Good Samaritan Hospital Partners WITH Senator Owen H. Johnson for Lifesaving Blood Drive February 27, 2012

West Islip, NY – Walter Baraclough donates blood at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center several times a year.  More than 10 years ago, his wife was told she could no longer be a blood donor due to a medical issue.  This motivated Baraclough even more to be a regular donor.  Someone in this country needs a lifesaving transfusion every three seconds.  New York Blood Center requires more than 2,000 volunteer blood donations each day to meet the transfusion needs of patients in close to 200 regional hospitals.  Each donation of blood can help save up to three lives. 

New York State Senator Owen H. Johnson urges community members to support Good Samaritan’s next blood drive, Monday, February 27, 6:00 am to 9:00 pm.  Registration will be held the day of the event in the hospital’s Patio Café, located at 1000 Montauk Highway, West Islip.  New York Blood Center mobile units will be available in the main, front parking lot and in the rear, Baxter parking lot for the convenience of donors, each of whom will receive a gift in appreciation. 

Nearly everyone between the ages of 17 (16 with parents' written permission) 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).  Donors must weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health.  Each participant should bring valid identification. 

Sixty percent of Americans are eligible to donate blood, but, unfortunately yet on average only five percent of Americans donate blood.  Blood products are perishable and need to be replenished often.  People can safely donate blood every 8 weeks.  Good Samaritan Hospital hosts several blood drives each year, earning the Gold Award from New York Blood Center for collecting 940 pints of blood in 2010. 

Please consider donating the gift of life today!  For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (631) 376-4444.