CARMEL – Twice annually for the past 28 years, Putnam County’s emergency services providers sponsor blood drives during times of the year when blood shortages are at their highest.
The Christmas Blood Drive and blood drive around Independence Day are always well attended, with dozens of pints of blood donated to assist the New York Blood Bank. As a matter of fact, Putnam residents have donated more than 4,000 pints of blood as well as sponsoring three bone marrow registry drives with one known match during the past quarter century.
Blood drive coordinator Denis Hanrahan thanked the community for “your generous gift and helping fill a life sustaining need. We’re asking once again to step up and join us at our holiday blood drive.”
The New York Blood Center has declared a Blood Supply Emergency since with the holidays here inventory is at critical one-to-two-day supply.
The blood drive will take place tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Carmel Veterans Hall at 32 Gleneida Avenue in Carmel. Due to the resurgence of regional illness and widespread cases of influenza the drive will again be by appointment.
Donors may make appointments online at Donor Portal – New York Blood Center () or to schedule an appointment by phone call 1-800-933- 2566.
Hanrahan said, “just in time for the New Year, the return of the cherished NY Blood Center holiday socks and beanies will take place. Donate a pint of blood and receive the treasured holiday item.”
The ‘pint for a pint’ has also returned. Hanrahan said. “For your donation of a pint, you will receive a coupon for a pint of fermented draft beverage or a pint of carbonated sugar water courtesy of Fiddler’s Green Pub.”
Those with questions may contact Hanrahan at 845-300- 0428, Pete Conlin, President of the Putnam FOP Chapter at 845-704-1367 or Rick Krebs of the Knights of Columbus at 845-225-6318.
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