Emergency Blood Shortage In Area, Supervisor Warns

RIVERHEAD, NY — Riverhead Town Supervisor Sean Walter has a message for residents about the dire need to donate blood on the East End.

The New York Blood Center has declared an emergency blood shortage in the area and is asking the public to find time to donate blood to help replenish the community’s blood supply, Walter said in a release.

According to NYBC, historically, during the summer months blood centers have had to focus on building up the community’s blood supply, as it tends to diminish due to seasonal factors.

Both Walter and NYBC are asking all who are eligible to donate blood.

“The Town of Riverhead is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our entire community. We continue to support NYBC and their efforts to ensure that there is an adequately stocked blood supply in our community. A low blood supply is a major public safety concern that can affect all residents and visitors,” said Walter said.

The NYBC strives to maintain a seven-day inventory of all types of blood that must be continually replenished, especially O negative blood, the release said.

O negative blood is considered “universal” – it is in high demand and in short supply. Those with the 0 negative blood type are urged to consider donating.

“By spreading the word or even hosting your own blood drive, inviting friends, family and community organizations, you may save lives in your community,” said Andrea Cefarelli, executive director of NYBC. “We are in dire need of O negative blood with a reserve that is currently below a two day supply — and that is just too low.”

Walter issued a proclamation to Susan Lingenfelter NYBC at Wednesday’s town board meeting proclaiming July as “Blood Donor Awareness Month” to bring awareness of the need to donate blood this summer.

Riverhead's Senior Center will be the location of a blood drive on Monday, July 11.

Every donor will receive a McDonald’s coupon for a free large sandwich with any purchase and will also receive a complimentary cookie from Hampton Coffee Company.

To donate blood, you must be a minimum weight of 110 lbs., have not had a tattoo in 12 months, be between the age of 16 and 75 —16 year olds must have parental permission, and age 76 and over require a doctor’s note — and bring an ID with a signature or photo.

For additional information on medical eligibility, call 1-800-688-0900. For other blood drives and locations to donate, click here.

Listed are some blood drives scheduled this summer.

July 11

Manorville Firehouse

14 Silas Carter Road, Manorville, NY 11949

Meeting room

2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Town of Riverhead Senior Center

60 Shade Tree Lane, Aquebogue, NY 11931

Meeting room

2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Wading River Fire Department

1503 North Country Road, Wading River, NY 11792

Large meeting room

3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

July 12

North Shore Public Library

250 Route 25A, Shoreham, NY 11786

Large meeting room

12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

July 17

Assemblyman Anthony Palumbo

Tanger Outlet Center, Food Court

Tanger Drive, Riverhead, NY 11901

Busmobile

2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

July 27

Sunken Ponds Estate Clubhouse – Stoneleigh Woods

1350 Pebble Beach Path, Riverhead, NY 11901

Clubhouse

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

August 7

Peconic Bay Medical Center

1300 Roanoke Avenue, Riverhead, NY 11901

Conference rooms A, B and C

7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

August 20

North Shore United Methodist

260 Route 25A, Wading River, NY 11792

Fellowship Hall

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

August 24

Riverhead Free Library

330 Court Street, Riverhead, NY 11901

Grand Room

1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Patch file photo.