Senator Flanagan Sponsoring Blood Drive In Smithtown

Senator John Flanagan (2^nd Senate District) is joining with New York Blood Center to sponsor a blood drive on Thursday, June 27 at the Main Branch of the Smithtown Library.  The event will be held from 12:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the library, which is located at 1 North Country Road in Smithtown.

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

NYBC is calling on New Yorkers to help rebuild the blood supply for the summer season and encouraging anyone who can give to donate at scheduled blood drives or centers nearby.  Those in need of blood include cancer patients, accident, burn, or trauma victims, newborn babies and mothers delivering babies, transplant recipients, surgery patients, chronically transfused patients suffering from sickle cell disease or thalassemia, and many more.

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.  About one in seven hospital admissions requires a blood transfusion, and with a limited shelf life, supplies must be continually replenished.

All residents who are eligible to donate are invited to join the event.  Participants are required to meet the following criteria for their own safety:

• Minimum weight 110 lbs.
• 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 new tattoos for past 12 months

It is recommended that anyone donating should eat well and drink plenty of fluids.  All donors must bring identification that includes their signature and a photo.  Anyone with questions concerning medical eligibility should call the New York Blood Center at 1-800-933-2566.

“Just like registering as an organ donor, those who donate blood have the awesome ability to impact the lives of others.  While the actual act of donating blood is not very time consuming, the effect of donating can last a lifetime since one donation can save up to three lives.  Each and every person who makes the choice to donate is a hero to their fellow New Yorkers and I thank the Smithtown Library and the New York Blood Center for their cooperation with this event,” stated Senator Flanagan.

Residents who would like to schedule an appointment should click here.