New York Blood Center has declared a blood emergency following a sharp and sustained drop in local blood donations, the organization said in a press release last week.
This blood emergency is being declared due to less than a one to two day supply of critical blood types across the region, New York Blood Center said.
The blood center has had to depend on blood donations from other parts of the country to meet hospital demand amid the local decline in donations, NYBC said, calling this strategy “an unsustainable fix for a state with some of the busiest hospitals in the nation.”
Only 2% of New Yorkers donate blood, compared to the national average of 3%, NYBC said. To reliably meet patient needs, the percentage of donations in New York should reach at least 4% of the population, or about 780,000 active donors, the blood center said. Right now, the state is short by almost 390,000 donors, NYBC said.
“If just 1% more New Yorkers stepped up to give blood – about 195,000 new donors – we could cut the shortfall in half and bring real stability to our blood supply, especially as we prepare for emergencies and trauma season,” New York Blood Center Senior Vice President Andrea Cefarelli said in the press release.
“We urgently need the community’s help to rebuild the blood supply and prevent this situation from becoming more dire.Donating blood is one of the most direct and impactful ways to support our healthcare system and save lives,” Cefarelli said.
The shortage of local donations puts patients at risk — from trauma victims and surgery patients to those undergoing cancer treatment or facing life-threatening complications.
“As blood donations continue to decline across the state, I urge all eligible New Yorkers to rise to the occasion and give the gift of life,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “Each pint of blood is more than just a donation—it’s a lifeline to someone battling illness, undergoing surgery, or recovering from trauma,” McDonald said. “Your act of generosity today holds the power to save a life tomorrow.”
Warm weather months always bring an increase in demand for blood due to a seasonal increase in accidents and trauma-related injuries. Known as “trauma season,” late spring and summer see a rise in emergency room visits and transfusion needs. At the same time, blood donations typically decline due to travel, school breaks, and holiday schedules, creating a perfect storm for shortages.
Opportunities to give in Riverhead
Below is a list of upcoming community blood drives in Riverhead and surrounding hamlets. Click the links to schedule an appoint on the NYBC website.
Monday, June 9, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Riverhead Free Library, 330 Court Street, Riverhead
Tuesday, June 10, 1:45 to 7:45 p.m. at East Wind Long Island, 5720 Route 25A, Wading River, NY 11792
Wednesday, June 11, 1 to 7 p.m., at Riverhead Fire Department, 540 Roanoke Avenue, Riverhead
Thursday, June 19, 1 to 7 p.m. at Riverhead Cider House, 2711 Sound Avenue, Calverton
Sunday, June 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Spirit’s Promise Equine Rescue, 2746 Sound Avenue, Riverhead
Saturday, June 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Our Redeemer Church, Fellowship Hall 269 Main Road, Aquebogue
Saturday, July 05 , 10 a.m. to 2: 30 p.m, Flanders Fire Department, 19 Firehouse Lane, Flanders
Tuesday, July 08, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, 100 Center Drive, Busmobile, Riverhead
Wednesday, July 16 1 to 7 p.m., Manorville Fire Department, 14 Silas Carter Road, Manorville
Wednesday, July 30, 12 noon to 6 p.m., Ubergeek Brewing Co., 400 Hallett Avenue, Riverhead
Thursday, July 31, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Peconic Bay Medical Center, Conference Room B & C, Riverhead
Thursday, August 21, 1 to 7 p.m., Riverhead Cider House, 2711 Sound Avenue, Calverton
Check the New York Blood Center website for more upcoming blood drives near you.
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