Due to the growing need for blood donations in our area, Long Island Blood Services in Melville have been attempting to recruit more blood donors to help end the shortage of supply they've been experiencing this summer.

Due to their efforts, blood donations have gone up nearly 10 percent during early summer months. The demand for blood, however, was also increasing during those months so much of the donations received had to go to local hospital patients in need of it immediately.

Long Island Blood Services Executive Director Linda Amper feels that blood contributions will rise again in the next few months, since many people who donate regularly will be back from their vacations, as will those who have never donated before.

"Throughout our metropolitan community there is a need for nearly 2,000 pints of blood daily, and locally, in Long Island, 42 hospitals require 800 pints on a daily basis," said Amper.

Nearly anybody can donate blood, as long as they are between the ages of 17 and 75, and weigh at least 110 pounds. At their upcoming blood drives, donors will receive a free mini medical exam, including temperature reading, blood pressure and iron count.

To make a donation appointment at a location most convenient to you, call 1-800-933-BLOOD (2566) or visit the New York Blood Center's website at www.nybloodcenter.org.

Local residents may attend a blood drive in or close to their communities, at the following locations:

The Melville Center, 525 Broadhollow Rd. in Melville, throughout September. Please call for times.

At Vytra Health Care, 395 N. Service Road in Melville, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on September 21.

At Arthur Andersen, 115 Broadhollow Rd. in Melville, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on September 22.

At 137 Gazza Blvd., in Farmingdale, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on September 23.

At the Farmingdale Church of the Resurrection, 50 Granny Rd. in Farmingdale, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on September 24.