The Riverhead Community Blood Drive will be held Tuesday, Sept. 23 from 1 to 7 p.m. at Riverhead Fire Department headquarters.
Homemade baked goods will be offered to each participating donor, along with juice and water. Also, each participating donor will receive a coupon for a free scoop of ice cream from Snowflake on Wednesday, Sept. 23.
Donating blood is safe and easy. It requires one hour from registration through refreshments, blood drive organizers said.
Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome. Schedule an appointment online or call 1-800-933-2566.
Riverhead Fire Department headquarters is located at 540 Roanoke Avenue, Riverhead.
New York Blood Center runs blood collections and distribution in this region. NYBC, established in 1964, is one of the largest community-based, non-profit blood collection and distribution organizations in the United States.
Requirements for donors
Bring a photo ID with you to the donation center.
People who are 17 years or older (16 years old with parental consent) are eligible to donate. Download parental consent form: English Spanish
People 76 years of age or older require written consent from their doctor.
Prospective donors should feel well and be symptom-free for at least 72 hours following a cold or flu.
Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds (Donors aged 16-18 have additional height and weight restrictions.)
Some medical conditions/medications, recent tattoos, piercings, or travel may impact eligibility. Learn more about common reasons people can’t donate.
For full eligibility requirements and COVID-19 information, visit nybc.org/eligibility.
Remember to eat well and hydrate prior to donating.
Critical Platelet shortage
NYBC is asking donors to consider donating platelets rather than whole blood. The area is currently facing a critical shortage of platelets, one of the three essential components of whole blood, NYBC said.
“Platelets are very fragile, short-lived blood cells that are essential for normal blood clotting. They must be transfused within seven days of donation, which means they are always needed to ensure availability for hospitals every day,” NYBC said.
Platelet donations can be made during Tuesday’s blood drive in Riverhead. Donating platelets takes about 2 ½ hours.
To learn more about platelets, platelet donations and how to schedule a platelet donation, visit the NYBC website.
Can’t make it Tuesday in Riverhead?
Search here for upcoming blood drives near where you live or work.
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