More than 80 pints of blood were collected earlier this month during the Wantagh Fire Department’s annual community blood drive, an effort local officials said could help save hundreds of lives.
The March 2 drive, held at the department’s headquarters on Park Avenue, drew dozens of residents who volunteered to donate blood to help hospitals maintain a stable blood supply during frequent shortages.
“This year, we made history at the drive, collecting enough blood to save up to 258 lives,” State Sen. Steve Rhoads, who represents Wantagh and Seaford, wrote in a Facebook post. He called it “truly inspiring” to see the community come together.
Rhoads said he also joined other donors by giving blood himself during the event.
“I was proud to roll up my sleeves and donate blood, joining countless community members in saving lives,” he added.
Community blood drives like the one hosted by the Wantagh Fire Department play an important role in maintaining the region’s blood supply.
Blood banks rely heavily on donations from community events, schools and civic organizations to ensure hospitals have enough blood for surgeries, trauma patients and people undergoing cancer treatments.
“With over 80 pints donated - and nearly 250 lives saved - the Wantagh Fire Department had a successful blood drive!” Shannon Fredericks, a Seaford resident representing Assemblyman Dave McDonough, said. “I am so grateful to the organizers for recognizing that we are in a state of blood shortage and the need to act,” she added.
The Wantagh Fire Department hosts blood drives several times throughout the year to help address the ongoing need for donations.
“We know the tough times and the shortages and the need for this out there,” Thomas Bloomfield, a former chief of the Wantagh Fire Department, said before the drive. “We try to stay on top of it and make sure we do it at least twice a year.”
Bloomfield said the department typically holds drives during the first week of March and October, adding that the department usually collects dozens of pints at each event.
“There’s always a need for blood,” Bloomfield explained. He added that the atmosphere of the Wantagh drive helps encourage residents to participate.
“It’s not like you’re giving blood in a factory somewhere,” he said. “It’s just a nice vibe that we have there, that we’ve been keeping.”
According to blood donation organizations such as the American Red Cross, donated red blood cells typically have a shelf life of about 42 days, meaning blood banks must constantly replenish supplies. Seasonal illnesses, severe weather and busy schedules can disrupt donation patterns, contributing to periodic shortages throughout the year.
During a standard whole blood donation, about one pint of blood is drawn from a donor. The average adult body contains roughly 10 to 12 pints, and the body typically replenishes donated blood within several weeks.
Each donation can help multiple patients because blood is separated into components such as red blood cells, plasma and platelets, which may be used for different medical treatments.
Nassau County Legislator Kayla Knight said the Wantagh event demonstrated how communities can come together to support one another during critical moments. Whole blood can be donated every eight weeks, allowing repeat donors to contribute multiple times throughout the year.
Knight added that the strong turnout underscored the sense of community that defines Wantagh and the surrounding area.
“Thank you to everyone who took the time to donate,” Knight said. “Your generosity helps ensure that hospitals have the blood supply they need to care for patients in critical moments.”
