A blood emergency exists in the New York region, according to New York Blood Center, which cites “a significant drop in blood donations preceding and following Memorial Day weekend.”
Donations have not been sufficient to meet hospital demand, New York Blood Center said last week announcing the blood emergency. This places a strain on the region’s blood supply heading into the summer months, when demand for blood typically rises due to a spike in traumatic injuries, the blood center said.
The region currently only has a two-day blood supply of types O- and B-, well below the optimal level of five to seven days, according to the blood center. Platelets and all other blood types are also in short supply, the organization said.
“Annually, more than 56,000 traumas are reported in New York State, the majority of which occur on weekends and during the summer months. Blood transfusions are often needed to treat traumas, and a spike in traumatic accidents can cause a strain on the blood supply. Additionally, school breaks, travel, and busy summer schedules make blood donation less of a priority and often lead to seasonal shortages,” New York Blood Center said in a press release.
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said the health department supports the blood center’s urgent call for donations, with blood supply shortages throughout the state.
“We encourage all who are eligible to schedule an appointment to donate blood. Just one selfless act of blood donation could potentially save multiple lives and help those suffering from traumatic injuries, undergoing surgery or fighting illnesses, as well as new parents and premature babies,” McDonald said.
“Blood transfusions are essential to treat patients in our communities, from car crash victims and cancer patients, to new mothers and their newborn babies. The amount of transfusion varies from patient to patient – but the need is always there,” Northwell Health’s Senior Director of Transfusion Medicine Alexander J. Indrikovs said.
“The summer months, often called ‘trauma season’, bring about significant challenges to an already limited blood supply. With more hours of daylight and increased outdoor activities during the warmer months, people are more likely to sustain injuries that may require blood transfusions,” he said.
In addition to the annual summertime rise in traumas, blood is needed daily for routine patient care. Nearly 120,000 New Yorkers are diagnosed with cancer each year and a quarter of the region’s blood supply is used to treat cancer patients alone.
The Riverhead Community Blood Drive will take place Wednesday from 1 to 7 p.m. at Riverhead Fire Department Headquarters, 540 Roanoke Avenue, Riverhead.
Donors are asked to make an appointment by either calling 1-800-933-2566 or visiting www.nybc.org.
NYBC hosts daily blood drives and operates 19 area donor centers to reach donors and meet local hospital needs. Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit nybc.org or call 800-688-0900.
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