Center in dire need of donations
The New York Blood Center has declared an emergency blood shortage. Hospitals typically maintain a seven-day supply, but the center says O-negative, B-negative and A-negative blood are down to a two-day supply. It is in dire need of O-negative, which can be accepted by any patient and so is crucial in trauma centers and emergency rooms.
Nearly 2,000 donations are needed each day to supply New York and New Jersey hospitals. Eligible donors must be at least age 16 years old (parental consent is required for 16-year-olds) who weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, are in good health and meet all FDA and state donor criteria. People age 76 or older may donate with a doctor’s note.
Upcoming drives will be at Gold’s Gym in Newburgh from 3:30 to 8 p.m. on Monday, June 27, at St. John/St. Joachim Church in Beacon from 2 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 6, and at the Continental Village Clubhouse in Garrison from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 17. To make an appointment or find other nearby drives, visit nybloodcenter.org.
