Empire City Casino Hosting Community Blood Drive Wednesday

YONKERS, NY —Everyone will be a winner at Empire City Casino on Wednesday when a blood drive to help out with a blood emergency in the region gets underway.

Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts has partnered with the New York Blood Center to host a community blood drive on Wednesday, from 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. in the second floor Uptown Room at Empire City Casino.

To make an appointment to donate, call 1-800-933-2566 or sign up online.

As the New York region recovers from the ongoing pandemic, it's hoped the high-profile blood drive will raise awareness on the importance and vital need for regular blood donations. Donor participation has reached record lows at blood drives and blood centers with NYBC currently only having a two to three-day supply of blood, which is much less than what is typically needed by local area hospitals. New York’s healthcare system requires around 1,500 blood donations each day to treat patients ranging from trauma victims, newborn babies and their mothers, to cancer patients and beyond.

SEE ALSO: Blood Emergency Declared By NY Blood Center

“Helping our communities is in MGM Resorts’ blood, pun intended,” said Ed Domingo, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Empire City Casino. “When we see an immediate need, we always try to do our part and the need for blood donations has never been greater. We are honored to support such an important cause once again this year to encourage lifesaving blood donations.”

One Empire City team member who truly understands the importance of blood donations is Facilities Administrator Malda Soto, whose son receives monthly blood transfusions for a genetic anemia.

“I truly appreciate all the effort that is put into having blood drives,'' said Soto. “The generosity of donors gives so many people a better chance at life, and I am so happy to know that MGM Resorts has hosted and will be hosting more blood drives.”

Over 4.5 million Americans require a blood transfusion annually, with someone needing blood approximately every two seconds. Despite this need, only 10 percent of eligible blood donors in the United States actually donate.

“We are grateful to Empire City Casino for hosting this blood drive as we face decreased donations as a direct result of the ongoing pandemic,” said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications at New York Blood Center. “Ongoing partnerships with area employers are critical to our success. We ask all eligible donors to make an appointment to donate blood and help save lives. Please roll up your sleeves and donate."

Anyone between the ages of 18 and 75 and weighing at least 110 pounds, is a potential donor. All donors receive a pre-donation health screening that includes blood pressure, temperature, iron levels and a pulse check. Donors must be symptom-free for 14 days if recovering from COVID-19. Vaccinated individuals are eligible to donate immediately.

Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts is located at 810 Yonkers Ave. in Yonkers.