Senator Flanagan Thanks Local Scouts For Blood Drive Help

Senator John Flanagan (2^nd Senate District) recently hosted a blood drive at The Smithtown Library in Smithtown and wanted to publicly thank three local Boy Scouts from Troop 403 in Commack/East Northport for their assistance at the event.  Scouts Matt Marrone, Nick Ruby and John Reina helped ensure the event ran smoothly by helping take care of donors before and after their appointments and assisting the professionals from the New York Blood Center.

The efforts of the three young men, as well as those of the staff at The Smithtown Library, helped the NYBC collect 93 pints of blood during the event.  These donations will have a positive impact on hundreds of people in our area and help save lives in our hospitals.

“I am deeply grateful to Matt, Nick and John for their help in making this drive a great success.  Their volunteer assistance was vital to the event and I thank each of them.  I also want to thank the New York Blood Center and the Smithtown Library for coordinating with our office on this effort,” stated Senator Flanagan.  “Most importantly, we thank all those who took the time to donate and hope they know how much their selflessness will help their fellow Long Islanders.”

Senator Flanagan’s office, along with the NYBC, would also like to remind everyone that there is still a dire need for blood donors.  According to the NYBC, new data showed the number of red blood cell donors has dropped from 270,501 in 2015 to 185,856 in 2019, marking a 31 percent decrease.  They are urging New Yorkers and residents from surrounding areas to become regular blood donors to help replenish the region’s blood supply.

Anyone who did not have the opportunity to join Senator Flanagan’s event in Smithtown is urged to visit www.nybc.org and click on the donate link on the top of the page to get more information on upcoming blood drives in our area.  Potential donors can also call the NYBC at (800) 933-2566.