New York Blood Center declares statewide blood emergency amid record low donations
Jan. 21, 2025 By Lauren Rapp
The New York Blood Center (NYBC) declared a statewide blood emergency on Tuesday as donations hit a critical low.
Amid National Blood Donor Month, the NYBC reported an “alarmingly low donor turnout,” with participation plummeting nearly 30%, leading to 6,500 fewer donations.
According to NYBC, donations tend to slow down during the winter due to holidays, cold weather, and seasonal illnesses. This year, the state faces additional challenges as Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) surged across New York City over the past two months. Potential donors with the flu, a cold, or COVID-19 are ineligible to donate until their symptoms subside.