Congregants at one Middle Village church are looking to provide gifts of life to those in need amid a citywide shortage of donated blood.
The New York Blood Center (NYBC) will be holding a blood drive this Sunday, June 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Margaret Parish Hall, located on 79th Place south of Juniper Valley Road, adjacent to St. Margaret Church.
The drive will take place more than two weeks after the NYBC declared a “blood emergency” and called upon as many healthy New Yorkers as possible to donate one hour of their time and one pint of blood to help those who are sick or critically injured.
About 2,000 pints of donated blood are required every day in New York and New Jersey alone to treat those who have suffered traumatic injuries or are undergoing cancer treatment or major surgery, according to the NYBC. New moms and their children may also require blood transfusions if the situation warrants.
One pint of donated blood can help save up to three people, when that pint is separated into three different components: red blood cells to compensate for blood loss, plasma for blood diseases and platelets to stop bleeding.
All types of donors are needed, but the NYBC especially encourages those with O-negative blood to donate. They are considered “universal donors” because their blood is compatible with any blood type.
Eligible donors must be between 17 and 75 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, are in overall good health and meet all food and donor criteria. Persons aged 76 and older must provide a doctor’s note before donating; 16-year-olds may donate with written parental consent.
Donors should eat well and drink plenty of fluids prior to donating.
Those interested in donating at St. Margaret’s this Sunday can make an appointment in advance by emailing parishcalendar@aol.com; walk-ins are welcome. Click here for more information on donating blood.
