Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone announced on Monday that the metropolitan region was suffering from a severe blood shortage.
“There are hundreds, if not thousands of people waiting for a life-saving blood transfusion that could be the difference between life and death,” said Bellone.
Bellone strongly encouraged residents to donate blood at one of several events being hosted by the New York Blood Center this summer. According to NYBC, the blood supply tends to diminish in the summer due to seasonal factors.
“By spreading the word or even hosting your own blood drive, inviting friends, family, and community organizations, you may save lives in your community,” said Andrea Cefarelli, executive director of NYBC.
NYBC has a special shortage of O negative blood – known as the universal blood type that can be used on all patients. The local blood supply has reached a critically low level, according to NYBC, with under a two-day supply of O negative, B negative, and A negative.
NYBC says that in order to maintain a safe blood supply, a seven-day inventory of all types must be continually replenished. Companies, organizations, and community groups are also encouraged to step up to host a blood drive in July or August to help rebuild the blood supply.
“Having blood on our hospital shelves in advance is key to saving lives as it takes 48 hours for donated blood to reach those who need it,” said Legislator William R. Spencer, M.D.
Legislator Leslie Kennedy has hosted several blood drives and encourages others to do the same, while also commending the county for taking action.
“As a nurse for many years and as person who has been personally affected by the need for donated blood I applaud County Executive Steve Bellone for this press conference to shed light on this blood emergency,” she said.
The following blood drives will be held in Suffolk County throughout the summer:
Thursday, June 29
9:30am to 3:30pm
Fire Training Academy
Yaphank Ave
Yaphank, NY
Thursday, July 13
9:30am to 3:30pm
Medical Examiner’s Office
North County Complex, Building 487
Hauppauge, NY
Monday, July 17
10:00am to 2:30pm
Sunrise Business Center
3500 Sunrise Highway
Great River, NY
Tuesday, July 18
7:45am to 4:15pm
Cohalan Court Complex
400 Carleton Avenue
Central Islip, NY
Thursday, July 20
9:00am to 3:00pm
DSS MacArthur Building
3455 Veterans Memorial Highway
Ronkonkoma, NY
Tuesday, August 8
9:30am to 3:00pm
H.Lee Dennison Building
100 Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, NY