Roll Up Your Sleeves to Save Lives

New York State Senator Monica R. Martinez is urging Long Islanders to "roll up their sleeves" in order to save lives.  This follows an urgent call from the New York Blood Center (NYBC) for donations of type O+ and O- blood.  According to the NYBC, there is currently a dangerous shortage affecting local hospitals, reflecting a troubling national trend with reported shortages of type O blood across the U.S.  The current inventory of type O blood is at its lowest since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Further complicating this shortage is a recent surge in blood usage. In the past several days, 7 massive transfusion protocols (MTPs) have occurred across the region. MTPs involve administering 10 or more units of blood to a patient within 24 hours but can often require 50 or more lifesaving blood products per patient, placing tremendous strain on the blood supply.

Type O+ is the most common blood type, representing nearly 40% of the U.S. population. Type O- is the universal blood type and is commonly used in emergency settings. A shortage of both types, both locally and nationally, poses serious concerns for our healthcare system, and the need for donors is critical.

In addition, the region continues to struggle with the challenges that often accompany the summer months. Seasonal travel, school breaks, and a rise in traumatic accidents during the summer months often strain the blood supply and leads to shortages. NYBC is calling on all individuals with Type O blood to make an immediate donation.

"As Long Island faces a critical shortage of type O blood, I urge residents to help save lives by donating as soon as possible," said Senator Martinez.  "Having an adequate supply of blood products during medical emergencies can make the difference between life and death.  Be a lifesaver—make a donation today."

NYBC hosts daily blood drives and operates 19 area donor centers to reach donors and meet local hospital needs. Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit nybc.org or call 800-688-0900.