Donate Blood, Get Dairy Queen Voucher: Oyster Bay Officials

OYSTER BAY, NY — Two Oyster Bay lawmakers are putting out a call for blood donors amid a shortage brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement released Wednesday, town councilmembers Michele Johnson and Tom Hand encouraged Oyster Bay residents to attend their Blood Collection Drive next month at the Hicksville Athletic Center.

The drive will take place at 167 S. Broadway on June 21 from 1 to 7 p.m. All donors will receive a voucher for a free Blizzard at Dairy Queen. Click here to sign up.

"Blood supplies have seriously dwindled as a result of the COVID-19 health pandemic and are critically needed for local hospitals to meet the demand and continue saving lives," Johnson said. "Please consider participating in this blood drive on June 21."

According to The American Red Cross, blood is an essential part of the nation's health care system and helps patients survive surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. There is no substitute for blood and donations have a limited shelf life — which means the supply needs to be constantly replensished by donors.

"It's quick, easy, and safe to donate a single pint of blood, which can save up to three lives," Hand said. "This past year has been incredibly difficult for all of us, especially for our health care system, and it is up to all of us to help pitch in to make sure our Healthcare Heroes are able to continue to provide lifesaving efforts."

How To Qualify

A person must:

• Be between the ages of 17 and 75 years old
  • 16 with parental permission and 76 or older with a doctor's note
• Weigh at least 110 pounds
• Not have donated blood within the last 56 days

Anyone who got a tattoo within the past 12 months is ineligible to donate.

On The Day You Donate Blood

The Red Cross recommends that people:

• Drink an extra 16 ounces of water (or non-alcoholic drink)
• Eat a healthy meal (avoid fatty foods like hamburgers, fries, or ice cream)
• Wear a shirt with sleeves that can be rolled above the elbows