Manhasset-Lakeville FD blood drive a near record

The Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department held a blood drive Aug. 10 with the help of the New York Blood Center and state Sen. Jack Martins to combat the current blood shortage. The New York Blood Center is one of the largest community-based, non-profit blood collection and distribution organizations in the United States.

he blood drive was so successful that the fire department is already trying to schedule another blood drive later in the year.

Captain Mark Sard, a 31-year department veteran who serves as the chairman of the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department Blood Drive, said they saw more people than ever donating.

“This was by far one of our most successful blood drives ever,” he said. “We had 61 donors, which is a near record high for our effort. We’re grateful to our community and we’re grateful to Sen. Martins for partnering with us. We’re hoping to do it again this December and will release the dates soon.”

Martins, who represented New York’s 7th Senate District, said firefighters are heroes in more ways than putting out fires, racing to accidents and saving lives as emergency medical technicians.

They find ways to help us be heroes, too, with events like this,” he said, “Every pint a person donates can save up to three lives and blood can only be had when good people roll up their sleeves and donate. So, you are very likely saving lives when you get involved. What’s better than that? That’s why I’m proud to partner with our fire departments.”

Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena donated blood at the drive, commenting how blood supplies are critically needed for local hospitals to meet the demand and continue saving lives.

“It’s quick, easy, and safe to donate a single pint of blood which in turn can save up to three lives,” she said, “Donating blood is an incredibly selfless way for all of us to pitch in and give back, bolster blood banks, and ensure as many people as possible can be helped. On top of all that, it helps ease the burden our Healthcare heroes face as they continue to provide lifesaving efforts.”

She also noted the Town of North Hempstead will be hosting a blood drive from 11 am to 5 pm on August 16 at Tully Park in New Hyde Park.

The Red Cross states that every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood or platelets and that approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the nation.