NY Mets Go To Bat For NY Blood Center To Encourage Holiday Donations

NEW YORK — The New York Blood Center has called in some heavy hitters to help boost blood donations during the critical Independence Day summer holiday season.

The New York Blood Center (NYBC) has teamed up with the New York Mets to encourage New Yorkers to donate blood by offering blood donors a limited-edition New York Mets t-shirt until Sunday, July 7. In addition, those who come to donate Thursday, July 4 through Sunday, July 7 will receive a voucher for two tickets to a select 2024 New York Mets home game. These promotions are available at any of NYBC’s 19 donor centers or mobile blood drive locations.

The Mets have been a long-time partner of NYBC, hosting blood drives throughout the year and encouraging blood donation during some of the most critical times for the blood supply. The team has hosted 39 blood drives, resulting in over 16,000 blood donations over the organization's decades-long partnership with NYBC.

The summer months are always difficult for the blood supply, especially around the 4th of July holiday weekend, according to the NYBC. Seasonal travel, school breaks, and a rise in traumatic accidents during the summer months often strain the blood supply and lead to shortages.

The NYBC declared a blood emergency in June, showing the fragility of the region’s blood supply and the critical need to cultivate a new generation of blood donors. There is currently only a 3-day supply of types O- and B-, which is well below the ideal 7-day inventory.

"We are so grateful to the New York Mets for stepping up to the plate to help us maintain the blood supply during the critical summer months with this fun seasonal campaign for New Yorkers," Andrea Cefarelli, Senior VP at NYBC, said. "We hope this partnership inspires folks to donate blood, bring a friend, and support the home team this summer. Blood donations are needed now more than ever!"

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.

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.