NY Blood Center Makes Plea For Donations Ahead Of Holiday Weekend

NEW YORK — New York Blood Center has put the call out for all eligible blood donors to make an appointment ahead of Memorial Day weekend.

The NYBC said summer months are a difficult time for the blood supply, as school breaks, summer travel, and busy schedules make blood donation less of a priority, leading to seasonal shortages.

At the same time, warmer months bring an increase in accidents and trauma-related injuries. Known as "trauma season," late spring and summer see a rise in emergency room visits and transfusion needs.

In New York state, more than 56,000 traumas are reported each year, most of which occur on weekends and during the summer months. During that time, the decline in blood donations creates a perfect storm for shortages as nearly 25 percent of trauma patients require blood transfusions for treatment, according to NYBC.

"Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start of summer for New Yorkers, but for New York Blood Center, it signals the beginning of a critical period for the blood supply," NYBC's Andrea Cefarelli said. "We’re calling on all eligible blood donors to show up for their neighbors this summer by making an appointment to donate blood as we enter trauma season."

To meet expected hospital demand, NYBC predicts it will need 5,000 additional donations this summer, the equivalent of about 125 additional community blood drives. The NYBC is calling on businesses, schools, religious groups, and community organizations to step up and host drives to help fill the gap.

To thank donors, NYBC will be giving away branded wet/dry beach bags to all who come to donate from May 21 to May 28.

Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit nybc.org or call 800.688.0900.

To make an appointment, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org. Can't donate blood? You can still make a lifesaving impact by supporting NYBC's mission through financial contributions or volunteering your time. Click here to learn more.