NY Blood Center Unveils New High-Tech Portable Blood Donation Pods

RYE, NY — Donating blood just got a lot easier in the Hudson Valley thanks to brand new technology.

The New York Blood Center (NYBC) has unveiled its new state-of-the-art "Blood Donation Pods." The portable and sustainable Pods are designed to provide a more comfortable, efficient, and convenient donation experience, according to the organization.

"As we celebrate 60 years of lifesaving innovation, we’re thrilled to introduce this new and innovative portable donor center and improved donor experience to blood donors in New York," New York Blood Center's Andrea Cefarelli explained. "Our goal is to make blood donation as comfortable and convenient as possible, and we believe these Pods will help us attract new blood donors and ultimately save more lives."

The Blood Donation Pods are portable donor centers equipped with donor beds, a climate-controlled environment, and entertainment options, including access to streaming services and music. Donors have the option of donating whole blood, double red cells, or platelets (a much-needed donation type that is typically limited to fixed donor centers only).

Given the limited number of donor centers, only 19 in the region, the NYBC said the portable Pods will serve as convenient, mobile donor centers, making it easier for communities far from established centers to participate.

Municipalities and organizations can host a Pod in their communities from a few days to multiple weeks, providing flexible access to blood donation.

Resorts World New York is partnering with NYBC for the official launch of the Blood Donation Pods by hosting a Pod at their Queens and Hudson Valley casino locations this month.

"Resorts World New York is proud to support NYBC's mission to make blood donation more accessible to those that need it the most,” Resorts World's Michelle Stoddart explained. "By hosting the Blood Donation Pods, we are helping to bring this essential service directly to our communities, ensuring that lifesaving donations are always within reach to protect our public health priorities."

NYBC is seeking other organizations throughout the tri-state region to host a pod.

To make an appointment at the upcoming Resorts World New York Pod locations, or to learn more about hosting a Pod with your organization, visit the NYBC website. 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 800.688.0900. Can’t donate blood? You can still support NYBC’s mission by texting 'NYBC' to '20222’'to give $25.