NYBC and the Islanders collected 189 blood donations, bringing the Islanders’ total blood donations to 3,000+
On Wednesday, August 13th, New York Blood Center (NYBC) partnered with the New York Islanders for an annual blood drive at the UBS Arena in the Acrisure Great Hall. All blood donors at this blood drive received a voucher redeemable for two tickets to a select 2025-26 New York Islanders home game. The Islanders have been long-time supporters of NYBC, hosting multiple blood drives annually since 2000 and collecting a total of 3,064 donations over the past two decades.
The region’s supply of O- and O+ blood is currently at a critical 1-2 day level, and overall collections are nearly 25% below the level needed to meet hospital demands. Summer has brought an expected decline in donations, driven by vacations and school breaks, but combined with increased trauma cases, the impact on the local blood supply has been severe. Type O-negative is the universal blood type used when seconds matter and a patient’s blood type is unknown. Type O-positive, the most common type, is in constant demand for surgeries, childbirth, cancer treatments, and daily medical care.
“Our partnership with the New York Islanders has been essential in meeting the region’s critical need for blood, especially during challenging times like the summer trauma season,” said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior Vice President at New York Blood Center. “We’re so grateful to Islanders fans and all of the generous donors who continue to show up at our blood drives, helping safeguard the health of patients across Long Island.”
“The New York Islanders are proud to continue our partnership with the New York Blood Center, bringing fans together for a cause that truly saves lives,” said Ann Rina, Vice President of Community Relations for the Islanders. “Every donation helps a patient in need and seeing Islanders fans step up reminds us how powerful we can be when we come together.”
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. In light of recent updates to FDA guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to give.To view current eligibility guidelines, click here or call 800.688.0900.
