Long Island Blood Centers Report "Extremely Urgent" Need

RONKONKOMA, NY — Long Island blood centers are trying to raise awareness about a large shortage due to the coronavirus pandemic. Long Island Blood Services in Ronkonkoma reports that their blood supply is running low as blood drives are increasingly canceled during the COVID-19 crisis, according to Suffolk County Legislator Tom Cilmi.

Cilmi recorded a public service announcement on Wednesday to urge Long Islanders to donate blood, reminding the public that "one in three people will need blood in their lifetime, yet only 2% of the population donates."

Doreen Fiscina told Patch that all six Long Island New York Blood Center locations are still open and taking necessary precautions.

"Blood collection sites are disinfected frequently and we are asking donors that feel well and healthy to donate. As always we ask if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms to not donate. We had 28,000 units cancelled. We need our donors to donate —we have an extremely urgent need for donors," Fiscina said.

It's not only the blood supply that is low. A message on the website for New York Blood Center reads "Due to coronavirus concerns, we are experiencing critically low platelet appointments making it difficult to meet patient needs and hospital demands."

To donate, go to nybc.org or call 1-800-933-2566 to make an appointment at one of their six Long Island centers.