Jefferson Valley Mall To Host Blood Donation Drive

YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, NY — Another way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day is at the Jefferson Valley Mall.

While shopping is always an option, how about taking time to donate blood?

The New York Blood Center and the mall will be hosting a holiday-themed blood drive to celebrate St. Patrick's Day Thursday.

From noon to 6 p.m., the blood center will be taking much-needed donations at the mall located at 650 Lee Blvd. in Yorktown Heights.

The center said that a blood emergency was announced earlier this year, and the region's blood supply has remained critically low.

Blood centers across the country are and have been suffering from shortages since the start of the pandemic in March 2020. Since that time many blood drives were canceled due to school closures, remote work and hesitancy to donate blood because of COVID-19 infections.

Andrea Cefarelli, senior executive director at the center, said they were grateful to the Jefferson Valley Mall for helping to replenish the blood supply while spreading holiday cheer.

"As our region continues to experience chronic shortages," she said, "we encourage all who are able to celebrate the holiday by donating blood and saving a life."

Donating blood is safe and only takes one hour. The center said all staff have been vaccinated.

People may not donate if they're experiencing a cold, sore throat, respiratory infection or flu-like symptoms.

To make an appointment at this blood drive, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit this link.