The Town of North Hempstead will be hosting a blood donation drive with the New York Blood Center Aug. 14, a collaboration that Supervisor Jennifer DeSena said will save many lives amid a rise in the need for blood.

“Just one blood donation can save up to three lives, so imagine what can be done when we come together,” said DeSena. “That’s why I’m so proud of our North Hempstead team. They genuinely believe in serving their neighbors, so much so they even donate blood. I hope all our town residents will follow their lead and join us in saving lives.”

Andrea Cefarelli, senior vice president at New York Blood Center, said the center is seeking residents with Type O blood. This blood type is commonly referred to as the universal donor and its red blood cells can be accepted by anyone in need regardless of their blood type.

“We are appealing to our community to step up and donate blood, especially those whose blood type is type O,” Cefarelli said. “Following the recent surge in blood usage, our local inventory is critically low, and we need immediate support to ensure that every patient receives the life-saving care they need.”

Blood donors can also participate in the New York Blood Center’s “Pint for a Pint” campaign, which provides donors with a drink voucher for participating breweries and pubs.

The blood drive will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Clinton G. Martin Park. The park is located at 1601 Marcus Ave. in New Hyde Park.

Appointments are preferred and can be made at https://donate.nybc.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/315972. Walk-ins will be accepted if space is permitted.

Donors are required to bring a photo ID to their appointment. It is recommended that donors eat before their appointment.

If recently diagnosed with COVID-19, donors must be symptom-free for at least 14 days or three days after having cold or flu-like symptoms before donating blood.

For more information or to request an accommodation to donate another day, call the town’s 311 Call Center at (516) 869-6311.