Donors needed to offset 'negative' impact on blood supply
In response to an increased need for Rh negative blood, New York Blood Center is urging its communities to roll up their sleeves, donate blood, and ensure hospital demands continue to be met. Matt Long, the NYC firefighter currently appearing in a television campaign for New York-Presbyterian, one of the Center’s top hospital partners, exemplifies the spirit of giving. “As a 16-year veteran of the FDNY, I know how important it is to try to save lives,” Matt said. “I’m a firefighter, a blood donor, and a blood recipient. Several years ago I was severely injured in an accident, and needed 68 units of donated blood just to stay alive. Give the gift of life, give blood you might get it back some day.” Here’s the facts about NYC’s spring and summer blood supply: 1. People with O-negative blood are known as “universal donors” because their blood can be transfused to anyone. 2. Type O-negative blood is found in just six percent of the population, and is often transfused to patients with other blood types in emergency rooms and trauma situations. 3. People with Rh negative blood, including A-, B- and O-, compose just 15% of the population. 4. People of all blood types and ethnicities are encouraged to donate, and are critical to maintaining the diversity of Greater New York’s blood supply. 5. The months of June, July and August continue to present challenges as schools and colleges close for the summer and employees leave for summer vacations. More than 25% of blood donations collected each year come from our high school and college blood drives. 6. Every two seconds, someone needs blood. 7. According to the Centers for Disease Control, trauma accounts for 37 million emergency department visits and 2.6 million hospital admissions each year, nationwide. 8. Car accident and trauma victims may need 50 or more blood transfusions. 9. Police officers can be injured in the line of duty. First responders also face great danger during emergencies. 10. People can donate one pint of whole blood every 56 days and platelets every three days. To donate blood or for information on how to organize a blood drive, call toll free: 1-800-933-2566 / Visit: www.nybloodcenter.org