The need for the services provided by the Red Cross regions in New York State is constant. Not a day goes by when we don’t provide help to New Yorkers whether it be providing aid in the wake of home fires, collecting life-saving blood or assisting members of the military, veterans and their families.

Dozens of Red Cross team members from each of the Red Cross regions in New York – Eastern New York, Greater New York, and Western New York – filled the halls of the State Capitol and Legislative Office Building in Albany for our Annual Advocacy Day. The purpose was to remind our state legislators and share their experiences of how we deliver the Red Cross mission of preventing and alleviating human suffering throughout New York State, while continually preparing to respond whenever and wherever New York State residents may need us. In addition to Humanitarian Services, the Red Cross is the primary blood supplier in much of the state.

Every local employee, volunteer, and supporter has a unique story to share. During Advocacy Day, they consistently reiterated their strong dedication to aiding everyone in need. When their unique experiences are shared with state lawmakers, our purpose becomes more tangible.

 “Advocacy Day is a wonderful opportunity to meet with our state legislators to update them on all of the Red Cross work that’s been happening around the state as well as in their district,” said Kevin Coffey, Regional Chief Executive Officer, Eastern New York Region. “We are grateful for their partnership and support as we work together to build more resilient communities.”

State Relations Disaster Liaison Gerald Deluca added, “It is always important that the legislators hear directly from Red Cross staff and volunteers as to what our needs are and why we are making these asks. Bringing together Regional Leadership, Biomed and Disaster Cycle Services to provide direct information to legislators about our programs is key to success.”

“American Red Cross Advocacy Day was an incredible success,” said Northeast Division Disaster Executive Elizabeth Briand. “By meeting face to face with elected officials, staff and volunteers were able to share how the Red Cross mission directly impacts their communities. Our invaluable partnership with the State helps enhance our ability to prepare for and respond to disasters, advance our ability to provide lifesaving blood services, and ensure every New Yorker receives the assistance they deserve.”

“Our elected officials are always so thankful for services we provide to our communities during our meetings,” said John Vale, Executive Director of the Hudson Valley Chapter. “It’s during this time we get to celebrate the achievements of the past year and look ahead to further partnership opportunities. Our volunteer and staff members dedication make this part of the job truly easy, and quite honestly a fun and rewarding experience!”

“Many of our representatives are already familiar with the programs and services we offer, often through sponsoring a blood drive or supporting a local disaster response, however, the time spent at the state capital allows us to truly demonstrate the impact our volunteers, donors and partners deliver to our communities daily,” said Vale.

Ensuring a Safe and Adequate Blood Supply for All New Yorkers

Blood drives are a critical component of maintaining healthy communities. Hospitals and trauma centers across New York State rely on blood donations from volunteer donors to treat and save the lives of accident victims, cancer patients, individuals with sickle cell disease and blood disorders, and others who are seriously ill or otherwise in need of urgent blood transfusions.

 “We had many excellent meetings and each Assemblymember and State Senator that we were lucky enough to talk to was very interested to hear about the positive impact that the Red Cross has had in their district over the last year,” said Lisa Mistretta, Syracuse District Manager, Donor Recruitment. “It was great to see familiar and new faces. We received many enthusiastic offers for help to spread the word about the need for blood donations and the importance of home fire safety.”

Serving Those Who Serve Our Nation: Supporting Military and Veteran Families

This year at Advocacy Day, staff and interns from the graduate program in social work at the University at Albany staffed a card signing table on the terrace of the Legislative Office Building so legislators, staff, and passersby could write notes of appreciation to members of the military. The response was very enthusiastic.

“We met lovely representatives who were willing to write out a card to a veteran,” said Marguerite Davis, Volunteer Leadership Partner for Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces. “This project was in honor of saluting veterans at VA hospitals during recognition day on February 14.”

Legislators of the Year

Since 2019, the Red Cross regions of New York State have honored state legislators who have consistently supported and remained ardent supporters of the Red Cross by honoring them during State Advocacy Days.

This year, we were pleased to present Assemblymember Pamela J. Hunter of Onondaga County as the Eastern New York Region’s Legislator of the Year. Central and Northern New York Executive Director Lisa Smith presented the award.

Asssemblymember Pamela Hunter was selected for her steadfast commitment to providing lifesaving information to her constituents. Among many partnerships, Asm. Hunter supports Sound the Alarm. Save a Life, helping to install free smoke alarms and provide fire safety education for hundreds of residents.

Learn more about this year’s honorees.

Our work in New York State is made possible by the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. See how you can get involved at redcross.org/eny

by Stephen Bogdan, Red Cross Content Creation Team Member and NYS Advocacy Day Volunteer