NYBC urges community to donate blood and save lives

New York Blood Center (NYBC) and its divisions serving the 20 million people of New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and New Jersey call upon the community to please donate blood, in recognition of World Health Day, and to help save lives.

April 7, 2010 is World Health Day.  Founded by the World Health Organization (WHO), this year's theme is "1,000 Cities – 1,000 Lives," with a focus on urbanization and health.  Events will be organized worldwide during the week of April 7-11, calling on cities to open up streets for health activities.  Stories of urban health champions will be gathered to illustrate what people are doing to improve health in their cities.  You can help by donating blood, or by organizing a blood drive in your community, house of worship, or place of work.

Urbanization and population growth remain a challenge for public health.  According to WHO, virtually all population growth over the next 30 years will be in urban areas, and the urban poor suffer disproportionately from a wide range of diseases and other health problems.  Blood donors are an integral part of keeping cities healthier, by contributing to and helping to maintain the community blood supply, which is used for patient needs including surgeries, emergencies and cancer treatments.  About 1 in 7 people entering a hospital will need blood.

The shelf life for blood is limited and must constantly be replenished through continual volunteer blood donations.

Any company, community organization, place of worship, or individual may host a blood drive.  NYBC also offers special community service scholarships for students who organize community blood drives during the winter holiday and summer periods.  Blood donors receive free mini-medical exams on site including information about their temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure and hemoglobin level.  Eligible donors include those people at least age 16 (with parental permission or consent), who weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, are in good health and meet all Food & Drug Administration and NY or NJ State Department of Health donor criteria.  People age 76 and over may donate with a doctor's note.

SOURCE New York Blood Center