Give blood, get coffee at the 17th annual winter blood drive sponsored by the Oneida Indian Nation and American Red Cross NY-Penn Region Tuesday, January 31.

As a “thank you” for saving a life, Dunkin’ Donuts has pledged a free pound of coffee to all blood donors.

“Winter is a time when the blood supply can be diminished because of fewer high school and college donors,” said Pat Catalano, Oneida Indian Nation Health Promotion Specialist. “The need for blood donations is constant to keep up with the needs of hospital patients and surgeries. That’s why the Oneida Nation always commits to a winter drive, as a community service to help patients in the area.”

The Oneida Nation – Red Cross blood drive runs 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 31 in the Cypress Room of the Turning Stone Resort Casino Conference Center. Donor appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Call (315) 829-8215 to schedule an appointment to donate blood.

Generally, blood donors must be in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds, and not have donated within 56 days. In New York State, 16-year-olds are eligible to donate blood with an original signed or faxed copy of the “New York State Informed Parental Consent for a 16-year-old to Donate Whole Blood” document. It’s available online at www.redcrossblood.org.

Other donor eligibility guidelines are available by calling (800) 215-1659.

Professional media interested in covering the 17th annual Oneida Nation – Red Cross blood drive should contact Oneida Nation Public Affairs Manager Dan Smith at (315) 829-8305 or dansmith@oneida-nation.org.