West Islip, NY 11795 -- Our Lady of Consolation Nursing & Rehabilitative Care Center, in conjunction with Long Island Blood Services, will sponsor its semi-annual blood drive on Wednesday, November 5, 2003 from 9:00am until 7:30p.m. Residents of the local community are urged to participate by contacting Consolation’s Human Resources department at (631) 587-1600, ext. 8228 and scheduling an appointment to donate blood.  

Long Island hospitals need over 750 fresh pints of blood per day to meet the needs of cancer patients, accident victims and people facing surgery and other medical problems. “We are asking everyone to make a pledge to give blood when it’s needed most in their own communities,” said Dr. James Louie, Executive Director of Long Island Blood Services.  “Blood donors are needed 365 days a year, not just when unpredictable disasters occur.  Blood donors can truly save lives on a daily basis.”

Eligible donors must be age 17-75, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. Donors also receive a free mini medical exam on site. Blood can be donated every 56 days.

Our Lady of Consolation is a 450-bed nursing and rehabilitative care center conducted by the Sisters of St. Dominic since 1894 and is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). As a member of Catholic Health Services of Long Island, Our Lady of Consolation plays an integral role in the health care delivery system of the Diocese of Rockville Centre and offers expertise in the field of long term care and sub-acute care. In addition to skilled nursing home care including geriatric care, rehabilitative care, respiratory therapy and medically complex care, Consolation offers specialized dementia disease care for individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s and related dementia diseases. In addition, Consolation’s Long Term Home Health Care Program provides nursing care and other services for patients residing in their own homes in the community.  For more information about the services Our Lady of Consolation offers, please call (631) 587-1600.