New York Blood Center (NYBC), serving more than 20 million people in New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and New Jersey, calls upon our communities to please donate blood and platelets, after our tally of blood donations lost due to the weather doubled overnight – to more than 2,000. The supply of O-negative blood, which is normally maintained at the three-to-five-days of inventory level, has dropped to just two days.
"A blizzard doesn't freeze the need for blood," said NYBC Vice President Rob Purvis. "It's more important than ever, as we dig out from the blizzard, for our neighbors to roll up their sleeves. Hospital patients need us to be ready for emergencies, and to provide blood for cancer treatments and surgeries."
NYBC takes very seriously its responsibility to provide a safe, adequate and reliable blood supply for the tri-state area. By donating blood this week, organizations and individuals can help us maintain a safe, reliable and adequate blood supply through the New Year's holiday weekend.
Blood is traditionally in short supply during the winter months due to the holidays, travel schedules, inclement weather and illness. Approximately 25% of regional blood collection comes from high schools and colleges, most of which are closed for recess.
The need for blood is constant. The shelf life of platelets is only five days; the shelf life of red blood cells is 42 days. About one in seven people entering a hospital needs blood.
To donate blood or for information on how to organize a blood drive,
Please call Toll Free: 1-800-933-2566
Visit: www.nybloodcenter.org
If you cannot donate but still wish to participate in bringing crucial blood products to patients in need, please ask someone to donate for you, or consider volunteering at a local blood drive.
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