Letter from the Chief of Halesite Fire Department: Blood Drive & BBQ 8/18/16

Dear Neighbors,

The Long Island Blood Services have declared an official blood emergency. The local blood supply has reached a critically low level with a less-than-two-day supply of B negative, A negative, and O negative blood, which is the type needed most readily in trauma situations and emergency rooms because it is the “universal” blood type. A seven- to nine-day supply is considered ideal. Although blood is essential every day, donations tend to drop significantly during the summer months as people go on vacation. Also, donations from high schools and colleges, which account for 25% of regional blood collection, decrease when schools close for the summer.

Recent national tragedies, like the mass shooting in Orlando, Florida are reminders that it is crucial for blood centers to have an adequately stocked blood supply on hand at all times so trauma patients can be properly treated. Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, according to America’s Blood Centers. Nearly 2,000 donations are needed each day in New York and New Jersey alone.

So do your part this summer and attend our bi-annual blood drive next Thursday, August 18th from 3:30-8:00pm. All donors will receive a McDonald’s certificate for a FREE burger or sandwich. As always, anyone who attends (even if you are unable to donate that day) will be treated to a steak dinner, barbecued by our volunteer firefighters and Junior firefighters!

No pre-registration is needed. In an effort to speed up the registration process, sign in is now automated; be sure to bring you Donor Card if you have one. First time donors and anyone who doesn’t have a donor card will be given temporary cards. Eligible donors are aged 16 and up (under 18 must have parental signature), must weigh 110 lbs or more, and be feeling healthy the day of donation.

I hope to see you there.

Greg Colonna
Chief of Department