'Critical Need' Prompts Blood Drive In Deer Park

DEER PARK, NY — After a drop in blood donations around the new year, the New York Blood Center has announced a "critical need" for blood donations, and community members may donate in Deer Park this week.

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 Deer Park Fire Department, located at 94 Lake Ave., on Tuesday, April 15, from 1:45 to 7:45 p.m.

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, haven't gotten any tattoos in the last year, and be 16-75 years of age (16-year-old donors require parental consent).

Appointments are recommended, but not required.