Senator Flanagan Sponsoring Blood Drive In Nesconset

As we head into summer, when blood supplies typically run low, Senator John Flanagan (2nd Senate District) is joining with the New York Blood Center (NYBC) to host a blood drive in Nesconset on Wednesday, June 28th in the Nesconset Branch of the Smithtown Library.  Donations will be accepted from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the library, which is located at 148 Smithtown Boulevard in Nesconset.

Each donor will receive an electronic voucher for two tickets for a New York Mets game courtesy of the New York Blood Center.

With nearly 2,000 donations needed every day in New York and New Jersey alone, every donation will help to save up to three lives.  Those in most need of blood include cancer patients, accident, burn, or trauma victims, newborn babies as well as mothers delivering babies, transplant recipients, surgery patients, chronically transfused patients suffering from sickle cell disease or thalassemia, and many more.

“It is our hope that residents who are eligible to donate will join with us to help make a difference.  Just like organ donation, every person who makes the decision to donate blood is a hero to those in need.  I thank the NYBC and the Smithtown Library for their efforts and hope for a great turnout on June 28th,” said Senator Flanagan.

Potential donors are required to meet the following criteria for their own safety:

• Bring NYBC Blood Donor Card or ID with signature or photo.          
• Minimum weight 110 lbs. or more.
• Eligible ages are 16 to 75.  Anyone donating who is 16 years old must have parental permission and anyone who is age 76 and over is required to supply a doctor’s note.
• No tattoos for past 12 months

It is recommended that those donating should eat well and drink plenty of fluids.  Anyone with questions concerning medical eligibility is asked to call 1-800-688-0900. 

To schedule an appointment or for more information, residents are requested to click here or Senator Flanagan's office at 631-361-2154.

The entire donation process takes less than an hour and a single donation can be used to save multiple lives.  Donors with O-negative blood type, or “universal donors,” are especially encouraged to donate, as their blood can be used in emergencies.