The center said Oct. 18 that a decline in donors — particularly in high school and college — coupled with an increased demand for blood has caused the region’s blood supply to reach critically low levels.
New York and New Jersey require at least 2,000 donations every day to maintain the necessary blood supply level. One in seven hospital admissions requires a blood transfusion, according to the blood center’s news release.
“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 Andrea Cefarelli, senior executive director of donor recruitment and marketing at the blood center.
The center is urging residents to donate blood, noting it only takes one hour to donate and that one donation can be used to save multiple lives. Donors with O-negative blood type are especially encouraged to donate.
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