Duncan, who has volunteered at blood drives monthly throughout the past 15 years, expressed profound gratitude to Saranac Lake residents and those who came from surrounding communities to donate.

Approximately 100 people donated, more than double what is typical for the region, according to Duncan. Despite the large volume, the event ran smoothly. Duncan noted that wait times remained under 10 minutes throughout the day, thanks to the hotel’s large ballroom capacity and ample volunteer support.

“It only takes one training session to be a volunteer,” she said. “Today is great but we could always use more.”

Several donors noted their top reasons for giving were to give back to the community and directly help those in what is often their greatest time of need.

Nancy Duncan, left, and Mary Woods staff the patient intake table for a Red Cross blood drive at the Hotel Saranac in Saranac Lake on Wednesday. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

Emily Foppert of Saranac said she had been giving regularly since high school. She was initially inspired by her father and a member of her church who “had given 50 gallons” throughout his life. Knowing people who regularly donated made any initial fears “no big deal. It’s something I can do and my body replaces it.”

Matthew Lynch of Saranac Lake has been donating regularly throughout his entire adult life.

“It’s the least you can do to help all humans,” he said.

A 40% national decline over the past two decades coupled with a busy summer travel season has resulted in an urgent blood shortage across the United States. Duncan said Wednesday’s success, in light of a dire national situation, can be attributed to several factors.

“At our last event, we had a volunteer who encouraged people on their way out to sign up that day to donate as soon as they are eligible again,” she said. “A lot of people simply forget in their busy lives so this way we were able to get them back in as soon as they were eligible again. We also try as hard as we can to provide clear directions to the drive and make the wait times as short as possible.”

Emily Foppert smiles with her daughter after donating blood for a Red Cross blood drive at the Hotel Saranac in Saranac Lake on Wednesday. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

Some newer donors said they were convinced by people close to them who had donated about the ease of the process. Duncan urged those who donate regularly to talk to those around them about the impact their generosity can have and the convenience of the process. It only takes 8 to 10 minutes on average to draw a whole blood donation, according to the Red Cross.

In addition to a regular blood donation, people have the option to make a Power Red Donation. The process uses a specialized machine that separates and returns plasma and platelets to the donor, allowing them to safely donate two units of red blood in a single donation. Power Red donors at this drive received a $20 Amazon gift card.

Walk-ins are always welcome, and anyone unsure if they can donate can be screened on-site that day to confirm their eligibility.

People can donate whole blood once every 56 days or make Power Red donations every 112 days. Upcoming blood drives throughout the Tri-Lakes region, as well as eligibility requirements and details about the donation process and volunteering, can be found at www.redcrossblood.org. People can also download the Red Cross Blood Donor app available for free from Google Play and the Apple App Store.