New York State and New York City Health Departments Urge New Yorkers to Give Blood Ahead of Labor Day Weekend
New York Health Commissioners Join New Yorkers in Donating Blood as Summer Shortages Highlight Ongoing Need for Blood Donations
NEW YORK, N.Y. (August 27, 2026) - The New York State Department of Health and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene today joined together and hosted a press event at the New York Blood Center, urging eligible New Yorkers to donate blood ahead of Labor Day weekend.
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Alister Martindonated blood at the event, showing the importance of making blood donation a regular part of community health.
"Someday could be today, tomorrow, or never, yet someday you might need blood," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "Every day, patients, which could be you, depend on donated blood for trauma care, surgeries, cancer treatment, childbirth and other critical medical needs. Only 1 in 50 New Yorkers donate blood and we are not keeping up with demand. If you have never donated blood, plan to do it at least once. If you have donated before, thank you, and know giving again, like I am doing, is literally giving life to another."
"Blood donation is a simple act of kindness that has the power to save lives. In a city as vibrant and diverse as New York, the need for blood is constant and urgent," NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin said. "The national blood shortage has made it even more critical for New Yorkers to step up and donate. As an ER doctor, I have seen firsthand how essential it is for a hospital to have the resources to treat trauma victims, cancer patients, and those undergoing surgeries each day. One pint of blood can save up to three lives. By donating blood, we can come together to support our community and address this need."
"We are grateful for the support from the NYS and NYC Health Commissioners, and their united commitment to our mission and willingness to roll up their sleeves and lead by example," New York Blood Center Executive Director of Donor Recruitment and Strategic Partnerships Yadira Navarro said. "We hope that all New Yorkers are inspired by these leaders to donate blood in support of their communities across the state."
This summer, the New York Blood Center declared two blood emergencies after donations dropped to their lowest levels since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Regular blood and plasma donations are essential to maintaining a safe and sustainable supply. Donations support patients living with conditions including sickle-cell anemia, thalassemia, hemophilia and immune deficiencies and patients undergoing treatment for cancer and those requiring emergency and surgical care.
As New Yorkers prepare for Labor Day weekend, rebuilding and maintaining the blood supply is critical because of the decline in donations during holiday weekends. Blood donations also decline during back-to-school season.
According to the American Red Cross, someone in the United States needs blood or platelets every two seconds. Type O blood is among the blood types most often requested by hospitals. Because donated red blood cells must generally be used within 42 days or less, the need for donations is constant and supplies do not always keep pace with demand.
New Yorkers can find nearby locations to donate blood by visiting either the American Red Cross website or the New York Blood Center website. Connect Life Blood & Organ Donor Network can be found here.
New York Codes, Rules, and Regulations for blood donor qualifications can be found here.
