"For the past two years our region has been experiencing a shortage of blood that shows no signs of slowing down," said Dr. Dennis Todd, president and CEO of the blood center and an Orange County resident.� "As the major supplier of blood and blood products to hospitals in the area, it is important for us to establish a facility in the community to make sure that the needs of residents are met.�

Community Blood Services has been serving Orange County since 1994.It is the main blood supplier for Arden Hill Hospital, Goshen; Horton Medical Center, Middletown; St. Anthony Community Hospital, Warwick; and Good Samaritan Hospital, Suffern.

Todd noted that national statistics show that only 5% of the population donates blood, yet 80% will receive a transfusion sometime in their lives.

"It is imperative that a community like Orange County, which is growing at such a rapid rate, help supply the blood that it needs," he said.

"The blood that we collect in this community will stay in this community, " added Todd.

Susan Mysliwiec, director of donor recruitment, said that the Goshen

location will make it easier for people to donate.�

"It is not always convenient for people to donate at our blood drives," said Ms. Mysliwiec. "Our new location will be open 5 days a week and will offer evening hours."

"Today, everyone is very busy with work, childcare, school, and it can be difficult to find that half-hour in which to donate blood," said Todd.

"That�s why it is important to operate centers within the community that we are servicing and make it easier for people to become regular donors," he said.

Community Blood Services� new center is located at 7 Coates Drive, Suite 5, in Goshen. The center will be open Tuesdays and Fridays, 8 a.m. � 2 p.m.; Wednesdays and Thursdays, 2 � 8 p.m., and Saturdays 8 a.m. � 12 noon.

In addition, the blood center will continue holding mobile drives throughout the community.

Blood donors must be 18-75 years old (17 with a parent�s permission), and weigh at least 110 pounds.

For more information on donating blood or for a listing of mobile drives please call 845-294 -3362.

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