The American Red Cross of Western New York officially opened its newly renovated and expanded B. Thomas Golisano Blood Donation Center in Fairport on Friday, celebrating a major step forward in local blood collection capabilities.
The expanded center, located in the Perinton Hills Shopping Center across from Wegmans, was made possible through a $5 million donation from philanthropist B. Thomas Golisano. The gift, part of $360 million in recent grants from the Golisano Foundation to nonprofits across Upstate New York, has allowed the Red Cross to significantly upgrade the site.
Unlike the previous location—which only supported whole blood donations—the new facility is now equipped with apheresis technology, enabling the collection of both platelets and plasma.
Platelets, which are critical for cancer patients and others facing life-threatening conditions, have a short shelf life of just five days, making regular donations vital. Until now, the only platelet collection sites in Monroe County were located in West Henrietta and Greece. The new Fairport location offers a more convenient option for residents in eastern Monroe and western Wayne counties.
The upgraded center also features new plasma collection capabilities. AB plasma, which can be given to any patient regardless of blood type, is often used in emergency and trauma situations.
“As an organization that provides 40% of the nation’s blood supply, we’re particularly excited about the new, expanded site,” said Nick Bond, CEO of the American Red Cross, Western New York Region. “Tom Golisano’s generous gift allows us to serve even more people in our community who depend on lifesaving blood products.”
The expansion is expected to improve operational efficiency and help meet growing demand for both whole blood and its components, especially as the region sees increasing numbers of patients in need of transfusions and cancer treatment.
The Red Cross provides 40% of the nation’s blood supply, collecting more than 100,000 units each year in western New York alone and distributing them to every local hospital.
- Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs a blood transfusion.
- One in seven patients entering a hospital will require a blood transfusion.
- People suffering from cancer, living with sickle cell disease, and trauma patients are just some of those who require blood transfusions to survive.
- Nearly 50% of donated platelets go to cancer patients.
- Every 15 seconds, a patient in the U.S. receives platelets.
Have all the Finger Lakes news from Finger Lakes News Radio delivered to your email every morning for FREE! Sign up by clicking here
