Wantagh FD Hosts Blood Drive To Help Alleviate Strained Supply

WANTAGH, NY — The Wantagh Fire Department is hosting a blood drive at its headquarters on March 9 in an effort to alleviate the shortage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and frequent winter storms this season.

The event, which will run from 2:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 3470 Park Ave., will benefit the New York Blood Center. New York has experienced a chronic deficit in blood donations since the COVID-19 pandemic hit last March, as nearly all high schools, colleges, offices, and other community groups had to cancel their annual blood drives, according to a news release from the center. Recent record-setting storms and freezing temperatures have made it even more difficult to collect blood, placing even more of a strain on its blood supply, the news release stated.

Andrea Cefarelli, senior executive director at New York Blood Center, said winter can be a typically hard time for donations, but this winter has been “extraordinarily hard” with the combination of the pandemic and the recent record snow fall “keeping folks indoors.” “While it’s been a tough winter, New Yorkers are tougher. Please make an appointment to donate – you could be saving a life,” she said.

The fire department is asking that prospective donors schedule an appointment, however walk-ins will be accepted as social distancing allows. Prospective donors are asked to wear a mask or face covering, have their temperature taken, and be symptom free for 14 days if they have recovered of COVID-19. Donations will not be accepted from prospective donors who have tested positive or have experienced COVID-19 symptoms over the last 14 days, as well as those who are currently under self-quarantine restrictions.

To make an appointment or for more information:

• visit https://donate.nybc.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/279391
• Call 1-800-933-BLOOD
• For more information, call Tom Bloomfield at 516-369-2165