Upcoming EventsAs the weather gets warmer, the need for blood donors increases.
Nyack, N.Y. April 9, 2024 – Montefiore Nyack Hospital is hosting a blood drive with the New York Blood Center (NYBC) on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, to prevent a critical blood shortage in the summer. The NYBC’s Bloodmobile will be stationed in the Physician’s Lot, located off Rte. 9W between Fifth and Midland Avenues in Nyack, NY, from noon to 6:00 p.m. Appointments are highly encouraged.
Today’s advanced medical care relies on an ample and readily available blood supply. From organ transplants to heart surgeries, blood transfusions are among the most common medical procedures. Since blood can only be stored for so long, hospitals and patients rely upon a steady flow of volunteer donors.
Blood donation centers experience low blood supplies when the weather gets warmer. This seasonal decline is due to blood drives not taking place when high schools and colleges are not in session, and regular donors getting busy with spring and summer activities. To help offset chronic blood shortages, Rockland County residents are encouraged to donate blood once per season or four times a year. When a person donates one unit of blood, it can be separated into individual components to save multiple lives.
There are different kinds of blood donation. Each one is used for a variety of life-saving procedures and treatments, including:
- Red blood cells are given to people who have blood disorders, such as sickle cell disease or chronic anemia caused by kidney failure or bleeding in the stomach. They are also given to people who have acute blood loss from trauma. Sometimes babies born very early need a transfusion to increase the number of red blood cells in their bodies.
- Platelets are most often used to treat cancer. They are also given to patients who have open-heart surgery and organ transplants.
- Plasma transfusions are used for patients with liver failure, bad infections and serious burns.
- Whole blood is usually given to people who have life-threatening injuries or people in surgery.
To donate blood and platelets at Montefiore Nyack’s blood drive, please schedule an appointment at Donor Portal - New York Blood Center (nybc.org).* If you want to give blood, you must be at least 16 years old to donate, be in good health, and weigh at least 110 lbs. For more information, visit nybc.org.
*Automated red cell donation takes a bit longer and has additional eligibility requirements. If you’re not sure if you qualify, schedule a whole blood appointment, and ask staff when you arrive if you qualify for an auto-red procedure.
