Additionally, with a grant secured by New York State Sen. Charles Fuschillo Jr. (R-Merrick), there will be testing for the National Bone Marrow Registry.
Long Island Blood Services will also provide free testing for one of AmericaÕs most-common genetic diseases: hereditary hemocromatosis, a disorder that prevents the body from absorbing iron properly and, if left untreated, can lead to a variety of serious and life-threatening problems.
A pint of blood can save the lives of five people. A bone-marrow donation can save the life of a victim of leukemia or aplastic anemia. ` With an average of 750 pints of blood used daily in Long IslandÕs hospitals, blood donations are always needed because blood cannot be manufactured. Donations, however, have declined by almost 25 percent below last year at the same time.
Anyone who is in good health and is between ages 17 and 72 can give blood. To be a bone-marrow donor, one must be between 18 and 60. A photo identification and your Social Security number are required before donating. Eating before a donation is strongly advised.
For more information, call Long Island Blood Services at 1-800-688-0900. To make an appointment to donate blood, register your bone marrow or have genetic testing conducted, call Joan at (516) 546-5463.
Bikur Cholim also asks that people attending the blood drive bring a donation of school supplies, which will be given to the children of a shelter for abused women.
