Town of Oyster Bay Blood Drive on March 3 in Massapequa

Winter is traditionally a season when blood donations decrease while hospital and patient needs remain the same. Oyster Bay Town Councilman Joe Muscarella and Town Supervisor John Venditto urge residents to participate in the Town’s semi-annual blood drive scheduled for Thursday, March 3rd.

“Approximately every two seconds, someone needs blood,” Supervisor Venditto stated. “That translates into 39,000 units of blood being used every day in hospitals and emergency treatment facilities across the country for patients with cancer and other diseases, for organ transplant recipients, for general surgery patients, for accident victims, for premature babies, to name a few. An estimated four million Americans would die each year without it, which is why volunteer blood donors are always needed. If you want to talk about making a difference, I can think of few more important ways than by giving a pint of blood.”

“Blood banks need to be prepared 365 days a year,” Councilman Muscarella said. “That is why people should always donate whenever they can. Donating is quick and easy and is an entirely safe procedure. All materials used during the process are sterile, disposable and used only once…by you. There is no danger of contracting any disease, including AIDS. The pint of blood you donate will never be missed by your body, which manufactures an equivalent amount in 24 hours. When broken down into component parts, one single pint of blood can be used to heal and help the bodies of three different people.”

Councilman Muscarella noted that the success of the Blood Drive has twice earned the Town of Oyster Bay the prestigious New York Blood Center’s “Silver Award,” recognizing outstanding employee participation. “It’s something of which we’re all proud,” the Councilman commented. “As our program continues to grow, perhaps one day we will be the recipient of a gold award.”

To qualify as a blood donor, a person must between the ages of 17 and 75 years old (16 with parental permission and 76 or older with a doctor’s note dated within one year of donation), weigh at least 110 pounds and not have donated blood within the last 56 days. The Councilman noted that all blood types are needed, but Rh-negative blood types are especially needed at this critical time. He added that the Town will provide refreshments for everyone who donates.

“Please help us make this blood drive a huge success,” Supervisor Venditto stated. “If you are not able to give, perhaps you know someone who can. Remember, every pint is precious.”

Councilman Muscarella added that to make an appointment to donate, or for additional information contact Nancy Haarstick at (516) 624-6304. “And remember,” he said, “there are many people out there hoping you are the type to give blood. More importantly, you may also be the ‘right type’ for a patient waiting for the gift of life.”