With hospitals facing a nationwide blood shortage this holiday season, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh invite residents to give the gift of life by donating blood on Thursday, December 15th, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Town of Oyster Bay Hicksville Athletic Center, located at 167 S. Broadway in Hicksville.
Supervisor Saladino stated, “Blood supplies have seriously dwindled as a result of the COVID-19 health pandemic and are critically needed for local hospitals to meet the demand and continue saving lives. Please consider participating in this blood drive to help bolster our blood banks and ensure as many people as possible can be helped. Together, we can give the gift of life this holiday season through a simple blood donation.”
Appointments are preferred for the Town’s Blood Drive. To qualify as a donor, a person must be between the ages of 17 and 75 years old (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 the Blood Drive. Additionally, all donors will receive a voucher for a free Blizzard at Dairy Queen.
Councilwoman Walsh added, “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 during the holidays.”
For additional information regarding the Town’s Blood Drive, contact the Town’s Public Information Office at (516) 624-6380. To make an appointment to donate at this Blood Drive, sign up today at https://donate.nybc.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/298555.