There’s been a dangerously low supply of blood recently, warned New York Blood Center. With less than a one-day supply for the “universal donor” type – O-Negative blood, as well as a low supply for B-negative and A-negative type blood, county officials in Suffolk are urging residents to donate blood now.

The alarming low supplies of blood is a result of several factors, including lower than normal donor turnout, high demand from area hospitals, and calendar events like elections and holidays.

It’s critical for an increase in blood supplies in order to help saves lives. And, the “universal donor” blood type may be used to transfuse to anyone in trauma situations when there is not time for blood typing.

Each day there are patients depending on the transfusion of red blood cells, platelets and plasma to stay alive.

County Executive Steven Bellone has urged “anyone who is capable of giving blood to please do so as soon as possible.” Suffolk County employees are also taking an active role in donating blood in order to help save lives.

Find your nearest blood donation location at www.nybloodcenter.org or by calling (800) 933-BLOOD (2566).

On Sept. 24, the Riverhead Community Blood Drive is scheduled. It’ll run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Riverhead Fire Department headquarters, 540 Roanoke Avenue in Riverhead. As a special treat for donating blood, you can receive a free scoop of ice cream from Snowflake Ice Cream. The free ice cream must be redeemed the same day. Those donating between now and Jan. 17 will also be entered into a drawing for Super Bowl tickets.

Help save a life today!

[Source: Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone; RiverheadLOCAL]