To honor the victims and first responders who lost their lives on 9/11, the New York Blood Center is holding 95 blood drives across the city, New Jersey, Long Island and the Hudson Valley through Friday.
The blood drives aim to help the New York Blood Center prepare for possible emergencies and make sure hospitals and patients will have access to the blood supplies they may need.
According to the center, nearly 2,000 donations are needed every day in New York and New Jersey alone, and a blood transfusion is required in about one in seven hospital admissions. Due to their short shelf life, blood supplies need to be frequently replenished.
“In the face of unspeakable tragedy, New Yorkers came together to lend a hand and support each other,” said Andrea Cefarelli, senior executive director of donor recruitment for New York Blood Center. “It is in that spirit that the New York Blood Center will be hosting close to 100 blood drives this year, commemorating the anniversary of September 11th by giving back to our communities.”
Many of the blood drives that will be held throughout the week are co-hosted by first responders and the families of 9/11 victims. A one-pint blood donation takes one hour, and those with blood types O negative and B negative, which is particularly rare, are encouraged to donate at a New York Blood Center or mobile blood drive.
Where to donate blood in honor of 9/11 victims
In honor of the victims of 9/11, the New York Blood Center is holding 95 blood drives across the region through Friday. Forty of the drives will take place across the five boroughs.
To find out where you can donate in New York City, the Hudson Valley, New Jersey or on Long Island — or set up a blood drive of your own — visit nybloodcenter.org/blood, or call 800-933-2566.
