Local Blood Drive Opportunities

ALBANY  — The American Red Cross asks donors to make an appointment now to give blood or platelets to support patients counting on a consistent blood supply to survive and heal. While emergencies often grab headlines, the need for blood is constant. Especially in October, as donation appointments can often drop quickly when people settle into busy fall routines and make plans around upcoming school breaks.  

Additionally, the threat of hurricanes persists this month. Because blood has a short shelf life and can only come from volunteer blood donors, any disruptions in the ability to collect lifesaving blood can have serious consequences for those seeking medical care.

Prepare now — Help patients this fall and make an appointment to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. All who come to give blood, platelets or plasma Sept. 22-Oct. 19 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. For details, see RedCrossBlood.org/Fall. Those who give Oct. 20-Nov. 16, 2025, will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. See RedCrossBlood.org/Harvest for details.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Oct. 16-31:

Cobleskill

10/18/2025: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Fusion Community Church, 375 North Grand Street

10/23/2025: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., Cobleskill United Methodist Church, 107 Chapel St, Suite 1

Gilboa

10/28/2025: 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Gilboa Central School, 132 Wyckoff Rd

Middleburgh

10/20/2025: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Middleburgh Central School, 291 Main St

Sharon Springs

10/30/2025: 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Sharon Springs High School, 514 Route 20