Urgent Call for Blood Donors as Winter Storms Approach

NEW YORK, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- New York Blood Center (NYBC) serving New York City, Long Island, Hudson Valley and New Jersey calls upon the community to please donate blood and platelets, as the tri-state area braces for a huge predicted winter snowstorm. Healthy people of all blood types and ethnicities are encouraged to donate this week.

Blood donors are being asked to give blood today and tomorrow while they can, but please call 1-800-933-BLOOD or visit www.nybloodcenter.org before leaving home for the latest information regarding cancellations.

With the current predictions of heavy snow and strong winds beginning this evening, February 9, dozens of blood drives have already been cancelled.  NYBC officials project blood donation losses for Wednesday, February 10, amounting to more than 1,500 units.

Approximately 15% of regional blood collection comes from high schools and colleges, most of which have already issued cancellation notices to their constituents.  

The need for blood is constant.  Blood is traditionally in short supply during the winter months due to the holidays, travel schedules, inclement weather and illness.  Hospital use of blood products remains high -- due to surgeries, emergencies and care of cancer patients.  About one in seven people entering a hospital needs blood.

NYBC takes very seriously its responsibility to provide a safe, adequate and reliable blood supply for the 20 million people of New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and New Jersey.  By donating blood this week, organizations and individuals can help us maintain a safe, reliable and adequate blood supply throughout the winter season

To donate blood, please call:

Toll Free:  1-800-933-2566

Visit:  www.nybloodcenter.org

Any company, community organization, place of worship, or individual may host a blood drive.  NYBC also offers special community service scholarships for students who organize community blood drives during the winter holiday and summer periods.  Blood donors receive free mini-medical exams on site including information about their temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure and hemoglobin level.  Eligible donors include those people at least age 16 (with parental permission or consent), who weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, are in good health and meet all Food & Drug Administration and NY or NJ State Department of Health donor criteria.  People age 76 and over may donate with a doctor's note.

About New York Blood Center:  New York Blood Center (NYBC) is one of the nation's largest non-profit, community-based blood centers. NYBC has been providing blood, transfusion products and services to almost 200 hospitals, serving 20 million people, in greater New York since 1964. NYBC is also home to the Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute and the National Cord Blood Program at the Howard P. Milstein National Cord Blood Center, the world's largest public cord blood bank.  NYBC provides medical services and programs (Clinical, Transfusion, and Hemophilia Services) through our medical professionals along with consultative services in transfusion medicine.

Contact:  Leslie Gonzalez

[email protected]

(212) 570-3304  Office

(646) 342-3038  Mobile

SOURCE New York Blood Center