The Town of Smithtown is preparing for a significant act of community service as it hosts its annual blood drive on Wednesday, May 15th, at the Smithtown Senior Citizen Center from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This event, organized by the Town of Smithtown Personnel Department in partnership with the Senior Citizen Center and the New York Blood Center, aims to bolster blood supplies crucial for saving lives, including red blood cells, platelets, and plasma.
Supervisor Ed Wehrheim expressed his gratitude, saying, "Donating blood is a quick and simple selfless gesture that makes a major difference, as each donation can save up to three lives." He also praised the collaborative effort of organizers and the community's longstanding tradition of generosity.
Donors will receive a complimentary box of Girl Scout Cookies to encourage participation, adding a sweet incentive to this noble cause.Doreen Perrino, Program Director of the Senior Citizens Department, highlighted the importance of community support in making such blood drives successful, emphasizing their impact on public health.
Individuals interested in contributing can schedule an appointment online at www.nybc.org. Click on "Donate Blood," then "Where to Donate," and select "Sponsor Name Search," typing in 'Town of Smithtown.' Walk-ins are also welcome, but appointments are preferred. A QR code on the Blood Drive flyer enables quick mobile access to reserve a spot to give blood. Donors are reminded that the entire process, from registration to donation, takes about ten minutes, making it a convenient way to make a difference.
To participate in the blood drive, individuals must meet specific criteria. Donors must weigh at least 110 lbs to ensure their well-being during and after the donation. Additionally, those who have received new tattoos within the past three months are ineligible due to health and safety regulations. The age range for donors is between 17 and 75 years old; minors under 17 can donate with parental permission, while individuals over 75 require approval from a doctor. Donors must also present a donor card or a valid ID during registration to verify their identity and eligibility.
The New York Blood Center provides essential blood products and services to nearly 200 regional hospitals. As a non-profit independent blood center, it is a lifeline for patients needing transfusions and other blood-related treatments.
Despite the critical need for blood donations, only 2% of the local eligible population donates yearly. However, a slight increase in donations could alleviate blood shortages and save lives. Statistics show that 1 in 3 people will require a blood product at some point in their lifetime, underscoring the ongoing need for donors to support healthcare services.
For inquiries or additional blood drive and registration information, contact Dineen Szczepanski at DSzczepanski@smithtownny.gov or call 631-360-7626. The Smithtown Senior Citizen Center is at 420 Middle Country Road, Smithtown, NY 11787.