Thousands of donations lost due to dangerous travel conditions and weather-related disruptions
NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY – New York Blood Center (NYBC) and New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS) today announced they are extending their blood emergency appeal for an additional two weeks after a historic winter storm brought blood donation operations across the region to a standstill, wiping out critical progress made in rebuilding the local blood supply.
The storm dropped more than a foot and a half of snow in parts of the region and forced the cancellation of all NYBC and NJBS operations on Sunday. Weather-related disruptions have continued into this week, resulting in the loss of nearly 2,000 blood donations, a sudden and significant setback at a time when inventories had just begun to recover. This marks the first time NYBC has been forced to extend an already-declared blood emergency due to a severe weather event.
Earlier this month, NYBC and NJBS declared a blood emergency as supplies reached critically low levels. While initial donor response helped stabilize inventories, the storm erased that progress almost overnight, creating an urgent and renewed need for blood donations.
“This storm could not have come at a worse time,” said Jeannie Mascolino, Vice President of Blood Operations at New York Blood Center and New Jersey Blood Services. “We were just starting to rebuild the blood supply when nearly 2,000 lifesaving donations were lost in a matter of days. Patients don’t get a snow day; surgeries, cancer treatments, traumas, and emergencies continue, and we need donors to help us recover.”
To prioritize donor and staff safety, all NYBC and NJBS donor centers will open midday today, Monday, January 26, allowing time for roads and parking areas to be cleared and for staff to travel safely. Donors are encouraged to make an appointment and donate if it is safe for them to do so.
NYBC and NJBS are urging all eligible blood donors, especially those with O-, O+, and B- blood types, to give blood or platelets in the coming days to help stabilize the supply. All blood types are urgently needed. To view current eligibility guidelines or make an appointment, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org.
In light of recent updates to FDA guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to give.Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. To help prevent future shortages, NYBC and NJBS encourage donors to become All Seasons Lifesavers by donating once each season. NYBC and NJBS also offer additional donor loyalty programs that recognize consistent giving throughout the year. Learn more here.
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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.