New York Blood Center declares emergency blood shortage

The New York Blood Center has issued a blood emergency, as hospitals scramble to refill their blood banks.

Over the past three weeks, donations have fallen short of what area hospitals need by 2,100 pints, according to the Blood Center, the primary supplier of blood products to hospitals in the New York metropolitan area.

The problem stems from a seasonal drop in donations before and after Memorial Day weekend.

This is the New York Blood Center’s second blood emergency this year – the other occurred in January after a holiday season marked by low donor turnout and unfavorable winter weather.

Today’s news is particularly worrying because there is typically an increase in traumatic injuries over the summer, the blood center said.

“The summer months, often referred to as ‘trauma season,’ bring significant challenges to an already limited blood supply,” said Dr. Alexander J. Indrikovs, senior director of transfusion medicine at Northwell Health.

“With more daylight hours and more outdoor activities during the warmer months, people are more likely to suffer injuries that may require blood transfusions.”

The center said platelets and all blood types are needed, but O- and B- are in high demand. The region has a two-day supply of blood; the optimal level is five to seven days.

For more information on how to donate, visit nybc.org/donate-blood.