'Critically Needed:' Hospitals Face Blood Bank Shortages, Hicksville To Host Blood Drive Next Week

HICKSVILLE, NY — As hospitals across the country continue to face blood shortages, Oyster Bay Town officials are encouraging residents to roll up their sleeves and donate at an upcoming blood drive in Hicksville next week.

The Blood Collection Drive will be on Monday, June 9, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hicksville Athletic Center, located at 167 S. Broadway.

Town Councilman Steve Labriola is asking folks to consider participating in helping local blood banks.

"Blood supplies are critically needed for local hospitals to meet the demand and continue saving lives," he said. "Together, we can give the gift of life through a simple blood donation."

Eligible donors can walk in to the blood drive, but appointments are preferred. For those who wish to donate, they must be between the ages of 17 and 75, but 16-year-olds may donate with parental permission, and people above 76 years old may donate with a doctor's note. Eligible donors must be at least 110 lbs. and have not donated blood within the past 56 days, as well as not have any new tattoos within the past three months.

Officials also recommend that donors eat a healthy, low-fat meal and stay well-hydrated in the days leading up to their appointment.

All donors will be given a voucher for a free Dairy Queen Blizzard, and if a donor enters their email address, they can receive two free New York Mets tickets via email a week after the drive.

More information can be found by calling 516-624-6380, and to make an appointment, sign up online.