The New York Blood Center (NYBC) is declaring a state of emergency due to the significant drop in blood donations before and after the Memorial Day weekend. In the past three weeks, donations have been 2,100 units less than needed to meet hospital demand, straining the region's blood supply heading into the summer months that typically see a spike in trauma.
Each year, more than 56,000 injuries are reported in New York State, the majority of which occur on weekends and during the summer months. Blood transfusions are often required to treat wounds, and an increase in traumatic accidents can put pressure on the blood supply. In addition, school breaks, travel and busy summer schedules make donating blood less of a priority and often lead to seasonal shortages.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James MacDonald said, “The New York State Department of Health supports the New York Blood Center's urgent appeal for blood donations as we face blood supply shortages across the state. We encourage everyone who is eligible to schedule an appointment to donate blood. Just one selfless act of blood donation could potentially save many lives and help those suffering from traumatic injuries, undergoing surgery or dealing with illness, as well as new parents and premature babies.”
“An adequate supply of blood is critical for all hospitals to care for New Yorkers, and we are committed to helping New York Blood Center raise awareness of the critical need for blood donation,” said Devika Mathrani, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. at NewYork-Presbyterian. “One blood donation can save up to three lives and we encourage everyone who is eligible to donate blood regularly.”
“Blood transfusions are essential to the treatment of patients in our communities, from car accident victims and cancer patients to new mothers and their newborn babies. The amount of transfusion varies from patient to patient – but the need is always there,” said Alexander J. Indrikovs, MD, MBA, Senior Director, Transfusion Medicine at Northwell Health. “The summer months, often referred to as 'trauma season', pose significant challenges to an already limited blood supply. With more daylight hours and increased outdoor activities during the warmer months, people are more likely to sustain injuries that may require blood transfusions. In times of increased demand for transfusions, hospitals have an obligation to work with their blood supplier to promote blood donations and maintain adequate blood supplies.”
“Summer fun – holidays, vacations, school breaks – unfortunately often comes with a decrease in blood donation, with life-saving consequences,” said New York City's Emergency Management Commissioner, Zach Iskol. “Take care of your community by donating blood this summer season. Make your appointment today to ensure the city has an adequate blood supply. Thirty minutes out of your day will save lives.”
The region currently has only a 2-day supply of blood types O- and B-, well below the optimal level of 5-7 days. Platelets and all other blood groups are also in short supply. In addition to trauma augmentation, blood is needed daily for routine patient care. Nearly 120,000 New Yorkers are diagnosed with cancer each year, and a quarter of the area's blood supply is used to treat cancer patients alone.
“We put out a call for help after the drop in blood donations after the Memorial Day weekend. While the summer months bring warm weather and joyous gatherings of family and friends, each year our hospitals receive an influx of trauma patients who need our help and require blood transfusions for treatment,” said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior Vice President at Nea Blood Center York. “As we enter the season of trauma, we're asking New Yorkers to give back and make donating blood one of their regular summer activities.”
NYBC hosts daily blood drives and operates 19 area donor centers to reach donors and meet the needs of local hospitals. Blood donors can donate every 56 days and platelet donors can donate twice a month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit nybc.org or call 800.688.0900.
To make an appointment, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org. Can't donate blood? You can still support NYBC's mission by texting “NYBC” to “20222” to donate $25.