South Bay's Neighbor
New York Blood Center Issues Urgent Call For Donors As Blood Supply Drops 20% Ahead Of Trauma Season
New York Blood Center (NYBC) has issued an urgent call for blood donations, especially from those with types O+ and O- blood. The current supply of O- blood, the universal blood type used in emergencies, has dropped to a critically low two-day level, and overall collections are nearly 20% below hospital demand. NYBC expects to collect only about 6,500 donations this week, falling approximately 1,600 donations short of what is needed to
maintain a safe and stable blood supply in New York. Spring travel, school breaks, and packed calendars have kept regular donors away— leaving donation levels dangerously low at a time when they should be ramping up. Each year, more than 56,000 traumas are reported in New York State, most occurring between May and September when accidents, car crashes, and violent injuries rise dramatically. Blood transfusions are often
needed to treat traumas, and a spike in traumatic accidents can cause a strain on the blood supply.
Type O+ is the most common blood type, representing nearly 40% of the U.S. population. Type O- is the universal blood type and is commonly used in emergency settings. A shortage of both types, both locally and nationally, poses serious concerns for our healthcare system, and the need for donors is critical.
“Spring can be an
exciting season with warmer weather on the way and fun holiday celebrations, but it’s also a critical time of year for the blood supply,” said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior Vice President at New York Blood Center. “As we start to build our inventory ahead of the traumaheavy summer season, the need is more urgent than ever. We’re calling on our community, especially type O donors, to roll up their sleeves and make a donation today. Your blood donation could be
the lifeline that ensures our hospitals are ready to face any emergency that comes their way.”
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility
guidelines, visit nybc.org or call 800.688.0900. To make an appointment, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org. Can’t donate blood? You can still make a lifesaving impact by supporting NYBC’s mission through financial contributions or volunteering your time.
Did You Know?
JULY HAPPENINGS
WEDNESDAY, JULY 30th
10:00AM-12:00PM
TOUCH-A-TRUCK
At Emma Clark Library 120 Main Street in Setauket. For families with children up to 5th grade. Free Event. Check out vehicles from different community organizations. In the case of inclement weather, please call Emma Clark Library ahead of time: 631.941.4080. Questions? Email kids@emmaclark.org
2:00PM
FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
At the Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park, Great River. Buddy Merriam will be performng. For more information visit Isliparts.org, or call 631-888-3525
5:30PM-7:30PM
TEENS DUNGEONS & DRAGONS at the Babylon Public Library 24 S. Carll Ave.
Join us in the library for Dungeons & Dragons! Build a character, choose your weapons, and lay waste to nasty critters with a roll of the dice. New and experienced players welcome! Grades 6-12. Registration required. For more information, please call Erin White 631-669-1624
6:30PM-8:30PM
TAP ROOM GOES PURPLE TO END ALZHEIMER'S
The Alzheimer's Association Long Island Chapter is excited to partner with Tap Room for an awareness
HOLIDAYS
4th - INDEPENDENCE DAY
MAKE A SUBMISSION!
Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run free of charge on a space available basis. For more info, call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com
event. Tap Room, 206 Main Street in Farmingdale. Enjoy complimentary appetizers while you learn about: Free programs and services provided by the Alzheimer’s Association, the latest updates on Alzheimer’s research and treatments, ways you can get involved in any of our five Long Island Walks and volunteer Opportunities and valuable resources available. For more information, please call 646-793-4851
6:30PM-10:00PM 2025 WEDNESDAY NIGHT SUMMER SERIES
Eisenhower Park - Field 2, Parking Lot 2, in East Meadow. 7PM StartRain or Shine, 6:30PM Kids Fun Run Start. Long Island Road Running Club's ongoing commitment to quality racing, healthy choices and bringing friends & family together! For more information, please call 516-531-3323
6:30PM STRAWBERRY FIELDS BEATLES TRIBUTE
The Kiwanis Club of Copiague is hosting a fundraiser on July 30th, a Night of Music, Food and Friends. Amity Harbor Civic, 100 Western Concourse, Amity Harbor. $30 pp, pizza, wings, snacks, beer, wine & soda. Bring a lawn chair. RSVP Gene Murray 917-498-1781, or Mike Greb 631-835-7087
THURSDAY, JULY 31st
10:00AM-8:00PM
OLD WESTBURY GARDENS
EXTENDED HOURS
Thursday, July 31, and Friday, August 1 They’re open late tonight —until 8pm! Come stroll the grounds, enjoy golden hour in the gardens, and soak in the beauty of a summer evening at Old Westbury Gardens. 71 Old Westbury Rd. in Old Westbury. For more information, visit info@ oldwestburygardens.org or call 516333-0048
11:00AM-1:00PM
FANTASTICAL SEA BEASTS & WHERE TO FIND THEM
The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St. in Cold Spring Harbor. No Registration Required Fire-breathing beasts! Galloping unicorns! Did you know that many mythic creatures featured in the Harry Potter world started their stories in the sea? For more information, please call 631-367-3418
6:00PM
THURSDAYS ON THE BAY
FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 88 West Ave. in West Sayville. Thursdays on the Bay takes place at the Scenic Long Island Maritime Museum and is the perfect place to wind down. Bring a chair or a blanket and stay until sunset. 7/31 Tom Cilmi/ Country music. Free parking. For more information visit Isliparts.org, or call 631-888-3525
An
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you
THE power of CLASSIFIED!
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”
A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you
the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”
A sales representative will be happy to assist you GET YOUR AD NOTICED! Ca ll Our Classifi ed Dept. 631-226-2636 Ext. 276
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”
A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”
A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”
A sales representative will be happy to assist you GET YOUR AD NOTICED! Ca ll Our Classifi ed Dept. 631-226-2636 Ext. 276
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2” A sales representative will be happy to assist you
TO place an ad in the CLASSIFIED section, call 631-226-2636, press “2”
A sales representative will be happy to assist you
Did You Know?
Avid readers may feel there’s nothing better than diving into a good book, but that book might be even more beneficial than they realize, particularly for older book lovers. A study published in the journal Social Science & Medicine noted that reading books can promote empathy, social perception and emotional intelligence, notable benefits that researchers found contributed to a survival advantage. Researchers behind the study noted book readers experienced a 20 percent reduction in risk of mortality over a 12-year followup period than non-book readers. Equally notable among the researchers’ findings was older individuals who read books enjoyed this survival advantage regardless of their gender, overall health, socioeconomic status, or education levels.
United Way Of Long Island Awarded $1.3M HUD Grant To Help Low-Income Elderly Homeowners Age In Place
United Way of Long Island has been awarded a $1.3 million Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Older Adults Home Modification Grant Program (OAHMP). Funds will be utilized to make safety and functional home modifications and limited repairs to meet the needs of low-income elderly homeowners that allow them to age in place. This is part of the existing network of programs the organization provides to older residents including veterans’ assistance, 2-1-1 information and referral, Project Warmth, case management, financial and legal help and health and prevention services.
Long Island’s population is continuing to age; the number of residents aged 70 and older is expected to increase by more than 220,000 over the next 25 years, according to Northwell Health. Stay
at home orders during the COVID-19 pandemic shed light on housing conditions that put health and safety at risk. This program is designed to help prevent Long Island seniors from being unnecessarily hospitalized. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates falls are the leading cause of injury and death in older Americans, making the program even more essential.
Recipients of this program like Peter, a Navy veteran, and retired tradesman whose home was updated with safety features like a front railing and shower grab bars have noted the marked difference in their quality of life and the profound impact this program has had. The home modification program expects to serve 150 clients over three years. To qualify,
residents must live in and own private residences and be at least 62 years old (renters are also allowed).
community-based services is the way to do so.”
United Way’s community partners, along with the occupational therapists will help identify the repairs most critically needed for seniors to facilitate aging in place. The types of repairs to these homes will include bathroom renovations (i.e. installing no-slip strips, grab bars, transfer benches) and accessibility features (i.e. lever handles on all doors and faucets, handheld shower heads, wheelchair ramps).
prevent falls—one of the leading causes of injury for adults over 65—and reduce the need for costly hospital stays or long-term care. United Way has long been a trusted partner in serving our communities, and I’ll keep pushing for the federal resources our seniors need to age with dignity and peace of mind.”
“There has never been a more important time than now to ensure the safety of our senior citizens when living independently at home,” said Theresa A. Regnante, President and CEO of United Way of Long Island. “Small changes in seniors’ homes can make a huge difference in their lives. This HUD modification program will enhance United Way’s already existing Safe at Home for Seniors program allowing our elderly neighbors to safely age in place.” TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL 631-226-2636
“Seniors across Long Island have made their desire to live in their own homes resoundingly clear, which is why the work that United Way of Long Island does is so vital,” said U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Charles E. Schumer. “I was proud to support United
Way’s federal funding application for their Safe At Home For Seniors program. $1.3 million is now on its way to assist hundreds of seniors across Long Island with home repairs and modifications, allowing them to age in place with dignity, and I will continue to advocate for our seniors’ best interests, and bringing federal investment into home and
“Helping Long Island’s seniors live safely and independently in their own homes is something I’ve fought for, and I’m proud to have helped secure this $1.3 million HUD grant for United Way of Long Island,” said Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY02). “This funding will go toward critical home modifications that help
DESIGN DESIGN STUDIO
