New Rochelle Public Library Books A Special Blood Drive

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Your next trip to the library could save a life.

The New Rochelle Public Library will be hosting a community blood drive with the American Red Cross on May 12, from 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the meeting room at the main branch of the library.

"The New Rochelle Public Library is committed to strengthening our community and helping meet hospital and patient needs through blood donations," NRPL Director Tom Geoffino said. "This blood drive is our way of giving staff, colleagues and neighbors an opportunity to help save lives."

According to the Red Cross, with someone in the U.S. needing blood every two seconds, blood products must be constantly replenished. For a limited time, The American Red Cross will be testing all donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Results may indicate an antibody response after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine or possible past exposure to this coronavirus – and may identify donations with antibody levels necessary to potentially help COVID-19 patients with a weakened immune system. It should be noted that the Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, including COVID-19.

“We urge community members to donate blood and help ensure that patients in local hospitals have a supply of blood ready and waiting before an emergency occurs," Geoffino said. "There’s no better feeling than knowing that your blood donation may give someone a second chance at life."

You can find more information or make an appointment to donate online and enter the sponsored keywork "NRPL."

According to the Red Cross, donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative.

Each donor will receive a $10.00 e-gift card to the merchant of their choice. All donors will also be entered into a raffle for a chance to win an eight-person travel trailer camper.