Shelter Island blood drive set for American Legion Jan. 16

Shelter Island will hold a blood drive on Thursday, Jan. 16 from 2 to 8 p.m. at the American Legion Post/Youth Center on Bateman Road.

Those wishing to participate can call Judy Meringer at 631-749-0291 or email [email protected] for an appointment.

Each pint of blood can help as many as three patients. The shelf life of donated red blood cells is 42 days, while the shelf life of donated platelets is only five days, making it critical that drives are held frequently enough to ensure a ready supply throughout the year.

Donors can give blood 56 days after their last blood donation.

Younger donors may be between the ages of 16 and 25, but those who are 16 must have parental permission. Adult donors don’t need clearance, except those 76 or older, who need a one-time doctor’s note certifying they may give blood.

The minimum weight for a donor is 110 pounds. Donors must not have been tattooed during the past 12 months. Anyone who has had Lyme disease, but is cured, may give blood, but those who have had babesiosis may not donate blood.

Advice to donors is to eat well and drink fluids before contributing blood and bring an identification card with a photo.