NEW YORK – The New York Blood Center (NYBC) announced a blood supply shortage emergency on Monday as fears of the delta variant of COVID-19 are causing the cancellation of blood drive drives and a decline in donations.
In recent weeks, the blood supply has decreased from a 5 day supply to a 2-3 day supply and a 1-2 day supply of type O.
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The blood supply has dropped from 5 days to a 2-3 day supply & 1-2 day supply of type O. There’s been a shortage throughout the pandemic. The Delta variant has halted that recovery and threatens the blood supply. Read more at https://t.co/N2C6zJJsCd pic.twitter.com/KfscrqNFb3— NY Blood Center (@NYBloodCenter) August 23, 2021
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NYBC warns that this could indicate a more severe shortage in the coming weeks. There has been a chronic shortage of blood during the pandemic, but NYBC had anticipated that the supply would soon recover when vaccinated New Yorkers resumed some of their normal activities. Also, I was hoping that blood drive drives in schools and offices would return this fall.
The delta variant has stopped that recovery and threatens the blood supply.
Blood donation drives that had been planned by community organizations, businesses and schools are being canceled and fewer donors are making appointments at donor centers.
“We are deeply concerned about the recent drop in donations and cancellations of blood donations; at this worrying time it is essential that healthy donors continue to help their neighbors, ”said Andrea Cefarelli, executive director of the New York Blood Center. “A solid blood supply is essential for our health system to function and we must do everything we can to strengthen it in this time of uncertainty. We are so grateful to our donors for continuing to come forward, and we encourage more New Yorkers to join them in ensuring there is enough blood for the thousands who need transfusions every day in New York. “
Donating blood is safe and only takes one hour. The organization is taking additional precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 from person to person. NYBC staff are also doing health self-assessments before reporting to work. People cannot donate blood if they have a cold, sore throat, respiratory infection, or flu-like symptoms. Additional information on who can donate and COVID-19 precautions can be found here.
Donors can schedule appointments by calling 1-800-933-2566 or visiting www.nybc.org.
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