County partners with Red Cross and Lifelong for community blood drive

Published on May 28, 2026

Tompkins County employees are sponsoring a community blood drive with the American Red Cross on Tuesday, June 9, from 10 am to 3 pm, hosted by Lifelong.

The blood drive will be in the Library Place Community Room at 105 West Court Street in Ithaca. Attendees should use the North Cayuga Street entrance across from Dewitt Park.

“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 and Blood Program Leader.

Blood is a perishable resource that can only come from volunteer donors. According to the Red Cross, someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds, making a steady supply critical for hospitals and emergency care.

“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 Samantha Kodey, Account Manager with the American Red Cross. “The short amount of time it takes to donate can mean a lifetime to a patient with a serious medical condition.”

Appointments to donate can be scheduled by calling 1-800-733-2767 or by signing up at RedCrossBlood.org. Donors should use the sponsor code “ithacacares” and then select the June 9 drive in Ithaca.

According to the Red Cross, donors with all blood types are needed, especially O negative, A negative, and B negative.

Make this summer shine for patients in need. Schedule your appointment today. Everyone giving blood in June will receive a $15 e-gift card.

Contact:
Samantha Kodey, Red Cross Account Manager, 607-940-1471
Geoff Dunn, Blood Program Leader, 607-257-3888