Valentine's Day is typically associated with cuddly stuffed animals, chocolate hearts and red roses. But this year, the New York Blood Center is urging residents to look past the materialism and give a gift that not only lasts longer, but is more important - the gift of life.

The blood center is asking residents to donate blood and platelets throughout the month of February. Every pint of blood collected can save up to five lives.

"Donations have been declining significantly since mid-November, in part due to misperceptions about the current need for donations and blood product perishability," said Dr. James Louie, executive director of Long Island Blood Services. "The facts are that red cells last only 42 days and platelets a mere five days, requiring regular replenishment to ensure that an adequate supply of blood products is always available for hospital patients in need of transfusion treatment."

The drop in the metropolitan area blood supply has resulted in reduced shipments of some blood types to area hospitals. Medical professionals from area hospitals said that if this shortage continues, health care could be compromised.

"Inadequate blood supplies can lead to cancelled surgeries, emergency room closures, rationing or administering type-mismatched transfusions to patients, which can lead to severe medical complications," said Dr. Louie.

"Right now, we are only receiving 75 percent of what is required,"

said Dr. Joseph Chiofolo, medical director of the blood bank at Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola. Chiofolo added that Winthrop typically uses 250 units of blood per week and can average more than 1,000 units per month.

Blood donations were at an all-time high following the September 11 terrorist attacks. But with a 42-day shelf life, blood donated immediately following the attacks has since expired. The winter months, with colds and the flu keeping people indoors, have also contributed to the decrease in blood supply.

"President Bush [recently] urged US citizens to perform acts of service and kindness in an effort to support their community and nation," said Dr. Louie. "We too are asking people to make a life saving blood or platelet donation to help bolster a severe blood shortage in our very own community."

Dr. Chiofolo said, "Everyone should come out and donate because you never know when someone in your family will need that blood and it may not be there."

Blood and platelet donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good general health. All donors receive a free mini medical exam. Potential donors are urged to call the New York Blood Center at 1-800-933-2566 to schedule a convenient appointment. For more information about donation sites, refer to the list below or visit the New York Blood Center's website at www.nybloodcenter.org.

Feb. 17, Our Lady of Hope, Cherry Lane, Carle Place, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Feb. 19, New Island Hospital, 4295 Hempstead Tpke., Bethpage, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Feb. 20, Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Feb. 23, Sports Authority, 1230 Old Country Road, Westbury, noon to 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 25, IKEA, 1100 Broadway Mall, Hicksville, 1 to 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 27, Sultzer Metco, 1101 Prospect Avenue, Westbury, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Feb. 28, Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Feb. 28, St. Raphael's, 600 Newbridge Road, East Meadow, 3 to 8:30 p.m.

March 5, Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

March 6, Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Donations call also be made at the Winthrop-University's Mineola Donor Room, 200 Old Country Road. Appointments can be scheduled by calling the New York Blood Center at 1-800-933-2566.