U.S. Congressman George Latimer (NY-16) delivered a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in honor of National Blood Donor Month, during which he recognized the efforts of NYBCe and the hard work of our staff, especially during the recently declared blood emergencies in the tri-state area.
“As a proud blood donor myself, I want to commend New York Blood Center and all the community blood centers across the United States that provide a lifeline to people and patients in our hospitals. This week, the center declared a blood emergency,” Latimer explained while addressing the need for blood donors. “Today, as part of New York Blood Center Enterprises, that mission extends far beyond New York. From newborns and their mothers to cancer patients and trauma victims, community blood centers provide patients with the blood that keeps them alive.”
Holiday disruptions, severe winter weather, canceled blood drives, and widespread seasonal illnesses have led to a significant decline in blood donations, resulting in critically low levels across the region.
In recent weeks, blood donations have dropped nearly 40% below what is needed to meet hospital demand, resulting in less than a two-day supply of blood for more than 200 hospitals across the tri-state area.
To help prevent emergencies like this one, NYBC encourages donors to become All Seasons Lifesavers by making blood donation a routine part of their lives and giving once each season in 2026. NYBC also offers additional donor frequency programs based on donation type, recognizing those who give consistently throughout the year. Learn more here.
To make an appointment, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org. Can’t donate blood? You can still make a lifesaving impact by supporting NYBC’s mission through financial contributions or volunteering your time. Learn more.