Shops at Atlas Park (Photo: Queens Post)
Jan. 13, 2021 By Christina Santucci
The New York Blood Center is holding several blood drives at the Shops at Atlas Park in Glendale this month in partnership with state Senator Joseph Addabbo and Council Member Bob Holden to help address a shortage stemming from the pandemic.
COVID-19 has led to a critical deficit in the amount of blood needed by hospitals and patients, and donations are at about 65 percent of pre-pandemic levels, the NY Blood Center said in October.
To help alleviate this shortage, blood drives will be held at The Shops at Atlas Park, located at 80-00 Cooper Avenue on Fridays — January 15, 22, and 29 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. — and Saturday, January 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The events will be held in the main room below Shiro of Japan, and donors will receive a free T-shirt while supplies last.
Addabbo said in a statement that more than 1,000 blood donations had already been made at prior events at The Shops at Atlas Park since the start of the pandemic.
“We look to continue to build on that success,” he said.
Those interested in donating must wear a face covering, have their temperature taken before giving blood and must be 14 days symptom free if recovered from COVID-19, according to the New York Blood Center’s rules.
Donors are not permitted to participate if they have received a positive diagnostic test or have symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 14 days, or if they are currently on self-quarantine restrictions.
Donors should also bring their donor ID card or identification with their name and photo and remember to eat or drink beforehand.
