“Trauma season,” combined with upcoming major events, including the FIFA World Cup, raises concerns about blood supply levels
Blood collections down 15%, approximately 4,500 fewer donations than needed to meet hospital demands amid summer holiday disruptions
All Blood Types Desperately Needed. Types A-, B-, and O+/O- hit dangerous lows
New York Blood Center (NYBC) has declared a blood emergency as supplies have hit a critical low, dropping to less than a two-day supply overall and below a one-day supply for type O blood, the most critical type used in emergency care. These levels are particularly concerning given the challenges presented by upcoming special events and the summer “trauma season” that typically increases the need for blood. We are calling on our dedicated New York community to roll up their sleeves and support us in rebuilding our inventory to ensure we can meet the needs of our hospitals and support emergency mass-casualty preparedness. All blood types are desperately needed, but Types A-, B-, and O+/O- have hit dangerously low levels in the region.
Dangerously Low Blood Supply Levels
Blood donations are down nearly 15%, representing approximately 4,500 fewer donations than needed to meet hospital demand across the region. The shortfall comes on the heels of Memorial Day weekend, when donations traditionally decline due to travel, vacations, school breaks, and holiday activities. Spring donations have failed to rebound as expected following a difficult winter season. Without consistent blood donors, the blood supply remains in crisis.
“Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer and ‘trauma season,’ and this has been one of the most challenging periods we’ve faced in years,” said Jeannie Mascolino, Vice President of Operations at New York Blood Center. “We are already thousands of donations behind where we would like to be heading into one of our most difficult periods, and hospital demand is increasing across the country. Donor support in the coming weeks will be critical to helping hospitals maintain a stable blood supply for patients who depend on transfusions every day.”
Summer Trauma Season
Summer is notoriously known as “trauma season,” when hospitals typically see a rise in serious injuries, including car crashes and other emergencies requiring large volumes of blood. Trauma patients can require dozens, sometimes hundreds, of blood transfusions in a matter of hours. In New York State alone, more than 56,000 traumatic injuries are reported each year, many of which occur during weekends and throughout the summer months due to increased travel, outdoor recreation, and holiday activities.
This year, that time of increased need will coincide with logistical challenges as New York and New Jersey welcome tourists for the FIFA World Cup and other major events.
Blood cannot be manufactured and has a limited shelf life, meaning hospitals rely on a steady stream of donors to meet daily demand. A blood emergency means the available supply has dropped below safe levels to meet routine and urgent patient needs. For trauma centers, where patients may require large volumes of blood within minutes, maintaining an adequate supply is critical for patient care.
“With the increase in travel and gatherings this summer, we expect to see an increase in injuries requiring blood transfusions,” New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “We want to ensure that patients who are suffering from traumatic injuries, undergoing surgery, or fighting cancer can get the blood they need in an emergency. I urge you to consider the selfless act of donating blood – just one donation can help multiple people – so roll up your sleeve and give the gift of life during this time of need.”
Clinicians at Level I Trauma Centers and local blood recipients are echoing the call for donors.
“In trauma care, seconds matter—and so does immediate access to blood,” said Dr. Christopher Tedeschi, an emergency medicine physician at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. “Summer emergencies can drive sudden spikes in demand, with critically injured patients needing massive transfusions within minutes. A strong blood supply makes it possible for us to deliver lifesaving care when every second counts.”
“As a trauma surgeon, I have personally seen, many times, a critically injured patient’s life saved using donated blood products,” said Dr. Matthew Bank, Executive Director, Northwell Trauma Institute. “These patients are sons and brothers, daughters and sisters, husbands and wives. The people who donate blood are also members of our community family who give of themselves to help others in need. It is a rare opportunity when our community can come together to directly save the lives of trauma patients. For anyone who has been “on the fence” regarding blood donation, I would implore them to go to their nearest donor center. In the blink of an eye, anyone can become a trauma patient, so the life you save might be a member of your own family or even your own. ”
“Maintaining a stable blood supply is essential, and we are committed to helping the New York Blood Center raise awareness of the urgent need for donations,” said Devika Mathrani, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at NewYork-Presbyterian. “One blood donation can save up to three lives, and we encourage everyone who is eligible to donate regularly.”
“Blood Center blood donations are essential to patient care across our health system,” said Kathleen Blaney, MPH, RN, Assistant Vice President of Clinical Lab and Communicable Diseases at NYC Health + Hospitals. “We encourage all eligible donors to make an appointment and give blood, especially as we head into the summer months when maintaining adequate inventory becomes increasingly challenging. A strong blood supply is a shared community responsibility and remains critical to saving lives across New York City and the surrounding region.”
Stories like Emily Miethner’s underscore how quickly blood is needed in medical emergencies.
“Donated blood saved my life. In an emergency, there’s no substitute. It’s there because someone chose to give selflessly,” said Emily Miethner, a blood recipient who required 19 emergency transfusions following traumatic childbirth complications. “That’s why I donate today and encourage others to make it part of their routine. You never know when someone’s life will depend on it.” Watch Emily share her remarkable story.
New York Blood Center is asking all eligible donors, especially those with type O blood, to schedule an immediate appointment to donate. In light of recent updates to FDA guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to give. Blood donors can donate every 56 days, and platelet donors can give up to twice per month.
To view current eligibility guidelines or make an appointment, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org.
Can’t donate blood? You can still make a lifesaving impact by supporting NYBC’s mission through financial contributions or volunteering your time. Click here to learn more.