NEW YORK (WCBS 880) – The New York Blood Center will host a series of blood drives on Long Island in September for the 20th anniversary of 9/11—a push for donations that comes as the state is experiencing a blood shortage.
The NYBC said Tuesday that September’s blood drives will honor the people killed in the terrorist attacks. Among those taking part are local fire departments and schools. Here's the full list:
The fire departments hosting blood drives include West Islip, Hicksville, Bay Shore and Dix Hills, which is hosting an event in horror of Terry Farrell, a firefighter killed on 9/11 who had donated bone marrow to save the life of a young girl suffering from cancer.
Stony Brook University and Oceanside School District will also hold blood drives to encourage their students and the community to give back, NYBC said.
“We are so grateful to the community organizations who have stepped up for the 20th anniversary – the donations made today will surely save lives tomorrow,” said Andrea Cefarelli, senior executive director at NYBC, in a statement.
The NYBC warned earlier this month that fears of the coronavirus delta variant have led to a blood shortage “emergency.” The blood supply has dropped from five days to two to three days, with the supply of type O down to one to two days.
“The region is currently experiencing a shortage and we need more New Yorkers to show up for each other and visit a blood drive near them,” Cefarelli said.
The NYBC said it is taking extra precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and that NYBC staff are also practicing health self-assessments before coming to work. People are not eligible to donate if they’re experiencing a cold, sore throat, respiratory infection or flu-like symptoms.
More information on donor eligibility and COVID-19 precautions can be found here at nybc.org. Donors can also schedule appointments by calling 1-800-933-2566.
Related
