NSUMC will host its annual blood drive Sunday, August 16 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Please plan to donate and invite others to join you.

Eligible donors are between ages 16-76; weigh at least 110 pounds; and have not received a tattoo or piercing within the last year. At age 16 you need written permission from a parent/guardian. At 76 or older, you must present a physician’s letter allowing you to donate. Every donor needs identification with a signature or photo. For answers to specific eligibility questions regarding medications, travel or other, please visit www.nybloodcenter.org, or call 1-800-688-0900.

Will you or someone you love need a blood transfusion this summer? Most of us can’t be certain. Unfortunately, however, we do know for sure that Long Island hospitals will face a blood shortage this summer. So please plan to donate; people can’t live without blood, and there is no artificial substitute. One pint of your blood can save as many as three lives.

August 16 seems distant, but potential donors can prepare now. Keep your weight above 110 pounds, and do it in a healthy way. Maintain good blood pressure and a sufficient level of iron. We don’t want any willing donor to be turned away because of low iron, high blood pressure, dehydration, or another preventable reason.

You can schedule a specific appointment for August 16 online at www.nybloodcenter.org, by phoning Tricia Littlefield at 631-929-1329, or signing up in person at church.

Thank you for your donation!