In the News: Together, we will get through this pandemic

Together, we will get through this pandemic

By Bee Group Newspapers | on April 08, 2020

FRANK TODARO
Erie County Legislator

 It has been a challenging month as we continue to battle the COVID-19 outbreak, which has impacted nearly all of our communities in Erie County and across New York state. It is important to continue doing everything we can to protect the health and safety of all Erie County residents. In the meantime, it has been incredible to see the strong showing of support for one another and acts of kindness throughout our community. Please continue practicing social distancing, taking care of your mental health, and supporting local businesses along with all essential employees. Together, we will get through this.

I would first like to thank all of our frontline health care workers. Doctors, nurses and other medical professionals are truly invaluable to us in this time of need. Many of these men and women are forced to be away from their families and are risking their own health to care for a growing number of patients.

It is heartbreaking to know that all of our hospitals are experiencing a shortage of essential supplies right now. Last week, when the governor issued an executive order granting him the authority to take ventilators and PPE from Upstate New York communities to send them to New York City, my colleagues in the legislature and I quickly pushed back. We cannot allow any of our life-saving equipment to be removed from a hospital, especially as the virus is expected to reach its peak in the coming weeks.

There is also a severe shortage of blood donations right now. According to ConnectLife, there have been thousands of cancellations leading to an extremely short supply. Because of the demand, I am proud to be sponsoring an emergency blood drive in both West Seneca and Williamsville from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 22. The Williamsville site is located at ConnectLife Headquarters, 4444 Bryant and Stratton Way, and the West Seneca site can be found at the Southgate Neighborhood Blood Donation Center, 984 Union Road. By making a donation, you are saving lives. I made my first donation last week and the staff was incredibly kind and helpful throughout the entire process. You will need to make an appointment beforehand by visiting connectlife.org and selecting your location. I hope you will consider signing up to donate in the coming weeks.

If you have questions, comments or concerns, or there is an issue I can assist you with, please feel free to contact my office. We can be reached at Frank.Todaro@erie.gov or by phone at 681-2071.