Local elected officials and hospital leaders joined NYBC for a press conference highlighting the ongoing need for blood donors
On January 21, New York Blood Center (NYBC) was joined by elected officials, hospital leaders, and community partners for a press conferenceat NYBC’s Brooklyn Donor Center in recognition of National Blood Donor Month and the ongoing need for blood donations across the state. January, which was proclaimed National Blood Donor Month by President Richard Nixon in 1970, serves as an important reminder of the lifesaving impact of routine blood donation nationwide.
The annual observance comes at a critical time for the blood supply. NYBC declared a blood emergency earlier this month due to holiday disruptions, severe winter weather, canceled blood drives, and widespread seasonal illnesses, causing a significant decline in blood donations. In recent weeks, blood donations have dropped nearly 40% below what is needed to meet hospital demand, leaving less than a two-day supply for more than 200 hospitals across the tri-state area.
The press conference highlighted the importance of blood donation, shared firsthand perspectives from healthcare partners and patients, and encouraged New Yorkers to make blood donation a priority in the new year. Notable speakers and attendees included Deputy Brooklyn Borough President Kim Council, New York City Council Member Lincoln Restler, New York City Council Member Rita Joseph, Vice President of Blood Operations at New York Blood Center Jeannie Mascolino, Assistant Vice President of Clinical Lab and Communicable Diseases at NYC Health + Hospitals Kathleen Blaney, and blood recipient Gillian Gooding.
“Donating blood is one of the most meaningful ways that Brooklynites show up for their neighbors in need,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “As we fight to ensure that Brooklyn is the safest borough to have a baby, blood donation is especially important for the many women who rely on lifesaving transfusions during pregnancy and childbirth. This National Blood Donor Month, I want to express my immense gratitude to all who donate, and to New York Blood Center for working tirelessly to ensure that lifesaving care is available to New Yorkers in every neighborhood.”
“National Blood Donor Month is a powerful reminder that the need for blood doesn’t take a holiday,” said Jeannie Mascolino, Vice President, Blood Operations at New York Blood Center. “Each January, donations decline while patient needs remain steady, and that gap can put lives at risk. We’re incredibly grateful to our partners in city government and local community leaders for standing with us today amid a blood emergency and encouraging New Yorkers to make blood donation a priority in the new year.”
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