The Town of Oyster Bay will be holding its Blood Drive on Thursday, April 13 to help hospitals meet the ongoing need for blood donations. “Long Island Blood Services cannot meet its vital, life-saving mission without the efforts of the Town’s Blood Drive and its volunteers,” said Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Michele M. Johnson. “We strongly encourage all those eligible to participate. If you have family members or friends who are willing to donate, please ask them to also support our effort.”
“Blood banks need to be prepared 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” Councilwoman Johnson said. “This constant state of urgency is why people should always donate whenever they can. Donating is not only quick and easy but it is an entirely safe process. All materials used during the process are sterile, disposable and used only once…by you. There is no danger of contracting any disease, including AIDS. The pint of blood you donate will never be missed by your body, which manufactures an equivalent amount in 24 hours. When broken down into component parts, one single pint of blood can be used to heal and help the bodies of three different people.”
Locations for the blood drives are: Town Hall South Conference Room, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa (9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) and Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay (9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.). Councilwoman Johnson added that in order 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 has received a tattoo within the past twelve months is ineligible to apply. It is recommended that volunteers eat well (low fat) and drink fluids in the days before the Blood Drive. The Councilwoman noted that all blood types are needed, especially O positive and O negative.
Refreshments will be provided for all who donate. In addition, each time someone makes a donation, they earn advantage points redeemable for a wide variety of gifts, gift cards, or other merchandise. Also, McDonalds will be offering a coupon to all donor registrants offering a free large sandwich or salad when you make any type of purchase at McDonalds. For questions concerning medical eligibility call 1-800—688-0900 or visit www.nybc.org. Those wishing to sign up to donate, or in need of additional information, can call Councilwoman Johnson’s office at 1-516-624-6301 or visit the Town’s website at www.oysterbaytown.com.
“A pint of blood may be one of the most important gifts you can give to someone,” Councilwoman Johnson stated. “One pint of blood could be the difference between life and death for one or more recipients. Please help us make this blood drive a huge success. Always keep in mind that we may someday be the ones in need.”