With the holiday season upon us, New York Blood Center is reminding residents that it is a historically challenging time of year for the blood supply, as school breaks, travel, and seasonal illness often keep regular donors from giving.
There are three blood drives scheduled in Riverhead this month:
Riverhead Free Library, Monday, Dec. 1, 12-6 p.m. Schedule an appointment to donate.
Riverhead Fire Department, Friday, Dec. 5, 1-7 p.m. Schedule an appointment to donate.
Ubergeek Brewing Co., Monday, Dec. 29, 12-6 p.m. Schedule an appointment to donate
Although the local blood supply is starting to stabilize, it hasn’t fully recovered after an unexpectedly slow fall, which is typically one of the strongest periods for donations, NYBC said in a press release before the Thanksgiving holiday. The region had a blood supply of less than one week for all blood types, the organization said.
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. In light of recent updates to FDA guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to give. See eligibility criteria.
Those unable to donate blood, as well as current blood donors who want to do even more, can support NYBC’s End of Year Campaign, which raises critical funds to strengthen and ensure a safe and reliable blood supply. Every contribution supports lifesaving research, donor center upgrades, mobile blood drives, and education programs that inspire the next generation of blood donors. More information.
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