Unusual autumn shortage coincides with National First Responders Day blood drives honoring heroes who witness the need for blood firsthand, as local blood supply drops to 2-3-day inventory
In honor of National First Responders Day, New York Blood Center (NYBC) and New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS) are partnering with police, fire, and EMS agencies across the tri-state area to celebrate National First Responders Day and honor the bravery and lifesaving service of all first responders. This year’s observance comes at a critical time, as the region faces a severe blood shortage that is not typically seen at this time of year.
NYBC currently has a 1-day supply of types O- and O+ blood, the blood types most often used in emergency and trauma care. Overall inventory has fallen to a 2–3-day supply, well below the 5-7-day level needed to support hospitals across the tri-state area. Overall, October donations are down 11%, averaging 1,000 fewer donations each week. Such shortages are highly unusual for the fall, when donations typically rebound after summer. This year, however, donor turnout has lagged while hospital demand remains high.
As part of the upcoming National First Responders Day observance on October 28, NYBC and NJBS hosted a series of First Responders Blood Drives across New York and New Jersey to honor those who risk their lives daily and to highlight the critical role blood donations play in both routine and emergency care.
“National First Responders Day is a powerful reminder of the courage and compassion that first responders show every day,” said Andrea Cefarelli, Chief Operating Officer, Blood and Laboratory Operations at New York Blood Center Enterprises. “We’re proud to partner with these heroes to save lives, not only through their daily acts of service, but also through their efforts to rally their communities around blood donation.”
NYBC and NJBS have a longstanding history of shared advocacy and partnership with area First Responders, working together to ensure the stability of the tri-state area’s blood supply. The following are just a sample of First Responders Day drives that took place throughout the region:
- Massapequa Fire Department:
Monday, October 27th, 1:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. at 515 Hicksville Road, Massapequa, NY 11758 - Hazlet EMS & North Centerville Volunteer Fire Company:
Monday, October 27th, 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at 372 Middle Rd., Hazlet, NJ 07730 - FDNY Headquarters:
Tuesday, October 28th, 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at 9 Metrotech, Brooklyn, NY 11201
All blood types are urgently needed, especially O-negative and O-positive, which are most often used in trauma and emergency situations. 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, visit nybc.org or call 800.688.0900.