'Futuristic Pods' Make Donating Blood Easy And Fun

NEW YORK CITY, NY – Comfortable beds, a climate-controlled environment, and entertainment options, including streaming services and music? Donating blood is getting a major upgrade in New York, where the New York Blood Center is launching state-of-the-art “Blood Donation Pods” later this month.

Designed to make giving blood cozy – and convenient – the mobile pods present an attractive alternative to brick-and-mortar locations, which typically require would-be donors to trek to one of only 19 facilities in the area.

Although donating blood typically takes just 10-12 minutes, NYBC believes commute time to donation centers is discouraging those who might otherwise give.

Amidst what the blood center has termed a regional “blood emergency,” making it as easy as possible for New Yorkers to donate is critical.

The pods will make their debut at Resorts World casinos in Queens and the Hudson Valley, and NYBC is actively seeking additional organizations throughout communities in the Tri-State Area to host a pod.

The Food and Drug Administration recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions, notably restrictions on men who have sex with men. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit nybc.org or call (800) 688-0900.

Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors twice each month.