On Thursday, July 23, Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick (R,C,I-Smithtown) will sponsor a blood drive with Long Island Blood Services at the Hauppauge Fire Department. The drive will be held in the department’s meeting room and run from 2 to 8 p.m.

“This is a very worthy cause,” said Assemblyman Fitzpatrick. “Organizations like Long Island Blood Services are in the business of saving lives. The local blood supply is getting low and must be replenished to help save as many lives as possible. A single donor can help save multiple lives, and the process takes less than an hour. I encourage all eligible members of our community to come out and help save a life.”

The New York Blood Center estimates that 500 blood drives will need to be held this summer to avoid a summer blood shortage. Due to a very cold winter and a late start to spring this year, the blood supply is lower than past years.

Donors must meet the following requirements to be eligible for donation:

• Minimum weight of 100 lbs.
• Age between 16 and 75 (16-year-olds must have parental permission while those over 76 years of age require a doctor’s note)
• Must eat well and be well hydrated
• Must not have had any new tattoos in the previous 12 months
• Must have photo I.D. or I.D. with signature
• Those with questions about medical eligibility may call 1-800-688-0900

In addition to the great feeling donors will receive from helping to save lives, donors also will receive a complimentary pair of New York Mets tickets. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call Assemblyman Fitzpatrick’s district office at 631-724-2929.