'Urgently' Needed Blood Drive Coming To Bayside

BAYSIDE, QUEENS — A local politician is calling on Baysiders to show up to his "urgent-need" blood drive in August.

Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein is sponsoring a summer blood drive with the New York Blood Center (NYBC) at the Bay Terrace Shopping Center on August 5.

"The New York Blood Center recently announced an urgent need for blood donations," said Braunstein. "Donating blood is safe and saves up to three lives. I hope that you will take the time to share this lifesaving gift," he said in a statement to constituents.

This is the ninth time that the Assemblyman has organized a summer blood drive in Bayside, but this year donations are especially needed.

In March, NYBC declared a blood emergency, after the organization's blood supply dropped to a four day supply — "well below what is needed by area hospitals," according to a news release. At the time NYBC had only one to two days of blood supply for type O and type B blood.

“As the region reopens, hospitalizations are going up and far outpacing the number of donations we are receiving,” Andrea Cefarelli, a senior executive director at NYBC told the Queens Eagle.

“We must raise awareness and encourage lapsed donors who have not donated since before COVID-19 to return and to attract the next generation of blood donors to help us build a healthy blood supply," she said.

The blood drive, which will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., includes incentives for donors.

Everyone who gives blood will receive a free limited edition New York Mets t-shirt, and will be entered into a raffle to win a 6-pack of Met's tickets, courtesy of the NYBC.

The Assemblyman's office said that social distancing and mask requirements will be in place for the event, and people cannot donate if they've had a positive COVID test, COVID symptoms, or are being told to quarantine.

People who have recovered from the coronavirus can still donate blood, but they must be 14 days symptom free in order to do so, the office explained.

To give blood, you can sign up online here, or contact the Assemblyman's office by phone at 718-357-3588 or by email at braunsteine@nyassembly.gov.