Blood Donation Signups Encouraged By Long Island State Farm Agent

FARMINGDALE, NY — State Farm Farmingdale Agent Joseph Benincasa is inviting Long Islanders to participate in a "virtual" blood drive, according to a news release.

Blood supplies across the country are running critically low, according to State Farm. To help ensure lifesaving blood, plasma, and platelets are readily available for patients in need, State Farm is raising awareness about blood donation efforts. Benincasa has teamed up with the New York Blood Center to host a virtual blood drive until the end of February.

For those who would like to give blood in Benincasa's drive, you may visit the New York Blood Center's website and schedule an appointment at a local center and then provide group code 71422 when you arrive at the appointment.

"This blood drive allows us to do something positive in the community and potentially save
lives,” Benincasa stated. "We are encouraging everyone to schedule blood donation appointments
and encourage family and friends to do the same. This act of kindness is one of the most
generous gifts someone can give."

According to the New York Blood Center, one pint of blood can save up to three lives. Donors
can help meet the daily transfusion needs of cancer and surgery patients, accident and burn
victims, AIDS and sickle cell anemia patients, and many others in need.

“At State Farm, part of our mission is to help people recover from the unexpected,” Benincasa said. “With this blood drive, we can partner with the community to do just that.”