FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2020
MEDIA CONTACTS: Gordon Tepper, Rebecca Cheng, Matthew Leonenko and Michael Anderson | (516) 869-7794

North Hempstead, NY - North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth and the Town Board have announced the launch of an upcoming blood donation drive to prepare for the reopening of the region by increasing the dangerously low blood supply. There is also a need for plasma donations from individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 to aid in the treatment of people who have tested positive for and are currently battling the coronavirus. The Town of North Hempstead is encouraging its residents, Town employees, and the public at-large to donate now.

"We have been inspired by the bravery and selflessness of men and women here in North Hempstead and beyond who have donated their plasma to help patients battling coronavirus during this pandemic," said Supervisor Bosworth. "Due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations in response to the coronavirus outbreak, there is a severe blood shortage. We recognize the importance of doing our part to combat that, and we want to make sure the Town is doing everything it can to provide any relief possible to those currently in need."

To help ensure the safety of Town residents and employees, plasma and blood donations will be taken by appointment only. The New York Blood Center has a convenient donor center located in Lake Success. You can schedule an appointment there or at any other donor center by visiting the New York Blood Center’s website at nybc.org. Individuals wishing to donate plasma must meet the New York Blood Center’s eligibility requirements, which are listed on their website.

The Town is offering its employees four hours of leave time to make a plasma or blood donation at the Lake Success Donor Center or other donor center due to the current need.

“We thank our Town employees who make a blood or plasma donation to show their support for the community we serve,” said Supervisor Bosworth. “Given the nature of the current public health crisis, we are doing what we can to assist our employees in this extremely important endeavor.”

The Town has plans to host a separate blood and/or plasma drive at one of our facilities when social distancing guidelines are relaxed.

For more information about the upcoming plasma and blood donation drive, the Town encourages residents to call 516-869-6311 or 311.