Fire department hosts urgent blood drive
It’s not often you can do something simple that can save another person’s life, but that’s what occurs every time you donate blood. That’s something the volunteer firefighter department knew all too well during their bi-annual blood drive on Oct. 5 as part of a crucial effort to address a nationwide emergency blood shortage.
The American Red Cross has reported a significant drop in blood donations over the summer, with the national supply falling by over 25 percent since July. With the combination of extreme summer heat and many Americans traveling for vacations, blood banks have faced dangerously low inventory levels, particularly for type O blood, which is critical for emergency transfusions and routine medical procedures.
In response to this crisis, the blood drive at Glen Cove brought in 96 volunteers, with 88 successful donations collected by the New York Blood Center. The drive, recognized as particularly urgent due to the national shortage, played a critical role in replenishing supplies for local hospitals, where blood levels have been dangerously low. There was a strong turnout, but eight potential donors were turned away during medical screenings before donation.
“Some people come in ready to donate but are turned away because they don’t pass the medical screenings,” Pete Prudente, volunteer firefighter explained. “While it’s disappointing for them, their willingness to help speaks volumes.”
The importance of blood donations cannot be overstated. The America Red Cross notes every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. requires blood or platelets, and hospitals use around 29,000 units of red blood cells daily. The need spans across many scenarios, from victims of accidents to patients undergoing cancer treatments. A single car accident victim, for example, may require as many as 100 units of blood to survive. Yet, with shortages this severe, hospitals are struggling to provide timely and critical transfusions.
To encourage participation in the drive, Garvies Point Brewery partnered with the fire department , offering a free beer for every pint of blood donated.
In addition to whole blood donations, the drive saw six participants give double red cell donations. This specialized process, known as apheresis, allows donors to give two units of red blood cells in a single session. By separating the red cells from plasma and platelets, the automated system ensures donors return those components, allowing for a more focused replenishment of much-needed red blood cells, which are vital for many medical procedures. These double donations are especially helpful, as they can make a more significant impact in addressing the shortage.
Looking ahead, Glen Cove will continue its efforts to support the blood supply. Another blood drive is scheduled for December at the Polish National Home of Glen Cove.
