Giving Back: BFAIR achieves Premier Blood Partner status for its work with the Red Cross

Katrina Cardillo • August 21, 2019

Aug. 22, 2019 (North Adams, MA) – BFAIR (Berkshire Family & Individual Resources, Inc.) has been recognized by the American Red Cross as one of its Premier Blood Partners for 2019, a prestigious honor, for its support of the community and national blood supply. Last year, BFAIR helped the Red Cross collect blood donations as part of its deep-rooted commitment to help save lives of patients facing illnesses and injuries in this community and across the country.  Since 2013 BFAIR has held 18 blood drives and collected 511 pints of blood which had the potential to save 1,533 lives.

“BFAIR is proud to be a part of the Red Cross mission that helps ensure lifesaving blood is available for hospital patients in need. Our organization shares that same humanitarian value to help our neighbors, and we are grateful for the opportunity to host blood drives that will do just that here in our community,” said Ethel Altiery, BFAIR’s Executive Director.

Every day, volunteer blood and platelet donors across the country are needed to help save lives. Blood and platelets are needed for accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease, according to the Red Cross.

The next BFAIR Blood Drive scheduled for February 14, 2020 will host a Red Cross blood drive from 12 PM to 5 PM at the BFAIR Administrative Offices at 771 South Church Street, North Adams, MA.  Community members are urged to come out and roll up a sleeve. “We encourage the community to join us to give the gift of life. The donation process only takes about an hour and can make an enormous difference for a patient battling illness or injury”, said Altiery.

Appointment scheduling will be available as February nears closer. Donors of all blood types are needed. Blood is a perishable product that can only come from volunteer blood donors.

About BFAIR

Since 1994, BFAIR providing adult family care (AFC), residential, in-home clinical services, employment and day services for adults and children with developmental disabilities, acquired brain injury, autism and homecare services for older adults.

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