'Blood Emergency' Declared By New York Blood Center As Supplies Reach Critical Levels

NEW YORK — New York Blood Center (NYBC) has declared a blood emergency due to a drastic drop in blood donations after a holiday season of alarmingly low donor turnout.

The organization noted a nearly 40 percent drop in donations over the past few weeks.

With Christmas and New Year’s Day both falling on Thursdays, typically one of the highest collection days each week, the agency said there was a near-total loss of midweek donations for two consecutive weeks, and approximately 10,000 fewer donations than needed to meet hospital demand.

All blood types are urgently needed, especially Types O- and B-, which NYBC says are down to a dangerously low one-to-three-day supply.

In recent weeks, blood donations have dropped nearly 40 percent below what is needed to meet hospital demand, resulting in less than a two-day supply of blood for more than 200 hospitals across the region . The emergency declaration follows an exceptionally challenging end to the year, caused by a combination of events that sharply reduced blood donations:

NYBC says that blood donations normally decrease during the holidays, but January poses additional challenges: bad weather causing blood drive cancellations; flu, COVID, and RSV reducing donor eligibility; and schools and workplaces hosting fewer drives during the holidays.

This year, a perfect storm of severe weather, canceled blood drives, and widespread seasonal illnesses have led to a significant decline in blood donations.

These factors have strained an already fragile blood supply, which is needed for surgeries, trauma care, cancer treatments, and managing chronic illnesses. Hospitals and patients rely on a steady stream of volunteer donors. However, the past few years have seen persistent, nationwide blood shortages.

“We are entering the new year with a critically low blood supply, and recent winter weather has made an already challenging season even more difficult,” said Jeannie Mascolino, Vice President, Blood Operations at NYBC. “Blood is needed every single day for trauma care, surgeries, cancer treatment, and chronic conditions, and there is no substitute when donations fall short.”

January is National Blood Donor Month, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation and recognize the lifesaving impact of voluntary blood donors. Proclaimed by President Richard Nixon in January 1970, the annual observance is important for raising awareness and strengthening the blood supply during a critical time of year.

Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice a month. The FDA recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, click here or call 1-800-688-0900. To make an appointment, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit the NYBC website. If you can't donate blood, you can still support NYBC's mission through financial contributions or volunteering your time. Find out more here