The Town of Oyster Bay announced it will hold a blood drive on World Blood Donor Day, June 14, in order to help hospitals facing a blood shortage.
Earlier this month, New York Blood Center (NYBC) announced that the state is facing a blood emergency. School spring breaks and holiday travel had caused an alarming drop in donations over a six-week period, and NYBC stated that all blood types are low and type O is at just a 1-to-2-day level. The shortage has continued, and supply is still “dangerously low,” the center says.
“This time of the year always tends to be difficult for the blood supply, with school spring breaks and increased travel making blood donations less of a priority. These factors are now coinciding with increasing Covid cases and a potential fifth wave of the pandemic,” said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior Executive Director at New York Blood Center. “One blood donation has the ability to save up to three lives. We highly encourage all who are able to donate today to help New Yorkers who need it most.”
The Long Island blood collection drive will be from 1 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 14 at the Hicksville Athletic Center, located at 167 S. Broadway in Hicksville. Anyone who donates will receive a voucher for a free Dairy Queen Blizzard, compliments of Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Laura Maier.
Appointments are recommended for the blood drive. To qualify as a donor, a person must be between the ages of 17 and 75 years old (can be 16 with parental permission and 76 or older with a doctor’s note), weigh at least 110 pounds, and not have donated blood within the last 56 days. Anyone who received a tattoo within the past 12 months is ineligible to donate. It is recommended that donors eat well (low fat) and drink fluids in the days before they donate blood.
“It’s quick, easy, and safe to donate a single pint of blood which can save up to three lives. Donating blood at the Hicksville Athletic Center is an incredible way for all of us to pitch in and give back, to help ease the burden of our healthcare heroes as they continue to provide lifesaving efforts,” said Councilman Steve Labriola, who is hosting the blood drive with Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino.
To make an appointment to donate at this blood drive, visit https://bit.ly/3vOVP0i.
To make an appointment at another blood drive, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org.
-With Emily Davenport
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