Last month, New York Blood Center declared a blood emergency. Van Cortlandt Jewish Center (VCJC), in conjunction with the New York Blood Center (NYBC), is hosting an upcoming blood drive to address the shortage.

 

NYBC announced the blood emergency due to an alarming drop in blood donations, according to VCJC. The City Blood Center is encouraging all who are able to sign up and donate, especially during the summer months, when officials say warmer weather and vacation plans make blood donation less of a priority.

 

As reported, NYBC had previously announced a blood shortage following the mass shooting in Sunset Park in Brooklyn on April 12, where a reported 10 people were shot and 13 more injured, according to police. “We need people to donate blood, and volunteers to help run the drive,” said Jack Spiegel of VCJC, located at 3880 Sedgwick Avenue in Van Cortlandt Village.

 

There are requirements to donate. Donors are asked to bring their donor card or ID with a photo. Eat well, and drink fluids before donating. Donors must be at least 16 years old, and anyone between 16 and 18 must have parental permission noted on the relevant New York Blood Center form. Donors over 76 need a doctor’s note, unless New York Blood Center has a previous note about the person, and the person’s health status has not changed. Donors cannot have had a new tattoo in the past 12 months, unless the donor got the tattoo done in New Jersey. The minimum weight for a donor is 110 pounds.

 

Masks are required for all donors and volunteers regardless of vaccination status.

 

To donate, visit https://donate.nybc.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/296446. For those without a computer, call (800) 933-2566. When donating blood, sign-ups are preferred, but walk-ins are always welcome, according to VCJC representatives.

 

To volunteer, residents can call the VCJC office at (718) 884 6105 and leave their name and a contact phone number.

 

The drive takes place on Sunday, July 31 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.