City to host fall blood drive

Posted 10/9/19

The City of Newburgh is taking pledges to host a fall blood drive. Staff seek a minimum of 40 pledges to set a date for the drive which will be managed by the New York Blood Center (NYBC), one of the …

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City to host fall blood drive

Posted

The City of Newburgh is taking pledges to host a fall blood drive. Staff seek a minimum of 40 pledges to set a date for the drive which will be managed by the New York Blood Center (NYBC), one of the largest independent, community-based, nonprofit blood centers in the U.S. City staff are excited to reach this goal and thank the participants who have signed up so far.

The donation process takes less than an hour, and a single donation can be used to save multiple lives. Donors with O-negative blood type, or “universal donors,” are encouraged to attend, as their blood can be transfused into anyone in a trauma situation. According to the NYBC, there is a greater prevalence of type O blood in African American and Hispanic/Latino populations. Blood donations from African Americans and Hispanic/Latinos can treat a broader cross-section of patients than can blood donations from Caucasians.

Nearly 2,000 donations are needed each day in New York and New Jersey alone. About one in seven hospital admissions requires a blood transfusion. With a limited shelf life, supplies must be continually replenished. People with questions about the process, eligibility, or medical issues, can contact NYBC by calling 212-570-3000 or visiting www.nybloodcenter.org.

To make your pledge, contact Michelle Mills, Civil Service Administrator, at 845-569-7340 or email mmills@cityofnewburgh-ny.gov. Interested participants can also sign up in person at City Hall at 83 Broadway, in the Executive Office on the second floor. When enough pledges are secured, participants will be contacted with a date.