We experienced a very difficult summer barely bringing in enough blood to satisfy hospital needs. Typically, blood donations pick up after Labor Day but this year they have not. We were in a summer-long appeal and I'm afraid we will be looking at a fall appeal if things do not change rapidly.

I am writing to thank all whole blood and apheresis donors who selflessly helped to save others by making a blood donation in July or August.

We have always experienced a deficit between what we collect and what we need to support hospitals in Nassau, Suffolk and Queens, However, in the past, we were able to import blood from others areas of the country and Europe. Unfortunately, this supply is also dwindling. We simply must expand the donor base quickly to ensure an adequate blood supply.

I urge every eligible donor to make it a regular habit to donate. If each of us who donates were to increase our donation by just one more time per year, we would make a significant dent in the deficit we currently experience. In addition, if we each recruited one new donor we might never need to go into an appeal mode again. What does that mean? Appeals bring with them long lines and frustration. We need to have consistent donations 12 months per year.

Giving blood makes you feel good. As one high school senior remarked to me last school year after making his very first donation, I feel like Superman."

It's easy to make an appointment. Call 1-800-933-BLOOD (2566) or check out our website at www.nybloodcenter.org.

Make giving blood a priority. You never know when you or someone you know will need it.

Linda E. Amper, Ph.D.

Executive Director/Vice President

Long Island Blood Services