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NEW MILFORD — Housatonic Valley Health District’s Medical Reserve Corps, which serves New Milford, Washington and other area towns, will be participating in American Red Cross’ “SleevesUp campaign.”
As part of the campaign, through Aug. 1, health district volunteers, family, friends and community members can pledge to donate blood at a blood drive in a location most convenient for them.
Lisa Morrissey, New Milford’s health director, said she supports the campaign and encourages those who can, to donate blood.
“There’s been an overall shortage in blood donations since the pandemic started,” Morrissey said. “This is such a great way to support our community and to help save lives.”
Morrissey added the “great” part about a virtual blood drive is that “everyone can participate as it’s convenient for them, by location or time. It’s so easy to do and yet very personal and impactful.”
Ruth Quattro, public health communications coordinator at the health district, said virtual programs “are a great way to bring together community members close and far.”
“Our hope is that this virtual blood drive will chip away at the blood shortage while bringing others together. By pledging to donate blood, you are helping others near and far,” Quattro added.
The health district located in New Milford is planning to schedule an in-person blood drive for the fall.
Benefits to donating blood include a mini-free health screening prior to donation, a healthier heart and vascular system, and building a sense of community and purpose by helping someone in need, a release about the virtual blood drive campaign said.
To find a local blood drive, visit the American Red Cross website, and put in a zip code.
The Housatonic Valley Health District serves New Milford, Oxford, Southbury, Washington, and Woodbury.
Eligibility requirements for donating blood can be found at the American Red Cross website. To learn more about how donating blood, visit Housatonic Valley Health District’s emergency preparedness website at hvhd.us.
For more information, call 203-264-9616.
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