HICKSVILLE, NY — Long Islanders rolled up their sleeves, collectively donating 68 pints of blood during a recent blood drive hosted by the Town of Oyster Bay and the New York Blood Center at the Hicksville Athletic Center.
According to town officials, the donations have the potential to help save up to 204 lives.
The blood drive comes as New York continues to face blood supply challenges, Town Councilwoman Laura Maier said. She noted that the New York Blood Center declared an emergency blood shortage in June and said donations remain critical for patients in need of transfusions.
Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino said that donating blood is a simple yet powerful way to save lives.
"Every donation helps to ensure that hospitals have a reliable supply for patients undergoing surgery, receiving cancer treatments, recovering from traumatic injuries, and facing other critical medical needs," he said. "I encourage all eligible residents to participate in future blood drives and give the gift of life."
Maier said a single pint of blood can help save up to three lives.
"Blood donations are critical in helping to secure necessary blood transfusions for patients in hospitals," Maier said. "We thank everyone who donated the gift of life at our recent blood drive."
The next Town of Oyster Bay blood drive is scheduled for Aug. 13 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Town Hall North, located at 54 Audrey Ave. in Oyster Bay.
Residents interested in donating blood or finding additional donation opportunities can visit the New York Blood Center's website for more information.
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