New York Blood Center Declares First Blood Emergency Of 2023

NEW YORK — On Monday, the New York Blood Center (NYBC) declared the first blood emergency of 2023.

The organization said the emergency is due to several factors, including recent poor weather, school breaks and cold/flu season.

During February, the NYBC and its divisions across the U.S. received 6,000 fewer blood donations than in February of 2022, and blood donations are 12 percent below hospital and patient needs, according to the group.

The number of blood donations are still not back to pre-pandemic levels. This is exacerbated by a continued lag in first-time and youth donors, which remain at about half of pre-pandemic levels. And while New Yorkers are returning to in-person work, office and community blood drives and visits to NYBC Donor Centers are significantly down. People working from home had an easier time donating in donor centers.

"Each winter, we struggle to get folks to donate blood and this year is no exception," NYBC Vice President Andrea Cefarelli explained. "We need more New Yorkers to make blood donations, host blood drives and spread the word about the need for donations. Last year, we expanded our reach with a new donor center, and we recently announced new donor guidelines from the FDA; we are expanding in every way we can in order to reach new donors. This March, make a blood donation and tell a friend!"

In addition to whole blood donors, the NYBC says that platelet donors are desperately needed. With a shelf life of just 7 days, the organization depends on dedicated platelet donors to help patients undergoing chemotherapy, those with bleeding disorders, new mothers, and more.

Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice a month. The FDA recently lifted eligibility restrictions for individuals who lived in Europe during certain periods of time. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit the NYBC website or call 1-800-688-0900.

While the need is constant, the supply is not. Visit the NYBC website or call 1-800-933-2566 to schedule an appointment or to donate.