The New York Blood Center says it's dealing with a current blood shortage.

"We are in a critical emergency, we need donors who are O-Negative and O-Positive," says organizer Doreen Freudenberg, of the New York Blood Center.

On Friday, a blood drive was held outside of the South Country Library in Bellport. More than 50 people registered to give the gift of life at the event.

Pamela Abbott is a frequent donor.

Years ago, she needed blood after undergoing surgery.

"It was when I had a medical procedure done and I developed hematoma and I had to have a lot of blood," she added.

The New York Blood Center says one pint of blood can save three lives.

They say the total donation process takes about 45 minutes to an hour, which includes the registration, a mini exam and the donation itself.