The New York Blood Center has declared a blood emergency, meaning there is only 1-2 days supply of blood for hospitals.
In response, Mather Hospital, 75 North Country Road, Port Jefferson will hold a Spring Into Action & Give Blood Drive on Thursday, March 6 from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Conference Rooms A & B. Appointments preferred, walk-ins welcomed if space permits.
Register at https://donate.nybc.org/…/schedules/drive_schedule/322086
In recognition of American Heart Month, New York State Assemblyman Keith Brown and Huntington Town Councilwoman Theresa Mari are partnering with the New York Blood Center to host a community blood drive at Elwood Public Library, 1929 Jericho Turnpike, East Northport on Tuesday, Feb. 18. The Blood Center’s BusMobile will be on-site from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. to welcome donors and support this life-saving cause.
Donating blood is a simple yet powerful way to help those in need, as blood donations are essential for surgeries, cancer treatments, trauma care, and individuals with chronic illnesses. Every donation has the potential to save multiple lives, and February—American Heart Month—is the perfect time to make a difference.
“Every blood donation is a gift of life,” said Councilwoman Theresa Mari. “The Town of Huntington is proud to support this critical initiative alongside Assemblyman Keith Brown and the New York Blood Center. We hope to see a great turnout from our community. I urge everyone who is eligible to donate and help make a difference this February.”
Assemblyman Keith Brown echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the urgent need for donations: “Blood banks are experiencing critically low supplies, we need donors now more than ever. Every drop counts when it comes to saving lives. By donating, you are directly supporting our hospitals, emergency services, and those battling life-threatening conditions.”
For information or to schedule an appointment, visit the New York Blood Center’s website at www.nybc.org. Walk-ins are also welcome as availability permits.
New York Blood Center (NYBC) has declared a blood emergency due to a significant drop in blood donations following a holiday season of alarmingly low donor turnout. NYBC has seen a nearly 30% drop in donations in recent weeks which has resulted in 6,500 fewer donations and crippled the region’s blood supply. Donations of all blood types are urgently needed – especially Types O- and B-, which are down to dangerously low 1-3-day supply.
Blood donations typically decrease during the holiday season, but January poses additional challenges: inclement weather causing blood drive cancellations, flu, COVID, and RSV reducing donor eligibility, and schools and workplaces hosting fewer drives during holiday breaks. These factors have strained an already fragile blood supply, which is critical for surgeries, trauma care, cancer treatments, and managing chronic illnesses. Hospitals and patients depend on a steady stream of volunteer donors, yet the past few years have seen persistent, nationwide blood shortages.
“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. A blood donation helps patients undergoing surgeries, trauma care and treatments for chronic illnesses,” said New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “Please roll up your sleeve and help your community during this blood emergency—your donation can save lives.”
“As the largest healthcare provider in the State of New York, Northwell Health is deeply grateful to partner with New York Blood Center to support the urgent needs of the blood emergency,” James Martone, Assistant Vice President, Clinical Laboratory Operations, Transfusion Medicine, 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.”
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. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit nybc.org or call 800.688.0900.
To make an appointment, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org. 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.
Vinny Cusumano, a young advocate for blood donations, received over 30 blood and platelet donations through transfusions during his treatment for kidney cancer.
New York Blood Center (NYBC) honored 12-year-old pediatric cancer survivor Vinny Cusumano at their recognition event for top platelet donors at Watermill Caterers in Smithtown. Vinny spoke to platelet donors at the event and thanked them for their life-saving contributions to the blood supply. Vinny’s family has been a fierce advocate for blood and platelet donations, partnering with NYBC on blood drives and other awareness campaigns through their nonprofit organization, Vinny’s Army, which is dedicated to supporting children diagnosed with cancer and their families.
In his remarks at the event, Vinny expressed heartfelt gratitude to the platelet donors in attendance. “There was never a question when my doctor told me that I needed a transfusion if one was available,” said Vinny Cusumano. “I know my parents tell me that New York Blood Center always needs donations and this is the reason why. I am the reason why. And I’m standing here today talking to all of you about my story because all of you have helped get me here.”
Vinny Cusumano was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of kidney cancer in October of 2022. He received over 30 donations of blood and platelets through transfusions during the intense chemotherapy and radiation treatments that were needed to save his life.
Vinny’s Army works to support children diagnosed with cancer and their families by providing unconditional love and support to ensure no family faces this battle alone. According to NYBC, 25 percent of the blood supply is used by patients battling cancer. Vinny’s Army has advocated for blood donations to support pediatric cancer patients who may require transfusions for their treatment.
“We are grateful to Vinny Cusumano and his incredible family for their advocacy efforts to ensure that the region has a robust blood supply to serve cancer patients who rely on blood donations for vital treatment,” said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior Vice President at New York Blood Center Enterprises. “From hosting blood drives, to participating in speaking engagements and spreading awareness, Vinny’s Army has been a great partner and we can’t think of a better organization to honor at our platelet donor event.”
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit nybc.org or call 800.688.0900.
To make an appointment at a donor center near you, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org. Can’t donate blood? You can still support NYBC’s mission by texting ‘NYBC’ to ‘20222’ to give $25.
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About New York Blood Center
Founded in 1964, New York Blood Center (NYBC) has served the tri-state area for more than 60 years, delivering 500,000 lifesaving blood products annually to 150+ hospitals, EMS and healthcare partners. NYBC is part of New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe), which spans 17+ states and delivers one million blood products to 400+ U.S. hospitals annually. NYBCe additionally delivers cellular therapies, specialty pharmacy, and medical services to 200+ research, academic and biomedical organizations. NYBCe’s Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute is a leader in hematology and transfusion medicine research, dedicated to the study, prevention, treatment and cure of bloodborne and blood-related diseases. NYBC serves as a vital community lifeline dedicated to helping patients and advancing global public health. To learn more, visit nybc.org. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Join Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station for its 9th annual Volunteer Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Meet with representatives from various organizations including Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, Crime Victims Center, Guide Dog Foundation, Literacy Suffolk, Inc., Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference, Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, Long Island State Veterans Home, Mather Hospital’s Volunteer Department, New York Blood Center, Open Door Exchange, Parker Jewish Institute — Willing Hearts Helpful Hands, Response of Suffolk County, Inc., SAVE-A-PET, Sierra Club, Long Island Group, Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 4927 to find out about local opportunities for a variety of ages.
No registration required. 631-928-1212.
St. Catherine of Siena Hospital, 50 Route 25A, Smithtown hosts a New York Blood Center community blood drive in its Medical Office Building, Lower Level, on Thursday, Aug. 29 from 7 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. and on Friday, Aug. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please remember to eat, drink and bring your ID with your name and photo. Appointments preferred by calling 1-800-933-2566, however walk-ins will be welcomed if space permits.
St. James R.C. Church, 429 Route 25A, Setauket will host a New York Blood Center blood drive in memory of Joseph “JoJo” LaRosa on Thursday, Aug. 8 from 1:45 to 7:45 p.m. Appointments are strongly preferred by calling 1-800-933-2566 or by visiting www.nybc.org. Questions? Call Jennifer at 516-310-2382.
Suffolk County, in partnership with the New York Blood Center, will host a Blood Drive in honor of Scott Martella on Thursday, Aug. 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Martella, who was the Communications Director for Suffolk County, was killed in a three-car crash on the Long Island Expressway in Manorville in 2016 at the age of 29.
“Scott Martella was a proud public servant who tirelessly served in the best interest of our communities,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. “It is my honor and privilege to contribute to these causes and carry on the tradition of the Scott Martella Blood Drive as his legacy will continue to touch the lives of our residents.”
Locations include the Suffolk County Fire Academy, Room K, 103 East Avenue, Yaphank and the H. Lee Dennison Bldg, Plaza, 100 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Hauppauge. To schedule an appointment, call 1-888-933-2566. Walk-ins accepted.
In addition, prospective donors are encouraged to bring school supplies to support the Back-to-School Drive hosted by the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless in Scott’s honor.
To make an appointment, donors can visit nybc.org/suffolkcountygov or call 888-933-2566.
On Monday Aug. 7 the St. James Fire Department, 533 North Country Road, St. James will host a community blood drive from 2 to 8 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome. Come help address the critical blood shortage and do your part to save a life. For more information, call the fire department at 631-584-5760 or New York Blood Center at 1-800-933-2566.
The Parish of Saints Philip and James, 1 Carow Place, St. James will host a New York Blood Center blood drive for the Paige Elizabeth Keely Foundation on Wednesday, May 10 from 1:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Paige was a first-grader at St. James Elementary who lost her life suddenly at the age of 6 in 2018 due to an undetected arteriovenous malformation AVM.
To make an appointment, please visit www.nybc.org/donate or call 800-933-BLOOD. Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome.
