Manhattan to Host Two Blood Drives in Response to Hurricane Florence
There is an urgent need for blood donations due to the hurricane’s impact.
Manhattan College will host two blood drives on Monday, September 24 and Thursday, September 27 in Smith Auditorium from noon to 6:30 p.m.
The blood drives have been scheduled following a call from the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), via The New York Blood Center, for increased blood donations as Hurricane Florence made landfall in North Carolina:
“We are calling on all New Yorkers and their neighbors across the tristate area to donate blood and platelets as Hurricane Florence leaves many Americans in danger. In emergency situations, local blood supplies often reach critical lows and blood centers across the country are relied upon to help fill in the gaps. A continuous blood supply is vital to ensure that all areas, hospitals and patients impacted by the hurricane have access to the emergency blood they need. Now is the time for everyone to step up – and by taking one hour to donate blood, you can help save a life.”
About blood donations:
Donated blood is perishable; red cells last for 42 days, platelets last for five days (a component of blood that’s especially important for cancer patients), and plasma can be frozen for up to a year. In order to maintain a safe blood supply, a seven-day inventory of all blood types must be continually replenished.
You may donate if you are in good health, are at least 17 years old (16 years old with written consent from parent or legal guardian) and weigh at least 110 pounds. Donors over age 76 must have a letter from a physician.
For more information on other locations to donate or how to set up your own drive, visit www.nybloodcenter.org/blood or call 1-800-933-2566.