Critical Blood Emergency Declared in New York City As Supply Plummets

Ann Marie Barron – Staten Island Advance, N.Y.

New York Blood Center (NYBC) has declared a blood emergency due to an alarming 30% drop in blood donations following the holiday season.

The numbers are concerning as blood is critical for emergencies, surgeries and trauma care, and 6,500 fewer donations have crippled the region’s blood supply, according to NYBC leaders.

All types needed

Donations of all blood types are urgently needed — especially Types O- and B-, which are down to dangerously low one- to three-day supply, according to NYBC.

Blood donations typically decrease during the holiday season, but January poses additional challenges, including: inclement weather and frigid temperatures; flu, COVID-19 and RSV reducing donor eligibility; schools and workplaces hosting fewer drives during holiday breaks.

These factors have strained an already fragile blood supply, Blood Center executives said, making it extremely difficult for patients and hospitals to manage chronic illnesses.

Hospitals and patients depend on a steady stream of volunteer donors, yet the past few years have seen persistent, nationwide blood shortages.

Several Staten Island blood drives are planned between Jan. 21 and Jan. 28, and the Staten Island Donor Center in New Springville accepts donations on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday each week.

To make an appointment at any local drive, visit the New York Blood Center Donor Center website at donate.nybc.org.

“The months following the holiday season are always a difficult time for the blood supply, with an increase in seasonal illness and inclement winter weather impacting donations,” said Andrea Cefarelli, senior vice president at New York Blood Center. “The drop in donations serves as a critical reminder of the fragility of our nation’s blood supply. We’re urging all eligible New Yorkers to start the new year by saving lives — schedule a donation today and bring a friend to double the impact!”

New York state is facing a critical blood shortage, and the need for donors has never been more urgent, said New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “A blood donation helps patients undergoing surgeries, trauma care and treatments for chronic illnesses. Please roll up your sleeve and help your community during this blood emergency — your donation can save lives,” he explained.

Northwell Health is deeply grateful to partner with New York Blood Center to support the urgent needs of the blood emergency,” said James Martone, assistant vice president, clinical laboratory operations, transfusion medicine for Northwell Health Laboratories. “We thank and encourage all community blood donors to roll up their sleeves to meet our patients’ transfusion needs now and throughout the year. Countless lives are saved thanks to the selfless generosity of these individuals.”

Donating blood is safe and convenient for those who are in good health.

Donors should be 17 years or older (16 with a parent or guardian’s written consent). If you are 76 years of age or older, NYBC requires written consent from a doctor. Please bring a copy of the letter to your donor appointment. This letter will remain on file with NYBC as your proof of eligibility to donate.

Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds (donors aged 16-18 have additional height and weight restrictions). If you have been sick, you must be symptom-free for at least 72 hours following cold or flu. In addition, some medical conditions/medications, recent tattoos, piercings, or travel may impact eligibility. Learn more about common reasons people can’t donate.

January is National Blood Donor Month, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation and recognize the lifesaving impact of voluntary blood donors.

Proclaimed by President Richard Nixon in January 1970, this annual observance remains vital to raising awareness and strengthening the blood supply during a critical time of year.

Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month.

To make an appointment, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org.

The Staten Island Blood Center, at 2791 Richmond Ave., New Springville, accepts donations on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday each week. To schedule an appointment, visit https://donate.nybc.org/donor/schedules/center/38, or call 800-933-2566.

Upcoming Staten Island blood drives:

Tuesday, Jan. 21: 123th Police Precinct, 116 Main St., Tottenville, noon to 6 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 23: 120th Police Precinct, 78 Richmond Terrace, St. George, noon to 6 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 25: St. Christopher’s Church Community Center, 136 Midland Ave., Grant City, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 28: College of Staten Island, 2800 Victory Blvd, 1 C — Campus Center, Willowbrook, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Can’t donate blood? You can still make a lifesaving impact by supporting NYBC’s mission through financial contributions or volunteering your time. Click here to learn more.

Founded in 1964, New York Blood Center (NYBC) has served the Tristate area for more than 60 years, delivering 500,000 lifesaving blood products annually to more than 150 hospitals, EMS and health-care partners.

© 2025 Staten Island Advance, N.Y.. Visit www.silive.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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