St. John's Riverside Hospital in Yonkers will host a community blood drive on Thursday, Aug. 6, from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 967 N. Broadway, giving Bronxville, Scarsdale, and Eastchester residents a close-to-home option as the region's blood supply remains critically low.
The hospital is partnering with the New York Blood Center for the drive. The center declared its second blood emergency of the summer on July 8, calling it the lowest supply level since COVID-19. As of that declaration, the regional supply was at roughly a two-day level, according to NJ.com, well below the five-to-seven-day reserve the system tries to maintain. Type O-negative blood is especially scarce.
More than 3,000 fewer donations came in during the week before the Fourth of July, the center reported, after extreme heat, severe storms, and power outages disrupted donor schedules across New York and New Jersey.
"We prepare for seasonal challenges every year, but the combination of extreme weather, disrupted routines, and low national inventories has created an unprecedented situation," Andrea Cefarelli, chief operating officer of blood and laboratory operations at New York Blood Center Enterprises, told NJ.com in early July.
What to know before you go
Both whole blood and double red cell donations will be available on Aug. 6. The drive's coordinator, Bridgette Pennelle, is listed on the New York Blood Center's scheduling portal.
Appointments are encouraged, though walk-ins are welcome as space allows. Donors should bring a valid photo ID, eat a healthy meal, and drink plenty of water beforehand.
One note: The hospital's announcement lists the drive location as the Andrus Pavilion, while the NYBC scheduling portal lists it as the cafeteria at the same address. Donors should call 914-964-4648 to confirm the exact room before heading over.
To schedule an appointment, click here. For questions, email [email protected] or call 914-964-4648.
Other ways to donate
Residents who can't make the Aug. 6 drive can also book appointments at the New York Blood Center's Elmsford donor center at nybc.org or by calling 1-800-933-2566. Walk-ins are accepted there as well.
Whole blood donors are eligible to give every 56 days.
Upcoming
- Thursday, Aug. 6: Community blood drive, St. John's Riverside Hospital, 967 N. Broadway, Yonkers, 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
- Ongoing: Appointments available at the New York Blood Center's Elmsford donor center (nybc.org)
