NEW YORK – The New York Blood Center has issued an urgent call for blood donations saying its blood supply has never been lower.
The center said there has been a significant decline in regular blood donors and the region’s supply has reached critically low levels.
In order to maintain a safe blood supply, the center said a seven-day inventory of all blood types must be continually replenished. Right now, reserves are below that minimum.
The blood center cited factors for the current shortage, including decline in overall donor base, decline in first-time donors, decline in high school and college donors, and increased demand for blood products.
“Blood is perishable so we need to constantly replenish the supply in order to treat trauma victims as well as people suffering from chronic conditions and those undergoing routine surgeries,” said New York Blood Center official Andrea Cefarelli.
For information on where to donate, call 800-933-2566.
