BFAIR Achieves Premier Blood Partner Status for Its Work with the Red Cross

NORTH ADAMS — BFAIR (Berkshire Family & Individual Resources Inc.) has been recognized by the American Red Cross as one of its Premier Blood Partners for 2019 for its support of the community and national blood supply. Last year, BFAIR helped the Red Cross collect blood donations as part of its 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 life-saving 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 is scheduled for Feb. 14, 2020 from noon to 5 p.m. at 771 South Church St., North Adams. Appointment scheduling will be available as February draws closer. Donors of all blood types are needed.

“We encourage the community to join us to give the gift of life,” Altiery said. “The donation process only takes about an hour and can make an enormous difference for a patient battling illness or injury.”