'Dangerously Low' Blood Supply Prompts Donation Drive At West Islip FD

WEST ISLIP, NY — The New York Blood Center has announced an "urgent call" for blood donations after the nationwide blood supply hit a "dangerously low" level, with collections nearly 20 percent below hospital demand.

The NYBC urges people to donate, especially those with type O+ and O- blood. According to the organization, O- is the universal blood type used in emergencies and the current supply has dropped to a critically low two-day level. In a press release, the NYBC said it expects to collect only about 6,500 donations this week, falling about 1,600 donations short of what is needed to maintain a safe and stable blood supply in New York.

NYBC said spring travel, school breaks and packed calendars have kept regular donors away—leaving donation levels dangerously low at a time when they should be ramping up. More than 56,000 traumas are reported in New York State annually, most occurring between May and September when accidents, car crashes and violent injuries rise dramatically.

The West Islip Fire Department is rallying to help and is hosting a blood drive at headquarters on Monday, May 12, from 1:45 to 7:45 p.m.

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

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, have gotten no tattoos in the past year and be 16 to 75 years of age (16-year-old donors require parental consent.)

The fire department is located at 309 Union Blvd. in West Islip.