WASHINGTON, DC –In recognition of National Blood Donor Month, Rep. McCarthy is urging Long Islanders to make an appointment and donate blood.  Traditionally, blood is in short supply during the winter months.  January, in particular, can be a difficult month for blood centers to collect blood donations, as approximately 15% of regional blood collection comes from high schools and colleges, many of which have winter recess this month.

People can donate a pint of blood every 56 days, yet, according to the New York Blood Center, only 2% of New Yorkers actually donate.  A shortage of donated blood represents a serious public health crisis for our area. If you or anyone you know is medically eligible to give blood, I strongly encourage you to do so as soon as possible. Potential donors can call the New York Blood Center at 1-800-933-BLOOD or visit http://www.nybloodcenter.org/ to schedule an appointment.

“Blood donors save countless lives every day.  Giving blood today may save the life of a child, parent, or grandparent tomorrow,” said Rep. McCarthy.  “It’s time for Long Islanders to come together and do their part to make sure all types of blood will be available to our hospitals and clinics.”