Blood Emergency As New York Supply 'Crippled' After Nearly 30% Drop In Donations: NYBC

LONG ISLAND, NY — New York Blood Center has declared a blood emergency due to a significant drop in blood donations after a holiday season of an alarmingly low donor turnout — a drop of nearly 30 percent — resulting in 6,500 fewer donations and crippling the region's blood supply, the organization said Tuesday.

Donations of all blood types are urgently needed, but especially Types O- and B-, which are down to a dangerously low one-to three-day supply.

Blood donations typically decrease during the holiday season, but January poses additional challenges with inclement weather causing blood drive cancellations, as well as outbreaks of flu, COVID-19, and RSV, which also reduce donor eligibility, as well as schools and workplaces hosting fewer drives.

The factors "strain an already fragile blood supply, which is critical for surgeries, trauma care, cancer treatments, and managing chronic illnesses," the organization said.

Hospitals and patients depend on a steady stream of volunteer donors, yet the past few years have seen persistent, nationwide blood shortages, according to the organization.

January was declared National Blood Donor Month by President Richard Nixon in January 1970 with a focus on raising awareness about shortages after the holidays.

Andrea Cefarelli, the organization's senior vice president, said the months after the holidays are always a "difficult time" for blood supply.

"The drop in donations serves as a critical reminder of the fragility of our nation’s blood supply. We’re urging all eligible New Yorkers to start the new year by saving lives – schedule a donation today and bring a friend to double the impact," she said.

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said New York is facing "a critical blood shortage, and the need for donors has never been more urgent."

"A blood donation helps patients undergoing surgeries, trauma care and treatments for chronic illnesses," he said. "Please roll up your sleeve and help your community during this blood emergency — your donation can save lives.”

James Martone, assistant vice president of Clinical Laboratory Operations in the Transfusion Medicine division of Northwell Health Laboratories, said that as the largest healthcare provider in the state, the healthcare provider "is deeply grateful to partner with New York Blood Center to support the urgent needs of the blood emergency."

“We thank and encourage all community blood donors to roll up their sleeves to meet our patients' transfusion needs now and throughout the year," she said. "Countless lives are saved thanks to the selfless generosity of these individuals.”

Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month.

The Food and Drug Administration recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit nybc.org or call 1-800-688-0900.

To make an appointment, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org. Anyone who can’t donate blood can make a financial contribution or volunteer by clicking here to learn more.