STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — To help combat New York’s emergency-level blood shortage, the John G. Chipura Foundation will host its annual blood drive on Saturday, March 2, in Tottenville.
In cooperation with the New York Blood Center, the non-profit organization, founded in memory of Chipura, a New York City firefighter who lost his life responding to the World Trade Center on 9/11, will conduct the blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Our Lady Help of Christians Church Hall, 7396 Amboy Rd., Tottenville.
New York is down to a one- to two-day supply of blood types O-, O+ and B- and is facing a severe shortage of platelets, the New York Blood Center (NYBC) announced last month as it joined centers around the country in a national emergency appeal.
Chipura, who also served a tour of duty in Beirut, Lebanon with the Marine Corps., and was a New York City police officer before joining the FDNY, was responding to the World Trade Center with Brooklyn’s Engine 219/Ladder 105 when he lost his life at age 39.
A blood drive is the perfect way to honor the memory of the fallen firefighter, his family says.
The late Chipura started his life of community service as an Eagle Scout, and was known for his generous nature and concern for others.
“If John were alive, he’d be involved in this cause,’’ his brother, Gerard Chipura, told SILive.com. “John would be doing more to help people.”
You may donate if you are at least 17 years old (16 years old with written consent from parent or legal guardian), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health, according to the New York Blood Center. Those ages 16 to 18 are subject to additional height and weight restrictions.
Blood donors can give every 56 days and up to six times a year. Donors should come prepared with photo identification and having recently eaten a full meal. To register for the blood drive online, visit the New York Blood Center website, nybc.org
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