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[ALBANY, NY - MARCH 12, 2026] — During Red Cross Month, the American Red Cross in New York State celebrates six New York State legislators for their commitment to the Red Cross mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies.
The Red Cross in New York State is comprised of three regions – Greater New York, Eastern New York, and Western New York. Legislators from each region were recognized as a Legislator of the Year during a ceremony held in Albany, NY, on March 11, 2026.
The 2026 Legislators of the Year are:
Hon. April Baskin
Hon. Pamela Helming
Hon. Charles Lavine
Hon. Dana Levenberg
Hon. Steven Raga
Hon. Carrie Woerner
“We are so grateful for the partnership we share with legislators across the state. Their dedication to improving the lives of their constituents aligns closely with the Red Cross mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. Every day, we see how their leadership helps create safer, stronger communities, and we are proud to work alongside them in support of our neighbors when it matters most,” said Doreen Howe, CEO, American Red Cross in Greater New York.
“Our state’s legislators share deeply in our humanitarian spirit, and their steadfast commitment to serving the people of New York bolsters our ability to deliver help and hope in times of crisis. Their support enables us to respond more effectively, expand preparedness programs, and reach even more families when they need us most. We value this partnership and the positive impact it has on communities across the state,” said Nicholas Bond, CEO, American Red Cross in Western New York.
“We are honored to recognize these leaders whose dedication to public service helps build more resilient communities throughout New York State. Their collaboration and advocacy make a real difference in our efforts to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. Together, we are strengthening the foundation of support that ensures families and communities have the resources they need to face challenges with confidence,” said Kevin Coffey, CEO, American Red Cross in Eastern New York.
ABOUT THE 2026 LEGISLATORS OF THE YEAR
The Greater New York Chapter (New York City) recognizes Assemblyman Steven Raga for his dedication and support of the Red Cross mission in his district, including support of Sound the Alarm/Get Alarmed NYC.
“I’m honored to be recognized by the American Red Cross, a phenomenal partner whose work in our district and across New York State helps keep families safe and prepared before emergencies strike. At its core, this work is about protecting New Yorkers and strengthening resilience in our neighborhoods. Emergency preparedness and fire prevention aren’t abstract policy goals—they are everyday concerns for working families, seniors, and renters living in older buildings across Queens and New York State. When government partners with trusted organizations like the Red Cross and focuses on prevention and readiness, we save lives, reduce harm, and make our communities safer. I’m proud to support efforts like Sound the Alarm that put people first and deliver real, practical results,” said Assemblymember Raga.
The Metro New York North Chapter recognizes Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg for her service and support of our biomedical and preparedness programs.
"I am so honored to receive this award,” said Asw. Dana Levenberg. “The American Red Cross does so much important work to help our communities prepare for and respond to emergencies, and I am happy to help support that work in any way I can. I look forward to continuing to work together to keep our communities safe and healthy, through efforts like "Sound the Alarm," blood drives, and more."
The American Red Cross on Long Island recognizes Assemblyman Charles Lavine for his support of community outreach efforts to build more resilient communities.
“Whether it’s helping those in need when disaster strikes or preventing it from happening in the first place, the American Red Cross has never been more essential – especially with the extremes brought on by the climate crisis,” said Assemblyman Lavine. “As a longtime supporter of this wonderful organization, which works hand in hand with government, I am honored to be selected as its New York State Legislator of the Year!”
The Eastern New York Region recognizes Hon. Carrie Woerner for being a steadfast friend and champion of the Red Cros’s mission and programs.
Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner said, “I’m truly honored to be the recipient of the NYS American Red Cross Legislator of the Year Award. Throughout my years in the Assembly, I have passed over 100 bills, 79 of which were signed into law. Yet, the laws that allowed for blood to be carried on emergency air transport and in ambulances remain at the top of my most meaningful legislative achievements. I know they helped save lives. I get such joy out of sponsoring blood drives in my Assembly District as well. These community-based events are so important, and I’m always inspired by the dedication of the volunteer blood donors who go out in the ever-so-often cold and rainy weather to help their fellow New Yorkers. Thank you again for this award, but the honor to further the Red Cross’ mission is all mine.”
The Western New York Region recognizes Senator Pamela Helming her commitment to multiple aspects of the Red Cross mission in her community, including biomedical services.
Senator Pamela Helming said, "Being recognized as Legislator of the Year by the American Red Cross is very humbling. This honor is especially meaningful knowing how deeply the organization is woven into the fabric of our district, dating back to when Clara Barton established the first Red Cross chapter in Dansville. The Red Cross has a long-standing record of service in times of need. I have been present when Red Cross volunteers have shown up in the middle of the night to provide emergency assistance following tornadoes, devastating fires and floods. And I’ve been proud to work with the Red Cross on annual blood drives to help secure critical supply needs. I am truly grateful for this recognition and for the opportunity to support an organization that makes such a meaningful difference in the lives of so many."
The Western New York Region recognizes Senator April N.M. Baskin her commitment to advancing life saving initiatives.
“I am incredibly honored to receive the 2026 New York State Legislator of the Year Award from the American Red Cross,” said Senator April N.M. Baskin. “I thank the Red Cross for their continued partnership and support, going all the way back to the Christmas blizzard of 2022. Since then, the Red Cross has stood by me and our community, advancing life saving initiatives like Sound the Alarm and supporting Desha’s Law. The Red Cross has been a true partner in strengthening emergency preparedness in our community. I am committed to continuing to work with the Red Cross to expand education and blood donation efforts in support of families impacted by sickle cell disease.”
ABOUT THE RED CROSS REGIONS IN NEW YORK STATE
THE GREATER NEW YORK REGION is comprised of three chapters: Long Island, Metro NY North, and Greater New York (New York City). Together, these chapters serve a population of more than 13 million residents of New York City, Long Island, Westchester and Rockland counties, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and Greenwich, Conn. The 2026 Legislators of the Year from the Greater New York Region are Hon. Steven Raga, Hon. Dana Levenberg and Hon. Charles Lavine.
THE EASTERN NEW YORK REGION is comprised of three chapters: Central & Northern New York, Hudson Valley, and Northeastern New York. Together, these chapters serve a population of more than 3.6 million people across 27 counties and more than 51,000 square miles. The 2026 Legislator of the Year from the Eastern New York Region is Hon. Carrie Woerner.
THE WESTERN NEW YORK REGION is comprised of three chapters: Western New York (Buffalo), Greater Rochester, and Southern Tier. The Western New York Region spans 27 counties and is home to Dansville, N.Y., where Red Cross founder Clara Barton established the very first Red Cross chapter in 1881. The Legislators of the Year from the Western New York Region are Hon. Pamela Helming and Hon. April Baskin Assemblyman.
In the most recently completed fiscal year, the Red Cross in New York State:
PREVIOUS LEGISLATORS OF THE YEAR
2019: Asm. Richard Gottfried, Asw. Crystal People Stokes, Sen. Thomas O’Mara and Asm. John McDonald
2020: State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins, Sen. Timothy Kennedy, Sen. Joseph Robach, Asm. Al Stirpe, Asm. Angelo Santabarbara and Asm. Marcos Crespo
2021: Sen. Joseph Addabbo, Sen. John Brooks, Sen. Patrick Gallivan, Sen. Sue Serino, Asm. Martiza Davila and Asm. Donna Lupardo
2022: Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Asw. Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Asm. Desmond Meeks, Sen. Daphne Jordan, Sen. Anna Kaplan, and State Senate Minority Leader Robert G. Ortt
2023: Sen. Shelley B. Mayer, Sen. James Sanders Jr., Asw. Michelle Hinchey, Asw. Michaelle C. Solages and Assistant Assembly Minority Leader Philip A. Palmesano
2024: Asw. Pamela Hunter, Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Asm. Angelo J. Morinello, Sen. Alexis Weik and Asm. Kenneth Zebrowski
2025: Asw. Marianne Buttenschon; Asm. William “Bill” Conrad III; Sen. Monica R. Martinez; Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton; Sen. Bill Weber
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
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