In response to the blood emergency declared on Long Island last week, Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi, rolled up his sleeve to donate blood at Westbury's Bowling Green School PTA blood drive on Tuesday, January 14, 2003.

"A common misconception about blood shortages is that they are only dangerous if some kind of catastrophe was to occur. The reality is that a blood shortage can prevent a loved one from undergoing a necessary operation. Giving blood is a charitable act that almost everyone can do, that takes only a few minutes out of your day and that makes a real difference in the community. None of us should let these clear opportunities for charity pass us by," said County Executive Suozzi.

Long Island is currently under an emergency appeal for blood donations. While the local response has been encouraging, the situation remains tenuous. Long Island Blood Services continues to ration blood products and cut shipments by 25% to local hospitals. To meet local demand, LIBS imports blood products from other blood centers around the country.

Long Island hospitals need over 750 fresh units of blood per day to meet the needs of cancer patients, accident victims and people facing surgery and other medical problems. "We are asking everyone to make a pledge to give blood when it's needed most in their own communities," said Dr. James Louie, Executive Director of Long Island Blood Services. "Blood donors are needed 365 days a year, not just when unpredictable disasters occur."

Eligible donors must be between 17 and 76 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. Blood can be donated every 56 days.

For more information about this and other blood drives, call Long Island Blood Services at 1-800-933-BLOOD