The New York Blood Center (NYBC) reported on July 21 that its inventory of blood continues to shrink, with the fear of deeper and additional cutbacks in the distribution of blood to New York and New Jersey hospitals becoming a reality. NYBC first cut shipments of O negative blood by 25% in early June. The availability of O negative blood has been limited ever since, forcing an additional 10% in cutbacks later in June and ongoing day-to-day triaging, with release often only on the basis of medical emergency. With the supply dwindling quickly, NYBC may have to cut back further on O negative blood distribution and begin rationing the distribution of A negative and B negative blood as well.

"Our crisis is part of a nationwide crisis," said Robert Jones, M.D., NYBC President and CEO. "This most recent and urgent appeal falls on the heels of a nationwide plea for blood issued jointly in early July by several national blood banking organizations. Therefore, we haven't been able to import blood from other parts of the country. We are pleading with local eligible people to roll up their sleeves to donate this summer."

July blood donations to NYBC are 25% below what is needed to meet patient demand at 200 New York and New Jersey hospitals, and this summer's decline in donations is more severe than in the past. New blood donor criteria have resulted in increased donor deferrals, while fears about new or emerging disease transmissions have also resulted in fewer presenting donors, according to NYBC. Without new donors replacing those who have been lost, NYBC cannot ensure that an adequate supply of blood will be available or that hospitals will have the blood they need on their shelves to provide quality patient care.

Volunteer donors must be at least age 17, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good general health. Donors receive a free mini-medical exam. For more information or to schedule a donation appointment in NYC, Long Island, northern and central New Jersey, or the Hudson Valley, call 1-800-933-2566 or go to www.nybloodcenter.org.

To help ease the blood shortage, GNYHA and health care workers union 1199 SEIU have joined with NYBC in a massive effort to increase the blood supply in the New York metropolitan area. 1199 SEIU employees, including those at GNYHA member hospitals and nursing homes, have committed to donating 50,000 pints of blood by March 2004. Management staff and other employees at hospitals and nursing homes are also being encouraged to donate blood.