Letter from the Chief: Blood Drive and BBQ

Dear Neighbors,

The need for blood is ongoing, but COVID-19 has destroyed the foundation on which the community donates blood to patients in need, and emergency shortages are ongoing. Every week, more than 75,000 blood donations and 1700 donated platelet units are needed to meet patient need. Please join us on Thursday August 19th, 2021 from 3:30pm – 8:00pm, to donate blood.

Both the Department and the Long Island Blood Services will be taking extra measures to ensure donor safety and health.
-Our Ladies Auxiliary and the Blood Services staff will be sanitizing surfaces regularly to ensure all our guests health and safety.
-All donors are asked to use the rear door for entry and exit, and it’s recommended to wear a mask for the duration of their time in the building. As a reminder, all donors should park in the public lot at the rear of the firehouse.
-To help maintain social distance, donors should make an appointment in advance to allow for gathering limitations to be met, and to easily transition through the donation process. Please visit our donation appointment scheduler (click here) to reserve your time slot now. Walk-ins may be accommodated when possible. We ask that anyone who is not donating (children or other non-donors) please stay home to ensure that we are able maintain proper distancing.

All donors must be 17 years of age or older (or 16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and be feeling in good health on the day of donation. You must have your photo ID on you, and be prepared to spend about 30-45 minutes in the donation process.

Our BBQ is back this year!! All donors will be treated to a steak dinner grilled up by our firefighters after donating!

We hope to see you there.
Jamie Magerle
Chief of Department
Halesite Fire Department