BY ANDREINA PEREZ
Last month, a blood shortage emergency has been declared in New York City due to the dangerously low levels of the O negative, B negative, and A negative blood supply.
To help combat this issue, Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein is sponsoring his 5th Annual Summer Blood Drive.
The blood drive will be held at Bay Terrace Shopping Center (located at 212th Street and 26th Avenue) on Thursday, Aug. 10 from 2:30 to 8:30 p.m. Assemblyman Braunstein is urging New Yorkers to donate because, “Each blood donation helps to save up to three lives.”
Donors will receive an electronic voucher for two tickets to see the New York Mets play at Citi Field for donating. Refreshments will also be distributed.
For eligibility, donors must bring an ID with a photo or signature, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, be between the ages of 16 and 75, and have had no tattoos in the past 12 months. You are encouraged to eat well and drink plenty of fluids before donating.
If you are not eligible to donate but would still like to participate, the New York Blood Center encourages volunteering at a local blood drive. For more information on this event, please call Assemblyman Braunstein’s office at 718-357-3588 or email braunsteine@nyassembly.gov.
Remember, you could be saving the lives of the people in your community with your donations or contributions.
