FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2012
Contact: Mike Kanarick
802.735.7962
Mayor Miro Weinberger Encourages Blood Donations in the Wake of Hurricane Sandy
Burlington, VT – Mayor Miro Weinberger today visited the American Red Cross in Burlington, donated a pint of blood (please see attached photo), and encouraged his team of City employees and Burlingtonians to do the same if they are able as part of the effort to help our friends in the south who have been severely impacted by Hurricane Sandy.
Mayor Weinberger issued the following statement:
“Since Hurricane Sandy brought so much devastation to our friends south of Burlington, I have been looking to find a way to help our neighbors who suffered from the storm. The challenges faced by local officials throughout New York and New Jersey are incredibly daunting. We should do what we can to help -- we would need it if the tables were turned.
“I have consulted with Vermont emergency management officials, and it is clear to me that one of the best ways we can help right now is to give blood. Over 300 blood drives throughout the region were canceled as a result of Hurricane Sandy, and reserves are at dangerously low levels. Today I donated a pint at the Red Cross Prospect Street offices. I hope you will consider making a similar donation in the next few days. Financial contributions also are greatly needed and can be made at http://www.redcross.org/charitable-donations.
“In the weeks and months ahead, as the long-term rebuilding challenges become clearer and the attention of the world shifts, New York, New Jersey and the other affected states will have new needs. Burlington stands ready to help our neighbors in any way we can during the challenging times to come.”
Weinberger sent the following email with the subject line “How you can help: Hurricane Sandy recovery assistance” to all City employees upon his return from donating blood this morning:
Colleagues,
In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, I have been looking to find a way to help our neighbors to the south who were so severely impacted by the storm. The challenges faced by local officials throughout New York and New Jersey are incredibly daunting. We should do what we can to help -- we would need it if the tables were turned.
I have consulted with Vermont emergency management officials, and it is clear to me that one of the best ways we can help right now is to give blood. Over 300 blood drives throughout the region were canceled as a result of Hurricane Sandy and reserves are at low levels. I have just come back from donating a pint at the Red Cross Prospect Street offices. I had a great experience there and was surprised to learn the following:
- The technician who took my blood explained to me that one pint saves three lives as a result of the manner in which the blood is divided and used.
- Vermonters and Burlingtonians are incredibly committed to the Red Cross. The center on Prospect Street has a goal of 42 pints a day. The Prospect Street center is the busiest Red Cross center in the entire region – more active than centers in much larger cities.
- Over 70 pints were donated yesterday in response to Sandy.
I hope you will consider making a similar blood donation today, tomorrow or next week to keep our City’s numbers up during this time of need. I have asked the head of your department to do what she or he can to accommodate as many employees as possible making donations while on duty for the rest of this week and next.
- Donor hours are: Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm; Saturday, 7:30am-1pm.
- We suggest you call ahead for an appointment – 802.658.6400.
If you would rather make a financial contribution, you can do that at http://www.redcross.org/charitable-donations.
I also intend to release a public statement shortly urging other Burlingtonians to help if they can, and offering other forms of help to New York and New Jersey cities in the weeks ahead when needs are clearer.
Warmly,
Miro
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