Michelle Kraidman reports in the Queens Chronicle that the New York Blood Center has declared a blood emergency and urges the public to donate in local blood drives, NYBC centers or mobile units to help maintain and replenish the city’s blood supply.
New York’s blood levels are critically low. That means there is less than a two-day supply of O negative, B negative and A negative, much lower than the safe level of a seven-day supply.
New York must be prepared for traumas, emergencies and terrorist attacks, all of which would require blood.
On the average day, almost 2,000 daily donations are needed to supply New York and New Jersey alone. Roughly one in seven people admitted to a hospital needs a blood transfusion. Blood also has a limited shelf life and must be continually replenished.
Donating blood takes less than an hour and a single donation can be used to save several lives. Universal donors — people with O negative blood — are especially asked to donate, as their blood can be used for any patient in an emergency.
Any company, community organization, place of worship or individual may host a blood drive.
To donate blood or to organize a blood drive, please call 800-933-2566 or visit nybloodcenter.org/blood.
