Mitzen family funds new Red Cross bloodmobile
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » A new state- of-the-art American Red Cross bloodmobile, to serve the eastern New York region, is now fully funded following a gift from the Mitzen family of Saratoga Springs.
It is currently being manufactured at a cost of $375,000 and is scheduled for use by early 2020.
“Everywhere you turn during times of disaster, the Red Cross is there,” said Ed Mitzen, founder of Fingerpaint, a health and wellness advertising agency. “Our family feels so grateful to the organization for all they do for our communities. It’s an honor to be in a position to contribute for such a worthwhile cause.”
The new bloodmobile will feature improved climate control and advanced technology to enhance the blood donor experience. With greater fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs, this vehicle will increase the number of possible mobile blood drives across the region.
Over the course of its expected 10-year lifespan, the bloodmobile will collect approximately 30,000 units of blood, helping an equal number of patients. The Red Cross supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood and nearly all of the blood used by hospitals across the eastern New York Region.
“The bloodmobile that currently serves our region is well beyond its expected life span at 12 years old,” said Gary Striar, Red Cross regional CEO. “Now, thousands of blood donors in our community will have access to a brand new, modern bloodmobile where they can give the gift of life to patients in need.
“On behalf of those donors, and the countless patients they will help, we express our deepest thanks to the Mitzen family.”