Senators, NYBC Team up to Increase Sorely Needed Blood Donations on Long Island, Announce Upcoming Blood Drives/Antibody Testing in Area

Members of the New York State Senate rallied with the New York Blood Center at their office in Bohemia this morning to encourage the public’s help to boost Long Island’s blood supplies. NYCB noted that local high schools, colleges, and organizations are a large segment of donations. However, the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with this week’s winter storm that struck our region has led to cancellations and severe declines for the NYCB’s donation efforts on Long Island.

In response, Senators Phil Boyle, Alexis Weik, Mario Mattera and Anthony Palumbo are announcing that each of them will team up with the NYBC to sponsor blood drives in their Senate Districts during the week of February 8th. In addition, the Blood Services of New York will offer anti-body testing at each of the blood drive locations, and will conduct outreach to any candidate who tests positive and wishes to be a plasma donor.

“Any time someone donates their blood, it has the ability to save someone’s life,” said Senator Alexis Weik. “COVID-19 has severely limited blood donations nationwide, and Long Island is no exception. That’s why I am thrilled to co-host with the NY Blood Center a blood drive in the 3rd Senate District. Our blood drive will also have the ability to test for COVID-19 antibodies, which will allow those with the antibodies to also be a plasma donor. I encourage anyone that can donate to please do so.”

“Because of this record-breaking winter storm, the winter along with COVID-19 has made it increasingly harder to get New Yorkers in to donate blood,” said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior Execuive Director at New York Blood center. “We need everyone who is healthy and able to sign up for an appointment and help save a life at this critical time.”

“Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and the recent snowstorm, the New York Blood center is facing a severe shortage. That is why I am proud to join my colleagues to sponsor blood drives across Suffolk County to provide all of our residents with a convenient and safe way to be a hero,” state Senator Mario Mattera.

“I am proud to be teaming up with the Long Island Blood Center to host a community blood drive in the First Senate District,” said Senator Anthony Palumbo. “Throughout the pandemic our community has come together time and again to help their fellow Long Islanders. Now, with blood supplies running low, we are asking for eligible residents to donate blood and help those in their time of need.”