'Critical Need' Prompts Blood Drive At Bay Shore Fire Department

BAY SHORE, NY — After a drop in blood donations nationwide, the New York Blood Center has announced a "critical need" for blood donations.

In a press release issued on Jan. 11, the NYBC urged all eligible donors to give blood amid a "post-holiday decline in donations." The statement continued, saying that the winter months "present unique challenges for blood donations as holiday travel, seasonal illness, and inclement weather all contribute to making blood donations less of a priority."

According to the blood center, it experienced a nearly 40 percent decline in donations since then, resulting in around 3,000 fewer collected blood products and a critical shortage of O- and B- blood types.

To help, community members may donate blood at the Bay Shore Fire Department at 195 Fifth Ave. on Friday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Appointments are recommended, but not required, and can be scheduled here.

Before donating blood, it's important to eat and drink. Eligible donors must have an ID with a signature or photo, weigh at least 110 pounds, had no tattoos in the past year, and be 16-75 years of age (16-year-old donors require parental consent.)