New York Blood Center has declared a blood emergency and is asking the public to find time to donate blood at a NYBC donor center or blood drive to help replenish the community’s blood supply. Recent national tragedies are reminders that it is imperative for NYBC to always have an adequately stocked blood supply to respond when communities are faced with patient traumas or other events that require lifesaving blood products, the organization said in a press release.
In order to maintain a safe blood supply, a seven-day inventory of all types must be continually replenished. Companies, organizations, and community groups are also encouraged to step up and host a blood drive in July or August to help rebuild the blood supply. Hosting a blood drive is easy, and NYBC staff will help you every step of the way.
O-negative blood donors are considered “universal” and their blood type is needed most readily in trauma situations and emergency departments across the country. Due to its high demand, O-negative blood is in short supply, and NYBC encourages individuals with this blood type to consider stepping forward and donating today. Our local blood supply has reached a critically low level, with under a two-day supply of O negative, B negative, and A negative blood.
“By spreading the word or even hosting your own blood drive, inviting friends, family, and community organizations, you may save lives in your community,” NYBC executive director said.
Historically, during the summer months, blood centers have had to focus on building up the community’s blood supply, as it tends to diminish due to seasonal factors. While summer months are marked by a long vacation period, with schools in recess and leisure time, the need for blood never takes a vacation. NYBC urges individuals to seek out nearby blood donation centers and to engage in the selfless act of donating, helping to prevent a summer blood shortage and potentially saving the life of someone in need.
Nearly 2,000 donations are needed each day in New York and New Jersey alone. About one in seven hospital admissions requires a blood transfusion, and with a limited shelf life, supplies must be continually replenished.
More About Blood Donations
The entire donation process takes less than an hour and a single donation can be used to save multiple lives.
To donate blood, you must be a minimum weight of 110 lbs, have not had a tattoo in 12 months, be between the age of 16 and 75 (16 year olds must have parental permission – age 76 and over requires doctor’s note), and bring ID with signature or photo. For more information on medical eligibility, please call 1-800-688-0900.
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.
About New York Blood Center
Founded in 1964, New York Blood Center is a nonprofit organization that is one of the largest independent, community-based blood centers in the world. NYBC and its partners also provide a wide array of transfusion-related medical services, including Comprehensive Cell Solutions, the National Center for Blood Group Genomics, the National Cord Blood Program, and the Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, which — among other milestones — developed the Hepatitis B vaccine and a patented solvent detergent plasma process innovating blood-purification technology worldwide.
Blood drives coming up
Below are blood drives currently scheduled in this area for the rest of the summer:
July 10
Flanders Fire Department/FRNCA
Firehouse Lane, Flanders
2 to 8 p.m.
July 11
Manorville Firehouse
14 Silas Carter Road, Manorville
2 to 8 p.m.
North Fork Community
Town of Riverhead Senior Center
60 Shade Tree Lane, Aquebogue
2 to 8 p.m.
Wading River Fire Department
1503 North Country Road, Wading River
Large Meeting Room
3 to 9 p.m.
July 12
North Shore Public Library
250 Route 25A, Shoreham
12:30 to 6:30 p.m.
July 17
Assemblyman Anthony Palumbo
Tanger Outlet Center-Food Court (Busmobile)
Tanger Drive, Riverhead
2 to 8 p.m.
July 27
Sunken Ponds Estate Clubhouse – Stoneleigh Woods
1350 Pebble Beach Path, Riverhead
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
August 7
Peconic Bay Medical Center
1300 Roanoke Avenue, Riverhead
Conference Rooms A, B & C
7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
August 8
Mattituck-Laurel Library
13900 Main Road, Mattituck
1 to 7 p.m.
August 16
Southold Fire Department
55135 Route 25, Southold
2:15 to 8:15 p.m.
August 20
North Shore United Methodist
260 Route 25A, Wading River
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
August 24
Riverhead Free Library
330 Court Street, Riverhead
1 to 7 p.m.
To donate blood or for information on how to organize a blood drive: call 1-800-933-2566 or visit the New York Blood Center website.
Click here to find a blood drive near you..
