The New York Blood Center is concerned about falling blood reserves as economic woes hit their most dedicated supporters - businesses.
The NYBC relies on businesses, and their corporate blood drives, to collect 2,000 units of blood a day - the amount required to meet predictable patient needs. But many businesses are cutting back on blood drives for economic reasons, although demand continues to rise.
"Businesses are among our most dedicated supporters," said NYBC President Robert Jones, MD. "Some of their scheduled corporate drives have understandably been cut back or canceled, and at the same time, demand has been going up."
In September 2008 the NYBC supplied 3,000 more units of blood to its 200 hospitals in Greater New York than in 2007.
"Many people think our economic world is out of control right now," said Jones. "Donating blood, and organizing blood drives for others to donate, are things we can control. We can make a positive effect on the lives of others."
In addition to predictable needs, Jones said the NYBC is concerned about emergencies like car accidents, childbirth complications, and emergency surgeries.