West Islip FD Hosts Blood Drive To Help Nation's Low Supply

WEST ISLIP, NY — After the blood supply nationwide recently hit a "dangerously low" level—with collections nearly 20 percent below hospital demand—the New York Blood Center has announced an "urgent call" for blood donations and Long Island organizations are rallying to help.

The NYBC is urging people to donate, especially those with type O+ and O- blood, which the organization says 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 in April, the NYBC said it expected to collect only about 6,500 donations, 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 hosting a blood drive on Monday, May 12, from 1:45 to 7:45 p.m., where each donor will receive a box of Girl Scout Cookies.

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).