'Urgent Call' For Blood Prompts Blood Drive At Good Samaritan Hospital

WEST ISLIP, NY — Donating blood saves lives and the summer months presents challenges—and shortages—with donated blood supply, according to the New York Blood Center.

In an effort to combat the blood donation shortages caused by seasonal travel, school breaks and a rise in traumatic accidents during the summer, the blood center has joined with Good Samaritan University Hospital in rallying for blood donations to help save lives.

The blood drive will run Thursday, August 15, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the hospital's patio cafe.

In particular, the blood center issued an "urgent call" for type O+ and O- blood donations in late July, as a shortage of type O blood has hit New York—and the nation.

However, the New York Blood center needs donations of all types of blood.

“We are appealing to our community to step up and donate blood, especially those whose blood type is type O,” said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior Vice President at New York Blood Center. “Following the recent surge in blood usage, our local inventory is critically low, and we need immediate support to ensure that every patient receives the lifesaving care they need.”

Good Samaritan University Hospital is located at 1000 Montauk Highway in West Islip.