New York Blood Center will conduct several blood drives in the greater Riverhead area during the coming weeks, in its ongoing effort to ensure an adequate supply of blood during the summertime peak, when demand is typically high and donations are typically low.
“Following a sharp drop in donations over the 4th of July holiday, the region’s supply of O- and O+ blood is currently at a critical 1-2 day level, and overall collections are nearly 25% below the level needed to meet hospital demands,” New York Blood Center said in a press release last week. “Summer has brought an expected decline in donations, driven by vacations and school breaks, but combined with increased trauma cases, the impact on the local blood supply has been severe.”
Type O-negative is the universal blood type used when seconds matter and a patient’s blood type is unknown. Type O-positive, the most common type, is in constant demand for surgeries, childbirth, cancer treatments, and daily medical care, the blood center said.
The following locations in the local area are scheduled to host blood drives:
| Ubergeek Brewing Company | 400 Hallet Avenue, Riverhead | Wednesday, July 30, 12-6 p.m. |
| Peconic Bay Medical Center | 1 Heroes Way, Riverhead | Thursday, July 31, 7 a.m.- 7 p.m. |
| North Shore United Methodist Church | 260 NY-25A, Wading River | Sunday, Aug. 3, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. |
| Box Pickleball | 605 Old Country Rd, Riverhead | Wednesday, Aug. 6 , 12-6 p.m. |
| Riverhead Cider House | 2711 Sound Ave, Baiting Hollow | Thursday, Aug. 21, 1-7 p.m. |
Find upcoming blood drives near your home or workplace and schedule an appointment to donate on the New York Blood Center’s donor portal.
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