Post-Holiday Blood Emergency Declared By NY Blood Center

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Blood centers across the Hudson Valley need our help.

The New York Blood Center (NYBC) announced that there was an alarming drop in blood donations over the holiday weekend. They are now calling for more blood donors as the region's blood supply is currently at a critical 3-day level, which is well below the ideal supply of 5-7 days.

The NYBC announced a blood emergency in early May as well after an "alarming" drop in blood donations over a 6-week period at the time. Blood Center officials said that recent school spring breaks and holiday travel, coupled with a two-year period of almost no youth donations during the pandemic, contributed to the current crisis.

SEE: Michele Lariviere, Director of Donor Recruitment Guests On "Patch AM"

Hospitals and patients rely upon a steady flow of volunteer donors to receive life-saving blood donations, but the recent spike in cases and spring break travel is causing growing uncertainty.

“This time of year is always difficult for the blood supply, as Memorial Day and the start of summer makes it even more difficult to turnout donors. This year the holiday is coinciding with already low supply levels and steady rising COVID-19 cases,” said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior Vice President at the New York Blood Center. “We highly encourage all who are able to donate today and help us combat this shortage before we head into the summer months.”

It only takes one hour to donate and a single donation can save more than just a single life. Roughly one in seven hospital admissions require a blood transfusion. Those in need include: cancer patients, accident, burn or trauma victims, transplant recipients, surgery patients and chronically transfused patients suffering from sickle cell disease or thalassemia

To make an appointment at a nearby blood drive, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit the New York Blood Center website.