World Blood Donor Day is celebrated on June 14 to raise awareness about the need for safe blood and blood products to save lives, and to thank donors for their life saving gifts.
There is a constant need for regular, volunteer blood donors to provide a safe and steady supply of blood, platelets and plasma.
Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said: “I encourage everyone who is able to consider giving this selfless and lifesaving gift. Blood donation is safe, the process is efficient, and there is a relentless need for blood and blood products.”
Every blood donation saves lives, and repeat donation is the key to building a safe and sustainable blood supply. Blood transfusion plays a critical role in healthcare, benefiting patients that face life-threatening conditions. Transfusion of blood and blood products help patients live longer and with a better quality of life. Blood transfusion also supports complex medical and surgical procedures, which makes it indispensable in maternal and childcare as well as during man-made and natural disasters. Voluntary plasma donations provide critical support to those with hemophilia and immune deficiencies.
The New York Blood Center in Rye schedules donor appointments at www.nybc.org and also accepts walk-ins. For more information, call 1-800-933-2566. The American Red Cross Greater New York Region works with local groups to schedule blood drives. To find a drive near you where you can donate, go to www.redcross.org/give-blood.html.