New York Blood Center (NYBC) and Paramount+ teamed up to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the iconic show Dexter with a series of special community blood drives on Friday, October 9 through Sunday, October 11. A custom Dexter-themed NYBC bloodmobile was stationed from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM each day outside of The Dexter 20th Anniversary Museum Experience, a limited-time immersive experience featuring iconic props, immersive recreations, interactive experiences, and photo moments spanning the franchise’s 20-year history.
This special blood drive generated 210 registered donors and 188 collected blood donations, providing the potential to positively impact up to 564 lives. Additionally, 168 donors, approximately 90%, were first-time blood donors, underscoring the partnership’s effectiveness in reaching and engaging new audiences.
Donors who rolled up their sleeves received special Dexter-inspired perks and surprises throughout the weekend as a token of appreciation for their donation. The activation was scheduled ahead of the Season 2 premiere of Dexter: Resurrection on October 30, exclusively on Paramount+.
“We couldn’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate 20 years of Dexter than by asking fans to roll up their sleeves and donate blood to patients in need,” said Jeannie Mascolino, Vice President, Blood Operations at New York Blood Center. “We’re thrilled to partner with Paramount+ to turn this milestone into an opportunity to save lives, especially at a time when donations are urgently needed across our region.”
This blood drive and important partnership come at a critical time for the region’s blood supply. September was one of the most challenging months for blood collections this year, with nearly 2,700 fewer donations than needed to meet local hospital demand. The shortfall immediately follows an especially difficult summer that led to two unprecedented blood emergencies and has left the region’s blood supply under continued strain. With supplies of Type O blood at critically low levels, NYBC is urgently calling on New Yorkers with O-positive and O-negative blood to make an appointment and donate to help ensure lifesaving blood is available for patients across the region.
To schedule a blood donation appointment, 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. Click here to learn more.