By: Robert Remler
Despite the largest surge of blood donors ever in the days following the September 11 terrorist attacks, donations have declined dramatically since mid-November. For the first half of December, whole blood donations were down 11 percent and platelet donations were down 18 percent.
Blood banks require a minimal five-day supply. Long Island Blood Services must collect 800 pints of blood daily to meet the needs of the more than 43 area hospitals. Currently, there is less than a one-day supply of O Negative blood available, the type used by any patient in an emergency. As a result, shipments to area hospitals have been cut back by 25 percent and may have to be reduced by as much as 50 percent. South Nassau alone transfuses 7,000 pints of blood annually.
"Just one pint of blood can save the lives of five people," said Joseph A. Quagliata, president and CEO of South Nassau. "We are seeking community support at our Fri., Feb. 1 blood drive. Together, we can help save lives."
South Nassau's blood drive will be held in the Albert Conference Room located on the ground floor of the hospital. Members of the community, organizations, religious institutions and local business are encouraged to participate. Anyone who is 76 or older can donate with a note from his or her physician.
WKJY's mascot, "Lucky the Duck," will be on hand in the afternoon offering donors the chance to win various prizes. Refreshments will also be served.
For more information, or to register, call South Nassau's Department of Human Resources at (516) 632-3930.
Safe-sitter program
Mercy Medical Center's Safe-Sitter program is scheduled for Mon., Jan. 21 and Wed., Feb. 20, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Safe-Sitter is designed to teach valuable child-care skills to children between the ages of 11 and 13 who baby-sit or are interested in becoming baby-sitters. First aid, feeding, rescue skills and behavior management are just some of the topics covered. The class fee is $30. Call (516) 705-1807 to register.
The newest anti-cancer therapies
Recent advances in the fight against cancer involve a different approach that attacks the disease via new targets. These treatments have shown promising results with fewer side effects. As part of its commitment to educate the community about the latest information in battling cancer, Winthrop-University Hospital's "Advances in Cancer Care" series will present a free lecture, "The Newest Anti-Cancer Therapies," on Tues., Jan. 22. The program will begin with registration at 6:30 p.m., followed by the lecture at 7 p.m. It will be held at the Community Outreach Center, 101 Mineola Boulevard, Mineola, corner of Second Street. Parking and the entrance are at the rear of the building.
Harry Sataszewski, MD, chief of the Division of Oncology/Hematology at Winthrop, will provide an overview on the latest treatment advances, including an explanation of various therapies such as monoclonal antibodies, the new signal transduction inhibitors and vaccine therapies. A question-and-answer period will follow the lecture.
Admission is free, but seating is limited. Pre-registration is required. For information and to reserve your space, call (516) 663-9370.
Other events and activities
[bold] Surviving Adolescence Together...Parent & Sons [unbold] is a topic of free lecture at Winthrop-University Hospital, 101 Mineola Boulevard, on Thurs., Jan. 24. The program begins with registration at 6:30 p.m., followed by a lecture at 7 p.m. Call 1-877-559-KIDS...[bold] Arthritis support group [unbold] sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation, will meet on Thurs., Feb. 7, 1 p.m. The group will meet at Island Trees Public Library, 38 Farmedge Road, Levittown. Call (631) 427-8272...[bold] Fibromyalgia support group [unbold] is meeting at Island Trees Library, 38 Farmedge Road, Levittown, on Thurs., Feb. 14, 1 p.m. The topic is: "Nutrition and Weight Management," with Judi Fischer as the guest speaker. The meeting is open to the public and offered free of charge. For more information, call (631) 427-8272...[bold] The In Home Rx Program [unbold] makes available breathing medications and Nebulizers to patients who may have asthma, emphysema or COPD at no cost to the recipient, if they qualify. Call 1-800-344-5764 or visit our web site at www.inhomerx.com for more information on the details of this program...[bold] Leukemia support group [unbold] is meeting at the Winthrop-University Hospital, 259 First Street, Mineola, in the Hoag One Conference Room. The group will meet Mon., Feb. 11, 2 to 3:30 p.m., March 4, 3 to 4:30 p.m. and Tue., April 9, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Call (516) 663-8843.
