New York is facing a growing blood supply shortage, and health officials say the situation is becoming increasingly critical.
The American Red Cross and regional partners, including the New York Blood Center, report that in parts of the state, blood donations are running nearly 40 percent below hospital demand. O-type blood — along with A-negative and B-negative — is especially needed.
January is National Blood Donor Month, a time to raise awareness about the ongoing need for donations — particularly during the winter, when supplies often dip.
“So this month exists because donations during January are so low,” said Jennifer Malinchak, a registered nurse and manager of Occupational Health and Wellness at Garnet Health. “In 1969, actually President Nixon declared January to be National Blood Donation Month. So that started in 1970, so it has a long history.”
Winter weather, seasonal illnesses, holiday travel, and scheduling disruptions all contribute to fewer donors during this time of year.
“We have for various reasons, as you can imagine — the weather, right? We have a pending storm coming this weekend, wintertime illnesses, the holidays, people planning holiday events and also travel,” Malinchak said. “So blood donation may not be at the forefront of people’s minds.”
On the front lines, the shortage is already having real impacts.
“There is a critical shortage right now, so that impacts the ability that we have to provide blood products to our patients,” she said. “There may be delays in discharges, delays on infusions. People may need to stay in the hospital longer or reschedule infusions or surgeries.”
While blood donations are often associated with emergencies or trauma care, Malinchak emphasized that most donated blood supports everyday, ongoing medical treatment.
“Actually, more than 25 percent of the blood supply goes to treat cancer patients,” she said. “In addition to cancer patients, we have patients that have chronic illness that require transfusions of blood products. So it really impacts not only during times of trauma — it’s also day-to-day treatment of patients, improving their quality of life and saving lives.”
Health officials say many people who are eligible to donate never do.
“Every two seconds, someone needs blood,” Malinchak said. “At least 62 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate, but only 3 percent do. So there’s a huge opportunity for education and sharing the importance of blood donation and how it saves lives.”
Most people who are healthy and feeling well can donate. Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds and generally be between the ages of 16 and 75. Sixteen-year-olds need parental permission, while donors 76 and older need a doctor’s note.
Malinchak also encouraged past donors to keep coming back.
“You’re able to donate approximately every two months — like 56 days,” she said. “If you have already donated, you understand the process, the rewards of donation are so great. I encourage you to return as a donor and continue to contribute to the well-being of our community.”
To help address the shortage, Garnet Health and the New York Blood Center will host a community blood drive on Wednesday, January 28, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Garnet Health Medical Center, 707 East Main Street in Middletown.
“It’s right off Route 17, easy access,” Malinchak said. “You can come in the main entrance or the side entrance by the conference center. You can pre-register, or we accept walk-ins.”
And yes — donors still get refreshments. “There’s always the juice and cookies at the end,” she added.
Note: Garnet Health is also a financial supporter of Radio Catskill.
Image Credit: New York Blood Center