Blood collections down 15%, approximately 4,500 fewer donations than needed to meet hospital demands amid summer holiday disruptions
All Blood Types Urgently Needed. Types A-, B-, and O+/O- hit dangerous lows
“Trauma season,” combined with upcoming major events, including the FIFA World Cup, raises concerns about blood supply levels
NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY — New York Blood Center (NYBC) and New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS) have declared a blood emergency as supplies have hit a critical low, dropping to less than a two-day supply overall and below a one-day supply for type O blood, the most critical type used in emergency care. These levels are particularly concerning given the challenges presented by upcoming special events and the summer “trauma season” that typically increases the need for blood.
NYBC & NJBS are calling on community members to roll up their sleeves and help rebuild the inventory in New York and New Jersey to meet the needs of local hospitals and support emergency preparedness efforts. All blood types are urgently needed, but Types A-, B-, and O+/O- have hit dangerously low levels in the region.
Dangerously Low Blood Supply Levels
Blood donations are down nearly 15%, representing approximately 4,500 fewer donations than needed to meet hospital demand across the region. The shortfall comes on the heels of Memorial Day weekend, when donations traditionally decline due to travel, vacations, school breaks, and holiday activities. Spring donations have failed to rebound as expected following a difficult winter season. Without consistent blood donors, the blood supply remains in crisis.
“Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer and ‘trauma season,’ and this has been one of the most challenging periods we’ve faced in years,” said Jeannie Mascolino, Vice President of Operations at NYBC & NJBS. “We are already thousands of donations behind where we would like to be heading into one of our most difficult periods, and hospital demand is increasing across the country. Donor support in the coming weeks will be critical to helping hospitals maintain a stable blood supply for patients who depend on transfusions every day.”
Summer Trauma Season
Summer is notoriously known as “trauma season,” when hospitals typically see a rise in serious injuries, including car crashes and other emergencies requiring large volumes of blood. Trauma patients can require dozens, sometimes hundreds, of blood transfusions in a matter of hours. In New York State alone, more than 56,000 traumatic injuries are reported each year, many of which occur during weekends and throughout the summer months due to increased travel, outdoor recreation, and holiday activities.
This year, that time of increased need will coincide with logistical challenges as New York and New Jersey welcome tourists for the FIFA World Cup and other major events.
Blood cannot be manufactured and has a limited shelf life, meaning hospitals rely on a steady stream of donors to meet daily demand. A blood emergency means the available supply has dropped below safe levels to meet routine and urgent patient needs. For trauma centers, where patients may require large volumes of blood within minutes, maintaining an adequate supply is critical for patient care.
“Maintaining a safe and reliable blood supply is essential to meeting our communities’ urgent medical needs and safeguarding the health of our residents. In an emergency, access to a blood transfusion can mean the difference between life and death,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “As we look ahead to a summer of major celebrations and events — from the World Cup to America’s 250th anniversary — it is more important than ever that we are prepared for any emergency. I encourage everyone who is able to schedule an appointment and donate blood to help ensure lifesaving care is available when it is needed most.”
“With the increase in travel and gatherings this summer, we expect to see an increase in injuries requiring blood transfusions,” New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. We want to ensure that patients who are suffering from traumatic injuries, undergoing surgery, or fighting cancer can get the blood they need in an emergency. I urge you to consider the selfless act of donating blood – just one donation can help multiple people – so roll up your sleeve and give the gift of life during this time of need.”
“Summer brings celebration, travel, and unforgettable moments – at the beach, on the road, at concerts, and across our communities. But it is also a time when trauma incidents increase and the demand for blood rises sharply,” said Dr. Novneet Sahu, Deputy Commissioner of Public Health Services, New Jersey Department of Health. “As we prepare to welcome visitors from around the world to New Jersey, it is critical that we ensure we have the blood supply needed to respond to emergencies at a moment’s notice. Every donation is a lifesaving act of preparedness and compassion. I encourage everyone who is eligible to roll up their sleeve and donate today so we are ready with a strong blood supply for whatever tomorrow may bring.”
Clinicians at Level I Trauma Centers and local blood recipients are echoing the call for donors.
“In trauma care, seconds matter—and so does immediate access to blood,” said Dr. Christopher Tedeschi, an emergency medicine physician at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. “Summer emergencies can drive sudden spikes in demand, with critically injured patients needing massive transfusions within minutes. A strong blood supply makes it possible for us to deliver lifesaving care when every second counts.”
“As a trauma surgeon, I have personally seen, many times, a critically injured patient’s life saved using donated blood products,” said Dr. Matthew Bank, Executive Director, Northwell Trauma Institute. “These patients are sons and brothers, daughters and sisters, husbands and wives. The people who donate blood are also members of our community family who give of themselves to help others in need. It is a rare opportunity when our community can come together to directly save the lives of trauma patients. For anyone who has been “on the fence” regarding blood donation, I would implore them to go to their nearest donor center. In the blink of an eye, anyone can become a trauma patient, so the life you save might be a member of your own family or even your own.”
“Blood is essential to emergency medical care and plays a critical role in helping first responders and hospital teams save lives every day,” said Dr. Adam D Fox, Trauma Medical Director at the Eric Munoz Trauma Center at University Hospital, the only state-designated Level I Trauma Center in North Jersey. “During emergencies, accidents, and other critical situations, access to a stable blood supply can make an immediate difference in patient outcomes. Summer shortages place added pressure on healthcare systems, which is why blood donors are so important to the communities we serve.”
“Maintaining a stable blood supply is essential, and we are committed to helping the New York Blood Center raise awareness of the urgent need for donations,” said Devika Mathrani, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at NewYork-Presbyterian. “One blood donation can save up to three lives, and we encourage everyone who is eligible to donate regularly.”
“Blood Center blood donations are essential to patient care across our health system,” said Kathleen Blaney, MPH, RN, Assistant Vice President of Clinical Lab and Communicable Diseases at NYC Health + Hospitals. “We encourage all eligible donors to make an appointment and give blood, especially as we head into the summer months when maintaining adequate inventory becomes increasingly challenging. A strong blood supply is a shared community responsibility and remains critical to saving lives across New York City and the surrounding region.”
Stories like Emily Miethner’s underscore how quickly blood is needed in medical emergencies.
“Donated blood saved my life. In an emergency, there’s no substitute. It’s there because someone chose to give selflessly,” said Emily Miethner, a blood recipient who required 19 emergency transfusions following traumatic childbirth complications. “That’s why I donate today and encourage others to make it part of their routine. You never know when someone’s life will depend on it.” Watch Emily share her remarkable story.
NYBC & NJBS are asking all eligible donors, especially those with type O blood, to schedule an immediate appointment to donate. In light of recent updates to FDA guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to give. Blood donors can donate every 56 days, and platelet donors can give up to twice per month.
To view current eligibility guidelines or 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. Click here to learn more.
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About New York Blood Center
Founded in 1964, New York Blood Center (NYBC) has served the tri-state area for more than 60 years, delivering 500,000 lifesaving blood products annually to 150+ hospitals, EMS and healthcare partners. NYBC is part of New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe), which spans 17+ states and delivers one million blood products to 400+ U.S. hospitals annually. NYBCe additionally delivers cellular therapies, specialty pharmacy, and medical services to 200+ research, academic and biopharmaceutical organizations. NYBCe’s Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute is a leader in hematology and transfusion medicine research, dedicated to the study, prevention, treatment and cure of bloodborne and blood-related diseases. NYBC serves as a vital community lifeline dedicated to helping patients and advancing global public health. To learn more, visit nybc.org. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
About New Jersey Blood Services
Founded in 1964, New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS) has served the tri-state area for more than 60 years, delivering 500,000 lifesaving blood products annually to 150+ hospitals, EMS and healthcare partners. NJBS is part of New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe), which spans 17+ states and delivers one million blood products to 400+ U.S. hospitals annually. NYBCe additionally delivers cellular therapies, specialty pharmacy, and medical services to 200+ research, academic and biopharmaceutical organizations. NYBCe’s Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute is a leader in hematology and transfusion medicine research, dedicated to the study, prevention, treatment, and cure of bloodborne and blood-related diseases. NJBC serves as a vital community lifeline dedicated to helping patients and advancing global public health. To learn more, visit nybc.org. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn. armacy, and medical services to 200+ research, academic and biopharmaceutical organizations. NYBCe’s Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute is a leader in hematology and transfusion medicine research, dedicated to the study, prevention, treatment and cure of bloodborne and blood-related diseases. NYBC serves as a vital community lifeline dedicated to helping patients and advancing global public health. To learn more, visit nybc.org. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.