/30 Sweeney Hose #7 2:30-6:30 pm
