Oyster Bay Town Councilman Joseph Muscarella and Town employees today announced that the Town will host a Blood Drive on Thursday, April 4th, to help hospitals meet the ongoing and pressing need for blood donations. The Blood Drive will take place between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. in the conference room of Town Hall South (977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa).

“Blood supplies can easily dwindle, so blood drives like this are critical to help hospitals meet demand and continue their life-saving mission,” said Councilman Muscarella. “I urge all those eligible to participate and help support our efforts, as blood banks need to be prepared, so that as many people as possible can be helped.”

To qualify as a blood donor, a person must 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 volunteers eat well (low fat) and drink fluids in the days before the Blood Drive.

“We are in the midst of an emergency blood shortage and this is why people should always donate whenever they can. Donating blood is a quick, easy, and safe process, and the pint of blood you donate will never be missed from your body, as it is quickly reproduced within your body,” Councilman Muscarella added. “If you have family members or friends willing to donate, please ask them to support our effort this year, as there is no danger of contracting any diseases, and each pint of blood donated can be used to help three different people.”

Refreshments will be provided for all who donate blood. For additional information regarding the Town’s Blood Drive, contact Nancy Haarstick at (516) 624-6304