Larchmont Fire Department Combats Blazes and Blood Shortages

The old axiom “The gift of blood is the gift of life” is a statement that goes beyond the sentiment it’s intended to evoke to encourage people to donate blood.  Literally lifesaving in traumatic situations or critical medical emergencies, a dwindling blood supply can hinder immediate treatment to people in dire need of care.

With that in mind, the Larchmont Fire Department will be holding a blood drive at the on September 10, tentatively scheduled for 10 a.m.-12 p.m., with two outcomes in mind: To replenish low blood supplies after the summer as well as to acknowledge the local men and women who perished in 9/11 a decade ago.

In the past, the annual drive has been held on various days in the fall, coinciding with community events in Larchmont like Big Truck Day and Autumn Community Day.

The response in past years has drawn a modest turnout with numbers varying between 12-36 people, said Larchmont Volunteer Firefighter Rob Seitz, who has assisted with organizing the drive for the last five years. By holding it so close to the tenth anniversary of 9/11, the Fire Department is hoping that not only will it be a “fitting tribute” to the men and women affected by 9/11, but also that people will feel compelled to donate as a gesture of goodwill in memory of the tragedy.

Additionally, the Fire Department hopes to partner with other organizations to increase the number of attendees.

“We always need more prospects than [people qualified to donate],” said Seitz, adding that a percentage of willing participants are often unable to donate for various reasons.

Some of the things precluding people from donating blood include certain kinds of foreign travel, recent tattoos, low blood pressure and having given blood within the past 56 days.  A complete list of eligibility criteria can be found on the American Red Cross website here.

With the Fire Department providing the venue and Sound Shore Hospital providing the manpower and refreshments for the event, donations of food for participants are still needed. 

“We are more than happy to co-sponsor this with another organization,” said Seitz, referring to businesses or other associations that may want to get involved.

Individuals or organizations interested in donating or participating in the event can contact Rob Seitz directly at robs@robseitz.com or (914) 393-6144.