The severe drop in inventory is a stark reminder of the fragility of our nation’s blood supply.
NYBC’s inventory has dropped dramatically due to lower donor turnout, recent and predicted winter weather and a spike in seasonal illnesses. There is currently a 2-day supply with 1-2 days of types O-, O+, B-, and platelets.
NEW YORK – Today, New York Blood Center (NYBC) joins blood centers across the country in an emergency plea for blood donors following a holiday season of low donor turnout and recent inclement winter weather. NYBC has seen a 25% drop in donations in the last three weeks, resulting in 5000 fewer donations, crippling the inventory that was expected to grow during National Blood Donor Month. There is currently a 1-2-day supply of types O-, O+, and B-, as well as a critical shortage of platelets.
The New York community is not alone; blood emergencies have been declared across the country, indicating that there is no national surplus of blood at this time. Additionally, a recent spike in seasonal illnesses across the region is preventing many from donating.
“In the midst of the nationwide blood emergency, and in the wake of recent winter storms that have impacted our region, we are calling on eligible New Yorkers to make an immediate blood or platelet donation,” said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior Vice President at New York Blood Center. “After a year of rebounding donations, the recent severe drop in inventory is a stark reminder of the fragility of our nation’s blood supply. This National Blood Donor Month, blood donors are needed now more than ever to ensure hospital patients in our community get the lifesaving treatment they need.”
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and up to 6 times a year. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, click here or call 800.688.0900. To make an appointment, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org. Can’t donate blood? You can still support NYBC’s mission by texting ‘NYBC’ to ‘20222’ to give $25.