Senator Martins to Hold Blood Drive August 24

In response to the need for blood donations during the summer months, Senator Jack M. Martins is sponsoring a blood drive along with the New York Blood Center that will take place on Wednesday, August 24 from 2:30-7 p.m. The Long Island Blood Services van will be at the Herricks Community Center, 999 Herricks Road in New Hyde Park.

Blood donations will be taken by Long Island Blood Services, a division of the New York Blood Center. According to the New York Blood Center, blood donations tend to drop significantly during the summer months when people go on vacation. Still, the need for blood never takes a vacation.

New York Blood Center alone requires over 2,000 volunteer blood donations each day to meet the transfusion needs of patients in close to 200 New York and New Jersey hospitals. The fact is 1 out of every 3 people will require a life-saving transfusion sometime during their lifetime. Every donation has the potential to save lives. Yet, only 2 percent of the eligible population donates.

“It’s important that during emergencies, we have enough blood to provide in order to save lives. This is something that touches us all. I hope residents will join me in giving blood on August 24 at the Herricks Community Center,” said Senator Martins.

Nearly everyone between the ages of 17 (16 with parents' written permission or consent) and 75 (people age 76 and older can donate if they meet all donor eligibility requirements and they present a doctor's written permission note), weighing a minimum of 110 pounds and in good health can donate blood. Donors over age 75 who are healthy and meet all other donor requirements simply require a doctor's written permission note to donate.

In order to donate, you should bring with you an ID with a signature or photo. You should also eat well (low fat) and drink plenty of fluids. One of the restrictions is that you won’t be able to donate if you’ve had any tattoos within the past 12 months. For questions concerning medical eligibility, call 1-800-688-0900.

For more information on blood donation, visit www.nybloodcenter.org or call Senator Martins’ office at 746-5924. You can also visit Senator Martins’ website at martins.nysenate.gov to download a permission form for permission to donate blood if you are 16-years-old.