C.W. Post Responds to Shortage with Blood Drive Feb. 22

February 1, 2005 - With the amount of blood available to Long Island hospitals at a dangerously low level because of the January blizzard, the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University in Brookville will host a blood drive Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2005.

The Jan. 22-23 snow storm forced the cancellation of more than 20 blood drives that were expected to provide nearly 1,000 donations, said Dr. James Louie, executive director of Long Island Blood Services, which will conduct the Feb. 22 drive at C.W. Post.

The region's blood supply fell to 9,000 pints, Dr. Louie said. "We typically need a five-day supply of each and every blood type, or at least 12,000 pints in all, to be sure we can supply Long Island and metropolitan area hospitals with the transfusion products they require for patients," he said. "Now we are far below that inventory level and are very concerned about patients getting the life-saving transfusion care they may need."

The blood drive will be held in the Pioneer Room at Hillwood Commons from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. It is open to students, faculty, staff and the public. Donors must be between the ages of 17 and 75 (over 75 with a doctor's note), weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health. Donors will be required to show ID and need to know their Social Security number.

For more information or to make an appointment, contact Craig Harris, director of Student Life and Leadership Development, at (516) 299-2816 or write craig.harris@liu.edu. Walk-ins are also welcome. For medical information on blood donation, call 1-800-688-0900.