It would take a lot more than a blackout to prevent Alan Polinsky, a longtime member of Electronic Data Processing Personnel Local 2627, from donating blood.

When the lights went out all over the city Aug. 14, the Computer Specialist simply hopped on his bicycle and pedaled all the way from his Human Resources Administration office in Chelsea to the New York Blood Center in downtown Brooklyn.

Mr. Polinsky has been a regular blood donor since 1976. He donates both blood and platelets several times a year.

Mr. Polinsky’s donation was particularly important that day. Blood supplies during the summer months drop considerably.

“It’s always short in the summer,” said Richard Davey, chief medical officer of the New York Blood Center. “But when you have a special problem like a blackout, it makes it even worse.”

Supplies to hospitals had already been rationed because several blood types, including the universal O negative, were dwindling even before the blackout kept donors at home.

“I don’t like the publicity,” said Mr. Polinsky, but he realizes his story might encourage others to donate. “I’ve meet some of the people who have received blood,” he adds. “It’s a great feeling to be able to help them out.”

— AA