American Red Cross of Western New York

14/09/2026

🌟Volunteer Spotlight🌟

Laura Dean has dedicated nearly 17 years to volunteering with the American Red Cross in her community. She serves in many roles, including leading preparedness presentations, installing smoke alarms through the Home Fire Campaign, responding with the Disaster Action Team, and serving as a Duty Officer.

This summer, Laura demonstrated exceptional patience and compassion during several Hands-Only CPR classes and a smoke alarm installation day. She guided new instructors with grace, taught participants with enthusiasm, and led her installation team with confidence.

Laura’s kindness, flexibility, and ability to connect with diverse partners make every interaction meaningful. Whether on deployment or responding to DAT and Duty Officer needs, she consistently prepares and supports others while strengthening the mission. Participants, instructors, partners, and volunteers all shared wonderful feedback about Laura and the programs she supports.

Her dedication and positive attitude continue to inspire those around her. Says Community Disaster Program Manager Clare Casper, “Everyone she instructed and installed with had incredible things to say about Laura and our programs. Laura's positive attitude has been contagious.”

Thank you, Laura, for all you do to support the American Red Cross’s lifesaving mission!

redcross.org/wny

11/09/2026

We are proud to remember the lives lost and the heroes who answered the call in the aftermath of that tragic day.

Today, and every day, we reflect, remember, and honor their legacy.

We will ❤️

10/09/2026

As the need for blood donors continues, we're grateful to Erica Dayton, Executive Director of The Golisano Foundation, for her leadership in support of our lifesaving mission.

As a member of the LifeBlood Fund campaign committee, Erica is helping guide this 5-year, $300 million effort to strengthen and modernize our nation's blood supply.

“Most of us do not think about the availability of blood until someone we love urgently needs it,” said Dayton. “I am honored to support the LifeBlood Fund and the American Red Cross in building a strong, reliable blood supply that patients and families can count on during their most critical moments.”

Dayton assumed leadership of the Golisano Foundation in 2023, after joining the organization in 2019 as Grants Manager. She brings more than 15 years of experience in the nonprofit and grant administration sector, with a strong record of advancing inclusion, accessibility and empowerment across communities.

In her role as Director, Erica plays a central part in coordinating Tom Golisano’s personal philanthropy, including several transformative initiatives. These include the 2025 creation of the Golisano Children’s Alliance, uniting 15 children’s hospitals across the United States that bear the Golisano name, and the historic $500 million in unrestricted giving to 125 nonprofit organizations in 2024 including the American Red Cross of Western New York, supporting education, health, disability services, animal welfare, and community causes across Upstate New York and Southwest Florida.

Thank you, Erica, for your commitment to ensuring blood is available for every patient who depends on it.

Learn more about the LifeBlood Fund: https://rdcrss.org/4d00a5F

10/09/2026

"It’s an opportunity to reflect on where we were prior to Sept. 11, 2001, and where we are today and how the world has changed and how people have changed. We need to respect and love each other for who we all are and just remember that we can’t take life for granted. We just can’t."

As we mark the anniversary of September 11, the American Red Cross of Western New York, in partnership with the Western New York Families of September 11, is honored to remember the lives lost and the heroes who answered the call in the aftermath of that tragic day.

Today, and every day, we reflect, remember, and honor their legacy.

Read more:

The American flags, about 3,000 of them, reappear around this time each year in front of the Clement House on Delaware Avenue in memory of the lives lost in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Look closer, and each flag tells a story.

09/09/2026

Donate Blood in Memory of Jacob Marshall ❤️

During a heroic health battle at just 19 years old, Jacob depended upon a large amount of blood products that were provided thanks to the generosity of blood donors like you.

This Saturday, September 12 the public is invited to a blood drive to roll up a sleeve and be a hero for patients in need in Jacob's memory.

Make your appointment at RedCrossBlood.org
Use sponsor code: IMOJACOB

09/09/2026

Disasters don't wait for the "right time" - they can happen in the middle of the night, during your commute or while the kids are at school. But taking steps now can help to protect you and your loved ones.

And with September being National Preparedness Month, it's the perfect time to get started.

When building your emergency preparedness kit, consider some of the following items:

* Flashlight
* Batteries
* Folder with important documents
* Chargers and portable chargers for phones and other electronics

Be sure to include enough food, water, medication and supplies for your household. The Red Cross recommends a 3-day supply of items if you need to evacuate, or a 2-week supply if staying at home.

Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for guides to help you prepare, weather alerts, Red Cross shelter locations and more: redcross.org/apps

08/09/2026

What does it take to change the course of medical history?

On Sept. 18, the Red Cross will release a short documentary, “Iconic Excellence,” revealing the journey of Dr. Charles R. Drew, a pioneering Black physician whose work in blood banking transformed patient care during World War II and continues to shape medicine today.

Learn more about the film, host a film screening or blood drive, and spread the word: RedCrossBlood.org/IconicExcellence

06/09/2026

Do you know someone with cancer? Someone who is pregnant? Someone with sickle cell disease? Then you know someone who may need blood.

Every day, someone in our community may need blood.

Don't wait until an emergency happens - give now: rcblood.org/appt

04/09/2026

The wait is over! Come to give blood Sept. 1-20 and we’ll say thanks with an exclusive Red Cross x Hello Kitty plush mascot clip and surprise sticker pack, while they last.

Schedule your visit today: https://rcblood.org/4p8fv9g

02/09/2026

Making an impact. ❤️

Last week, we were honored to be joined by an esteemed group of panelists as part of an informational discussion on Sickle Cell disease, its impact and how community can mobilize to support sickle cell fighters through blood donation, collaboration and much more.

Thank you to Senator April N.M. Baskin for sponsoring this important event and to our panelists for sharing your lived experiences and expertise: Juanita McClain, President, scwarriorsbuffalony; Jason Moore, Vice President of Sickle Cell Warriors of Buffalo; Dr. Jennifer Abeles, DO, UBMD; Anthony Sheppard, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated; and Duane Burnley, Regional Donor Services Executive, American Red Cross of WNY.

Special thanks to our moderator, Glenn Jackson, Head of Engagement & Belonging for M&T Bank for helping to guide this important discussion.

September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month. This month, and year-round, you can make an impact in the lives of sickle cell fighters by learning more and scheduling an appointment to donate lifesaving blood.

Visit redcross.org/IconicExcellence to learn more, host a drive, or schedule an appointment to donate lifesaving blood nearest you.