NY Blood Center Declares Blood Emergency Before 'Summer Trauma Season'

NEW YORK — The New York Blood Center (NYBC) declared a blood emergency due to a significant drop in blood donations before and after Memorial Day weekend.

Over a recent three-week period, donations have been 2,100 units short of what is needed to meet hospital demand, placing a strain on the area’s blood supply heading into the summer, which is typically marked by a spike in traumas.

Every year, over 56,000 traumas are reported statewide, most of which happen on weekends and during the summer. Blood transfusions are often needed to treat traumas, and a spike in traumatic accidents can cause a strain on the blood supply. In addition, school breaks, travel, and busy summer schedules make blood donation less of a priority and can lead to seasonal shortages.

"The New York State Department of Health supports New York Blood Center’s urgent call for blood donations as we experience blood shortage supplies throughout the state," State Health Commissioner James McDonald said. "We encourage all who are eligible to schedule an appointment to donate blood. Just one selfless act of blood donation could potentially save multiple lives and help those suffering from traumatic injuries, undergoing surgery or fighting illnesses, as well as new parents and premature babies."

The area currently only has a 2-day blood supply of types O- and B-, significantly below the optimal level of 5-7 days. Platelets and all other blood types are also in short supply. In addition to the rise in traumas, blood is needed daily for routine patient care. Around 120,000 New Yorkers are diagnosed with cancer each year and 25 percent of the region’s blood supply is used to treat cancer patients alone.

"Blood transfusions are essential to treat patients in our communities, from car crash victims and cancer patients, to new mothers and their newborn babies. The amount of transfusion varies from patient to patient – but the need is always there," Alexander J. Indrikovs Senior Director of Transfusion Medicine at Northwell Health, said. "The summer months, often called ‘trauma season’, bring about significant challenges to an already limited blood supply. With more hours of daylight and increased outdoor activities during the warmer months, people are more likely to sustain injuries that may require blood transfusions. During times of increased demand for transfusions, hospitals have an obligation to team up with their blood supplier to promote blood donations and maintain adequate blood inventories."

The NYBC hosts daily blood drives and operates 19 donor centers in the region to reach donors and meet local hospital needs. Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The FDA recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit the NYBC website or call 1-800-688-0900.

"We are putting out the call for help following a decrease in blood donations after Memorial Day weekend. While the summer months bring warm weather and joyful gatherings of family and friends, each year our hospitals receive an influx of trauma patients that need our help and require blood transfusions for treatment," New York Blood Center Senior Vice President Andrea Cefarelli said. "As we enter trauma season, we are asking New Yorkers to give back and make donating blood one of their regular summer activities.”

To donate, call 1-800-933-2566 or visit the NYBC website to make an appointment. If you can't donate blood, you can still support the NYBC’s mission by texting 'NYBC' to '20222' to give $25.