Blood Supply Prioritized as Tri-State Area Braces for Wintry Mix

New York Blood Center (NYBC) serving New York City, Long Island, Hudson Valley and New Jersey calls upon the community to please donate blood today. Blood drive cancellations from the weekend storm of December 19, 2009, coupled with unusually high demand from regional hospitals, have impacted Rh-negative blood supplies, especially type O-negative.

People with O-negative blood are known as "universal donors" because their blood can be transfused into anyone. Type O-negative blood is found in just 6 percent of the population, but is used more often by patients with other blood types, especially in emergency rooms and trauma situations. It is also used in exchange transfusions for newborn babies and pregnant women, and for premature babies in intensive care units.

The need for blood is constant. Healthy people of all blood types are encouraged to donate immediately. As more wintry weather may be headed our way, the possibility of weather-related blood drive cancellations can place additional pressure on supply. Hospital use of blood products remains high -- due to surgeries, emergencies and care of cancer patients. About one in seven people entering a hospital needs blood.

Blood is traditionally in short supply during the winter months due to the holidays, travel schedules, inclement weather and illness. January, in particular, can be a difficult month for blood centers to collect blood donations, as approximately 15% of regional blood collection comes from high schools and colleges, many of which have winter recess this month.

NYBC takes very seriously its responsibility to provide a safe, adequate and reliable blood supply for the 20 million people of New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and New Jersey. By donating blood this week and throughout January, National Blood Donor Month, organizations and individuals can help us maintain a safe, reliable and adequate blood supply throughout the winter season.

To donate blood, please call:

Toll Free: 1-800-933-2566

Visit: www.nybloodcenter.org