The American Red Cross is delighted to announce a gift from the Mitzen family of Saratoga Springs, NY to the recently launched “Delivering Hope” campaign, funding a new, state-of-the-art bloodmobile to serve the Eastern New York Region. The new bloodmobile is being manufactured and should be ready for use by early 2020.
"We are incredibly grateful to the Mitzen family for this generous gift," said Gary Striar, regional CEO for the American Red Cross. "The bloodmobile that currently serves our region is well beyond its expected life span at 12 years old. Now, thousands of blood donors in our community will have access to a brand new, modern bloodmobile where they can give the gift of life to patients in need. On behalf of those donors, and the countless patients they will help, we express our deepest thanks to the Mitzen family."
“Everywhere you turn during times of disaster, the Red Cross is there. Our family feels so grateful to the organization for all they do for our communities. It’s an honor to be in a position to contribute for such a worthwhile cause,” said Ed Mitzen.
The new bloodmobile will feature improved climate control and advanced technology to enhance the blood donor experience. With greater fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs, this vehicle will increase the number of possible mobile blood drives across the region. Over the course of its expected 10-year lifespan, the bloodmobile will collect approximately 30,000 units of blood, helping as many patients. The Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood and nearly all of the blood used by hospitals across the Eastern New York Region.
The cost of the new bloodmobile is $375,000, which will be fully funded by a gift from the Mitzen family. Ed Mitzen is the Founder of Fingerpaint, a health and wellness advertising agency.
The Red Cross launched the Delivering Hope campaign just over a week ago, hoping to fund a series of new blood transportation vehicles and a new bloodmobile for the Eastern New York Region. Thanks to the Mitzen family, the bloodmobile is now fully funded, and the Delivering Hope campaign is more than 75% fulfilled. The Red Cross will continue to raise funds for additional blood transportation vehicles which are used to deliver lifesaving blood to hospitals across the region. To contribute to the Delivering Hope campaign, please visit https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/eastern-new-york-blood-fleet or call (518) 694-5147. Donations may also be mailed to the American Red Cross, 33 Everett Road, Albany, NY 12205.