Hicksville Blood Drive Planned Amid Dwindling Supply

HICKSVILLE, NY — A blood collection drive is planned next week in Hicksville to address what officials called an urgent need for donations amid a dwindling supply during the coronavirus pandemic.

The blood drive is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 3, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hicksville Athletic Center on South Broadway. Donors will receive vouchers for free "Blizzards" at Dairy Queen. The tasty treats can be redeemed at locations in Massapequa, Levittown, Huntington and East Northport.

The appointments are by appointment only — no walk-in donations will be accepted, officials said. Social distancing and sanitization protocols will be in place.

Eligible donors must be between 17 and 75 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and not have donated blood within the last 56 days. Parents can give permission for 16-year-olds, and those who are 76 or older can donate with a doctor’s note. Those who received a tattoo within the past year cannot donate. Donors should eat well — low fat — and drink fluids in the days leading up to the drive.

Oyster Bay town Councilwoman Laura Maier called blood donations "extremely important" during normal times. They help secure necessary blood transfusions for patients. They're even more vital now.

"Now, during this pandemic, blood supplies have dwindled tremendously and are critically low, so this blood drive, the largest upcoming drive in our local area, will be critical to help our local hospitals meet demand and continue their life-saving operations during these extraordinary times," she said in a news release. "Please consider participating in this blood drive and help bolster our blood banks so that as many people as possible can be helped."

Councilman Steve Labriola said donating blood is quick, easy and safe. The pint of blood donated will "never be missed from your body," he said, and is quickly reproduced.

“If you have family members or friends willing to donate, please ask them to support our effort this year, as this initiative is more vital than ever to help make sure that our local hospitals can meet the excessive demand during the coronavirus pandemic and continue to save the lives of as many people as possible," he said.