Oyster Bay Blood Drive: Dates, Requirements, More

OYSTER BAY, NY — The Town of Oyster Bay is partnering with the New York Blood Center to encourage residents to donate blood at an upcoming event, according to a release from the town.

Councilmembers Steve Labriola and Laura Maier announced the partnership with the New York Blood Center "to help hospitals meet the ongoing and pressing need for blood," the release says.

"Blood donations are important because maintaining an adequate blood supply in our community helps secure blood transfusions for patients," Maier said in the release.

The event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on April 2 at Town Hall South at 977 Hicksville Rd. in Massapequa.

As if giving the gift of life weren't enough of a reward, donors will get free Blizzard vouchers from Dairy Queen and entered into a raffle to win a set of four tickets to a New York Mets game. Vouchers can be redeemed at Massapequa, Levittown, Huntington or East Northport Dairy Queens.

"Donating blood is a quick, easy, and safe process, and the pint of blood you donate will never be missed from your body, as it is quickly reproduced within your body," Labriola said.

Here are the requirements to donate:

• be between 17 and 75 years old
  • 16 years old is allowed with parental permission
  • 76 and older is allowed with a doctor's note
• weigh at least 110 pounds
• not have donated blood within the past 56 days
• not have gotten a tattoo in the past 12 months

Donors are encouraged to eat well and drink lots of fluids in the days before donating.

"If you have family members or friends willing to donate, please ask them to support our effort this year, as there is no danger of contracting any diseases, and each pint of blood donated can be used to help three different people," Labriola said.

Refreshments will be provided for all who donate blood. For more information regarding the Town’s Blood Drive, contact the Town Board Office at 516-624-6304 or visit the Oyster Bay town website.