Blood drives

N.Y. Blood Center says the regional blood supply has fallen to less than two days, after a sharp drop in donations in December.

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.

With the region’s supply of O- and O+ blood currently at a critical level, and overall collections nearly 25% below what's needed to meet hospital demands, the N.Y. Blood Center announced several upcoming local blood drives.

The Flanders Fire Department and Flanders, Riverside, Northampton Community Association will host oa blood drive on July 5 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

An urgent call for donors goes out as "dangerous donor gap" forces NY to rely on blood from out of state as peak summer trauma season starts. Here's a list of upcoming drives in the local area, including one today at Riverhead library.

The Town of Riverhead is hosting a series of three blood drives at Riverhead Town Hall this year: March 10, May 8 and Dec. 9 from 9:15 5o 3:15 each date.

The Riverhead Community Blood Drive will take place Friday, Dec. 28 from 1 to 7 p.m. at RFD headquarters and the Flanders blood drive, sponsored by FRNCA and Flanders Fire Department is set for Saturday, Jan. 5 from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Flanders firehouse.

The blood center is in especially dire need of O-negative donations. People of all blood types are urged to donate. Here is a rundown of blood drives scheduled in this area through the end of summer.

The New York Blood Center lost 3,000 donations due to winter weather last week, creating an emergency shortage. Donors can give blood Sunday at St. Isidore's School in Riverhead or today at Southold FD.