New York State Department of Health Recognizes World Blood Donor Day
Department Encourages New Yorkers to Donate Blood and Plasma to Help Save Lives
ALBANY, N.Y. (June 14, 2023) – The New York State Department of Health recognizes World Blood Donor Day, observed June 14, by celebrating and thanking individuals who donate blood and plasma, and encouraging New Yorkers in good health to donate blood regularly, helping to give others access to safe blood transfusions. This year's theme is "Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often."
"I encourage everyone eligible to schedule an appointment to donate blood because doing so is giving another person the gift of life," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "Becoming a donor is a selfless act that will help patients fighting cancer, suffering from traumatic injuries and undergoing surgery, as well as new mothers and premature babies."
Regular donations are vital for building a safe and sustainable blood supply, benefiting patients with conditions such as sickle-cell anemia, thalassemia, haemophilia, and immune deficiencies
A blood donation from one person can save more than one life. According to the American Red Cross, someone in the U.S. needs blood or platelets every 2 seconds. The blood type most often requested by hospitals is type O. As donated blood must be used within 42 days or less, the need for donations is constant, and often, supply does not keep up with demand.
The Department acknowledges the Food and Drug Association (FDA) for issuing the latest blood donor eligibility recommendations that continue to move in the right direction to reduce LGBTQ+-related stigma and discrimination, particularly to men who have sex with men, when attempting to donate blood and help others in need.
The Department continues to encourage New Yorkers to donate blood to give others a chance to live long and healthy lives.
New York Codes, Rules, and Regulations for blood donor qualifications can be found here.
American Red Cross Blood Services can be found here.
