Nearby Blood Drives to Take Place This Weekend

In an effort to help counter the shortage of blood in the New York area after Hurricane Sandy, the New York Blood Center is hosting two blood drives in the Ditmas Park area Saturday, Jan. 13 and Sunday, Jan. 14. 

From 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday or Sunday, head to the P.S. 152 Annex near Our Lady of Refuge at 1087 Ocean Ave. at Foster Avenue for the Midwood community blood drive. The blood drive will take place in the school's basement. No registration is required, but to schedule an appointment, contact Bob Manago at bobmanago@msn.com

Temple Beth Emeth at 83 Marlborough Rd. at Church Avenue will also host a blood drive on Saturday from 5-9:30 p.m. To register, click here.

According to the New York Blood Center, "blood donors receive free mini-medical exams on site including information about their temperature, blood pressure and hematocrit level."

Donors must be at least 17-years-old, or 16-years-old with written permission from a parent or legal guardian, weigh 110 pounds are in good health and meet all Food and Drug Administration and New York State Department of Health donor criteria. 

Donors ages 16 to 18 have additional height and weight restrictions, which can be read here. People over 75 must have a doctor’s note to donate.