NY Blood Center Holding Drive At Galleria At Crystal Run
MIDDLETOWN, NY — The New York Blood Center announced a blood emergency Jan. 11 following a holiday season of low donor turnout and bad winter weather.
To try to counter a 25 percent drop in donations over the last three weeks, resulting in 5,000 fewer donations, the blood center has scheduled a blood drive at the Galleria at Crystal Run in Middletown.
The drive will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 31 in the mall’s JC Penney Court on the first floor. The Galleria is at 1 Galleria Drive.
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Fewer donations crippled the inventory that was expected to grow during National Blood Donor Month, the NYBC said.
There is currently a one- to two-day supply of types O-negative, O-positive and B-negative, as well as a critical shortage of platelets.
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Andrea Cefarelli, senior vice president at New York Blood Center, told Patch that her organization was grateful to the Galleria at Crystal Run for “showing up” for the center and hosting blood drives in the region.
“These accessible community blood drives are especially important during the winter months when increased seasonal illness and unpredictable winter weather make it harder for blood donors to turn out,” she said.
“We encourage Hudson Valley residents to come out on January 31st and make a blood donation at the Galleria at Crystal Run,” Cefarelli said. “Your selfless donation is so appreciated.”
In 2023, the Galleria at Crystal Run hosted six blood drives. Over the past several years, the mall has collected about 300 blood donations each year.
The center said that New York is not alone in having a blood shortage. Blood emergencies have been declared across the country, indicating that there is no national surplus of blood at this time.
Additionally, a recent spike in seasonal illnesses across the region is preventing many from donating.
To schedule an appointment for the Jan. 31 drive at the Galleria at Crystal Run, click on this link.
Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are allowed as social distancing permits. Wearing masks is optional for both donors and our staff.
To check eligibility and travel restrictions which change frequently with CDC and state guidelines, visit this website.
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