West Babylon FD holds blood drive amid shortage

The West Babylon Fire Department held a blood drive Monday to help replenish the New York Blood Center's supply.
Due to what it calls a critically low supply, the center has declared a "blood emergency."
"That means we have less than three days' blood supply on the shelves," says Doreen Fiscina, of the New York Blood Center.
Cassidy McCarthy was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer at age 4. Now 6, she says blood drives saved her life and that she wouldn't have been able to undergo treatment without blood transfusions. She cheered on donors who stopped by the firehouse Monday.
Some people, like East Patchogue's Al Sullo, say they try to donate as often as they can.
"I've always donated...at least once a year or twice a year," he says.
The drive reached its goal of 100 units. Blood center officials say that number could save up to 300 lives.
"We're hoping that helps us build up that blood supply for area hospitals," Fiscina says.