The metropolitan area's critically low blood supply is expected to get even worse by mid-July, according to Dr. Linda Amper, executive director, Long Island Blood Services. Factors accounting for the reduced blood inventory are decreasing donors and donation rates, increased demand for blood and blood products (platelets and plasma), reduced blood import ability and peak summer vacation schedules.

Less than 2 percent of the eligible area population donates blood, explained Dr. Amper, which lags behind the 5 percent national average for donation rates. Given the large population of the metropolitan community and the number of hospitals performing often complex medical procedures (such as transplant and cardiac operations) blood demand in our community remains high, added Dr. Amper.

"The current blood shortage began in early June, much earlier than anticipated. To close this supply/demand gap and ensure we can meet hospital patient demand during this time of crisis, we continue to urge all eligible donors to donate at least once this summer," concluded Dr. Amper.

To find the nearest donation location, call 1-800-933-BLOOD (2566) or check out the blood drive locator page at www.nybloodcenter.org.

Long Island Blood Services is one of five operating regions of New York Blood Center,, which jointly work to collect and distribute 2,000 pints of life-saving blood daily to nearly 200 New York and New Jersey hospitals.

Donors must be at least age 17, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good general health. Photo or signature ID required at time of donation as is knowledge of Social Security Number.