Upcoming EventsBlood donations are needed to help the New York Blood Center maintain its critical blood supply during winter.
Nyack, N.Y. November 1, 2024 – Montefiore Nyack Hospital is hosting a blood drive with the New York Blood Center (NYBC) on Friday, November 1, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., to offset the critical blood shortage in the summer. The NYBC’s Bloodmobile will be stationed in the Physician’s Lot located off Route 9W between Fifth and Midland Avenues in Nyack, NY. 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 colder. This seasonal decline is often due to winter storms, frigid temperatures and widespread flu. Cancelled blood drives and reduced donor turnout throughout winter may result in substantially fewer blood donations necessary to meet the needs of patients in the hospitals served by the New York Blood Center. 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).* To give blood, you must be at least 16 years old to donate, healthy 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.
