In late January, nearly 50 individuals from the American Red Cross representing all three regions of New York State (NYS) –  Eastern New York,  Greater New York, and Western New York – gathered in Albany for our annual Advocacy Day.  Participants engaged with more than 100 NYS Assembly Members, Senators, and their staff to discuss the services we provide to their constituents and opportunities for them to partner with us in their districts.

The corridor from the Capitol building into the Legislative Office Building was converted into a striking exhibit of the Red Cross services available to New Yorkers. Tables with information about Training Services, Blood Services, and Disaster Services were manned by staff and volunteers. To support Services to the Armed Forces, legislators, employees, and passersby had the chance to sign a get-well card for veterans currently hospitalized in NYS VA  hospitals.

“Advocacy Day is a wonderful way to meet with legislators and to share updates 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. “We are so grateful for their partnership as we work together to build more resilient and safer communities.”

The Impact of the Red Cross on New York State Communities

Volunteers donated nearly 520,000 hours of service to deliver hope and help across New York last year.

The need for our services is constant; not a day goes by without us helping New Yorkers, whether it is providing aid in the wake of home fires, collecting life-saving blood, or helping at-risk veterans and their families. Additionally, there is an increasing need for the Red Cross to respond to weather-related disasters.

We respond to about 10 disasters a day in New York at the request of local, state and federal emergency management. Home fires are the most common of these disasters but there are many other emergency scenarios that can force people from their homes – flooding, wind, snow, and ice storms. The Red Cross provides emergency relief supplies, food, shelter, financial assistance, emotional support and behavioral health services after a disaster.

Speaking about the importance of Advocacy Day, Eric Gaunay, State Relations Disaster Liaison, said, “Being able to spend the day with our State elected officials in Albany, telling the story of the American Red Cross, its service deliveries and the work, dedication and compassion that our volunteers put back into the communities is one of my favorite things to be a part of.”

Ensuring an Inclusive, Safe, and Adequate Blood Supply for All New Yorkers

Every two seconds, someone in the United States requires blood, highlighting the critical need for donations. In New York, the Red Cross is the primary supplier of blood products across 46 counties and serves more than 100 hospitals and cancer treatment centers. Advocacy Day serves as a platform to discuss the ongoing need for blood in the state and strategies to ensure a reliable supply. We are grateful to the many legislators who host blood drives in their districts. And for the second year in a row, the New York State Senate and Assembly will co-host a blood drive at the Legislative Office Building in late March.

 “We appreciate the opportunity to meet with our elected officials to share details on the level of service we provide in their districts every year,” said Sonja Ronovech, Regional Donor Services Executive. “It was wonderful to see and hear the engagement within the Senate and Assembly to support our mission and ensure that their constituents continue to receive the services we provide through our partnership with New York State.”

Recognizing the Efforts of New York State Legislators

Since 2019, the Red Cross in New York State has recognized legislators from across the state who support our work.  This year, Assembly Member Marianne Buttenschon of Oneida County was named Eastern New York’s Legislator of the Year. She has been a staunch supporter of the Red Cross, particularly following the July 16 tornado in Rome, when she assisted the Red Cross in connecting with community organizations for recovery operations. In addition, she helped create several blood drives and promoted the Home Fire Campaign

 “I am proud to partner with the Red Cross, knowing firsthand how critical their services are in helping communities in times of crisis and beyond,” she noted.

Assembly Member Buttenschon was presented with the award by Lisa Smith, Executive Director of Central and Northern New York Chapter.

“Being able to share information of Red Cross services provided by district is a great way to connect our work in the communities we both serve,” Lisa said.

Learn more about the 2025 Legislator of the Year honorees

The Red Cross works closely with state legislators not just on Advocacy Day but throughout the year. Many legislators partner with the Red Cross to provide Emergency Preparedness Programs and sponsor blood drives in their communities. They also help install smoke alarms during Sound the Alarm events in New York State. John Vale, Executive Director of the Hudson Valley, noted that Senator Rob Rolison actively installed smoke alarms the weekend before their Albany meeting, highlighting his consistent support of the Red Cross.

Assembly Member Anil Beephan Jr. shared his concerns about a family from his district affected by a recent fire. John explained, “He appreciated the comprehensive health, mental health, and spiritual care services our teams provide; services the Red Cross offers to those impacted by such tragedies.”

Our work in New York State is made possible by the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

Learn how you can get involved at redcross.org/eny.

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