Forest Hills Church Joins Fight To Combat State's Blood Shortage

FOREST HILLS, QUEENS — The church behind a local blood drive guarantees that each donation will help to save up to three lives.

In an effort to combat New York's blood shortage, for which the New York Blood Center declared a state of emergency in July, Our Lady of Mercy Church, located at 70-01 Kessel St. in Forest Hills, will host a community blood drive on Aug. 6 from 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Eligible donors must bring their blood donor card or a valid ID, with signature or photo, and weigh at least 110 pounds.

Donors must also be between the ages of 16 and 75, with 16-year-old donors requiring parental permission. Those age 76 or older need to present a doctor's note.

Persons with tattoos received within 12 months prior to the date of the blood drive will not be able to donate. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

Our Lady of Mercy recommends that all donors eat a low-fat meal and drink fluids before arriving to the church.

For questions concerning medical eligibility, call the New York Blood Center at 1-800-688-0900 or visit the center's website. Further information about the blood drive is available by calling the church via (718) 268-6143.

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