Empire City Casino Blood Drive Is An Annual Jackpot For The Community

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YONKERS, NY — A trip to the casino this month could very well save lives.

Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts has partnered with the New York Blood Center to host a community blood drive on Thursday, May 11, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the second floor Uptown Room at Empire City Casino, located at 810 Yonkers Avenue in Yonkers.

Blood donations can be scheduled by calling 1-800-933-2566 or through the website.

Empire City says that it is hosting the blood drive to increase awareness and to provide a convenient location for its guests, employees, and members of the general public to make life-saving blood donations.

New York’s healthcare system requires nearly 2,000 donations daily to address the needs of New York and New Jersey communities, according to organizers. Patients who require lifesaving blood or platelet transfusion include cancer patients, accident, burn, or trauma victims, newborn babies and mothers delivering babies, transplant recipients, and surgery patients.

"When we see an immediate need in the surrounding communities that Empire City serves, we always try to do our part to step in and assist," senior vice president and general manager of Empire City Ed Domingo said. "We are honored to again support the New York Blood Center with such an important cause and are proud to provide a convenient location for people to participate in lifesaving blood donations during such a critical time."

One Empire City team member who is showing how helping the community is in MGM Resorts’ blood is Creative Manager Justin Grasso, who is a Gallon Club Member at the "White" level. Grasso has donated over two gallons of blood to the New York Blood Center to date, through over 16 donations.

"I always tried to donate blood at least once a year and at Empire City’s annual blood drives," Grasso said. "But after seeing the increased need for donations during the pandemic, I started donating every eight weeks and plan on donating platelets in the future as well. I am grateful to work for a company that understands the impact of this life-saving initiative and offers opportunities to volunteer towards a cause so important to me."

Over 4.5 million Americans require a blood transfusion each year, with someone needing blood every two seconds. Despite this extensive need, only about ten percent of eligible blood donors in the U.S. donate annually.

NYS Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, whose late husband had been the recipient of numerous blood transfusions and who continues to encourage blood donations to honor his memory, will be on hand to lend support to the efforts.

"As we continue to face unprecedented challenges, it is more important than ever to support one another," NYS Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. "Donating blood is a simple act of kindness that can make a significant difference in the lives of others. I am proud to support the critical work of the New York Blood Center and Empire City Casino and thank them for organizing and hosting this blood drive. I encourage everyone who is able to donate blood and make a difference in the lives of those in need."

Anyone between the ages of 18 and 75, and weighing at least 110 pounds, is a potential donor. A single pint of blood can save up to three lives.

Those interested in donating are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance by phone or online. All donors receive a pre-donation health screening that includes blood pressure, temperature, iron levels and pulse check. Donors must be symptom-free for 14 days if recovering from COVID-19. Vaccinated individuals are eligible to donate immediately.