The chiropractic office of Dr. Walter Priestley is hosting a community blood drive on Aug. 31 at 81 Conklin Street. According to Long Island Blood Services, there is an extreme shortage of blood.

As of the end of July, volunteer blood donations in the New York/New Jersey community have been 20 percent below what is required for New York Blood Center (NYBC) to meet local hospital demand, reported blood center officials recently. The situation has forced even greater rationing of blood to be delivered to area hospitals and this summer's second urgent appeal for blood, both effective today.

Close to 2,000 men, women and children, including cancer, transplant surgery patients, trauma victims, newborn babies and many more in the community need blood transfusions each day.

It takes a special person who understands that making a blood donation is an important lifesaving deed. Blood donors must be at least age 17, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health. People age 76 and older can donate blood if they meet all criteria and present a physician's letter. All donors benefit from a free mini-medical exam, including having review of their pulse rate, blood pressure, iron count and temperature. Residents are not eligible if they received a tattoo in the last 12 months. Please call Dr. Priestley's office at 752-1007 to make an appointment or if you have any questions.