Empire State University Hosts 47th Blood Drive with the American Red Cross

(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY -- February 20, 2024) Last week, SUNY Empire hosted its 47th blood drive at its 111 West location in Saratoga Springs. The drive, hosted in collaboration with the American Red Cross, collected 35 donations -- unlocking the potential to help 105 patients in need. 

SUNY Empire has hosted 47 drives, netting 1,411 units of blood collected. Tiffany Williams, administrative assistant 2, has organized 37 of them since she took over in 2012. Since she can’t donate herself, she gives back by making the drives happen. 

“It’s important to me because my dad, when he was sick, needed several transfusions, and the Red Cross provided that for him,” she said. “My son had to prep for extensive surgery, and he banked his blood in advance with the help of the Red Cross. They were phenomenal.” 

Tech Support Specialist Cathy Coffinger feels donating blood is a way to pay it forward. 

"My husband has leukemia and has had multiple transfusions of platelets,” she said. “I am grateful for the people who gave. I am also grateful to SUNY Empire for holding these drives, making it convenient and easy to give. There are so many people who cannot donate blood, so I highly encourage anyone who can to do so.” 

The next blood drive will take place on May 1 at SUNY Empire’s 2 Union Avenue location in Saratoga.