New York Blood Center (NYBC) and Suffolk County will be hosting two blood drives in loving memory of Scott Martella, a beloved community member, public servant and former Communications Director for Suffolk County, on Tuesday, August 5th. Scott tragically lost his life in a three-car crash on the Long Island Expressway in 2016 at the age of 29.
This will be the fourth annual event in Scott’s memory, with former colleagues and members of the Martella family present at both blood drives. In addition, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine will host a press conference on Friday, August 1st at noon at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Happaugue.
All blood donors are encouraged to bring school supplies to support the annual Back to School Drive organized by the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless. This initiative, held in Scott's honor, aims to benefit underprivileged children on Long Island.
Following a sharp drop in donations over the 4th of July holiday, the region’s supply of O- and O+ blood is currently at a 1-2 day level and overall collections are nearly 25% below the level needed to meet hospital demands.
Summer has brought an expected decline in donations, driven by vacations and school breaks, but combined with increased trauma cases, the impact on the local blood supply has been severe. Type O-negative is the universal blood type used when seconds matter and a patient’s blood type is unknown. Type O-positive, the most common type, is in constant demand for surgeries, childbirth, cancer treatments, and daily medical care.
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit nybc.org or call 800.688.0900.
The blood drives and their locations are listed below:
- Tuesday, August 5th from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., H. Lee Dennison Building Plaza, 100 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Hauppauge, NY 11788
- Tuesday, August 5th from 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Suffolk County Fire Academy, Room K 103 East Avenue, Yaphank NY 11980
WHO: Blood Donors, Volunteers, The Martella Family, Suffolk County Representatives and New York Blood Center Representatives
WHY: It only takes one hour to donate, and a single donation can save multiple lives. Roughly one in seven hospital admissions require a blood transfusion. Those in need include: cancer patients, accident, burn, or trauma victims, newborn babies and their mothers, transplant recipients, surgery patients, chronically transfused patients suffering from sickle cell disease or thalassemia, and many more.
To make an appointment at this blood drive, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit this link. Can’t donate blood? You can still make a lifesaving impact by supporting NYBC’s mission through financial contributions or volunteering your time. Click here to learn more.
About New York Blood Center
Founded in 1964, New York Blood Center (NYBC) has served the tri-state area for more than 60 years, delivering 500,000 lifesaving blood products annually to 150+ hospitals, EMS and healthcare partners. NYBC is part of New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe), which spans 17+ states and delivers one million blood products to 400+ U.S. hospitals annually. NYBCe additionally delivers cellular therapies, specialty pharmacy, and medical services to 200+ research, academic and biopharmaceutical organizations. NYBCe’s Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute is a leader in hematology and transfusion medicine research, dedicated to the study, prevention, treatment and cure of bloodborne and blood-related diseases. NYBC serves as a vital community lifeline dedicated to helping patients and advancing global public health. To learn more, visit nybc.org. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.