'Critical Need' Prompts Blood Drive At West Babylon Fire Department

WEST BABYLON, NY — After a drop in blood donations nationwide following the holidays, the West Babylon Fire Department is urging community members to help out and donate blood.

In a press release issued on Jan. 11, the New York Blood Center 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 has 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 West Babylon Fire Headquarters at 126 Arnold Ave. on Monday, April. 14, from 1:45 to 7:45 p.m.

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