Upcoming Nassau Blood Drives To Address Shortage

Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé and the New York Blood Center are holding two upcoming blood drives to address the critical blood shortage.

To help address the dangerous shortage, there will be two blood drives held in the area: one in Freeport on July 19, and one in Baldwin on Aug. 30.

"Blood donations are dramatically down with people still enjoying vacation and family time after the Fourth of July holiday," the Blood Center said. "Our donor centers and community drives are seeing much lighter donor participation, and this is impacting an already low inventory needed for patients at our local hospitals. All of these factors contribute to making the summer one of the most difficult times to maintain an adequate blood inventory.

The July 19 blood drive will be held at the Freeport Recreation Center, located at 130 East Merrick Road, from 2 to 8 p.m. The Aug. 30 drive will be held at the Baldwin Fire Department, at 2386 Grand Ave., from 3 to 9 p.m.

The New York Blood Center said downers of O-negative and B-negative blood types are especially needed.

Eligible donors must have a photo ID, weigh at least 110 pounds, have had no tattoos in the last 12 months and be between 16 and 75 years old. Donors 16 years old must have a parent's note, and donors over 75 must be approved by their doctor.

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