U.S. Armenian organizations to launch blood drives

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian National Committee of America – Glendale in partnership with the City of Glendale’s Week of Remembrance Committee, the American Red Cross and the Glendale Chapters of the Armenian Youth Federation, Homenetmen Ararat and YMCA will host two blood drives in commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, Asbarez reported.

The first blood drive, which will kick off the City of Glendale’s Week of Remembrance, will take place on Sunday, April 22 from 10 am to 4 pm at St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church (500 S. Central Ave., Glendale, CA 91204). The second blood drive will be hosted at the Glendale YMCA’s Youth Fitness Center (130 N. Louise St., Glendale, CA 91206) on Thursday, May 3 from 1 to 7 pm.

“With every year, for the past seven years, we have seen a tremendous increase in the number of residents and community organizations who come out and support this very symbolic blood drive in memory of those who perished during the Armenian Genocide of 1915,” stated ANCA Glendale Executive Director, Elen Asatryan. “We are honored to have the Glendale YMCA partner with us and other community based organizations this year and are confident that their participation will allow us to surpass our previous record breaking numbers of blood donations,” added Asatryan.

According to the American Red Cross, less than 3% of the 24 million residents in Southern California donate blood. One pint of blood can save up to 3 lives and about every 2 seconds someone needs a blood transfusion. The April 22 and May 3 blood drives will benefit patients treated at Glendale Memorial and Glendale Adventist Hospitals. Appointments are encouraged, walk-ins are welcome. To be eligible to donate blood the person must be at least 16 years of age and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds; valid identification is required.

“It is important for all of us to stop and think about the Armenian Genocide and those who have lost their lives. The best way to express our sorrow for this atrocity is to help preserve lives by giving blood,” stated Glendale YMCA CEO, George Saikali.