The New York Blood Center (NYBC) announced it was moving the the old Avon property at 601 Midland Avenue last April. While our new neighbor won’t make the move from Elmsford to Rye until September or October, last week they joined blood centers across the country in an emergency plea for blood donors following a holiday season of low donor turnout and recent inclement winter weather.
NYBC has seen a 25% drop in donations in the last three weeks, resulting in 5,000 fewer donations, crippling the inventory that was expected to grow during National Blood Donor Month. There is currently a 1-2-day supply of types O-, O+, and B-, as well as a critical shortage of platelets.
The New York community is not alone; blood emergencies have been declared across the country, indicating that there is no national surplus of blood at this time. Additionally, a recent spike in seasonal illnesses across the region is preventing many from donating.
“In the midst of the nationwide blood emergency, and in the wake of recent winter storms that have impacted our region, we are calling on eligible New Yorkers to make an immediate blood or platelet donation,” said Andrea Cefarelli, senior vice president at New York Blood Center. “After a year of rebounding donations, the recent severe drop in inventory is a stark reminder of the fragility of our nation’s blood supply. This National Blood Donor Month, blood donors are needed now more than ever to ensure hospital patients in our community get the lifesaving treatment they need.”
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and up to 6 times a year. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. View current eligibility guidelines or call 800.688.0900. To make an appointment, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org.
