The New York Blood Center has announced a blood emergency, with a 3-day blood supply.

The long-term impact of the pandemic has resulted in a year of virtually no youth first-time donors, 3000 fewer blood drives and 100,000 New Yorkers that have yet to return to donate since before the pandemic. Complicating matters has been a surge in blood usage as hospitals perform surgeries and patients seek medical care that was postponed during the pandemic. The increased need and lag in donors have created a chronic gap in blood donations, according to NYBC. “As the region reopens, hospitalizations are going up and far outpacing the number of donations we are receiving,” according to a statement by NYBC. They are asking donors to step up to meet the emergency.

Stepping up to meet the challenge are the South Salem Fire Department and Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps who have joined forces to announce a Blood Drive on September 23rd to be held at the South Salem Firehouse, 1190 Route 35, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Donors can sign up at NYBC.org or call 1 800-933-2566. Walk ins are welcome but appointments are preferable if space permits. Donors are reminded to eat, drink, and bring a donor ID card or an ID card with name and photo. Masks are required for donors who are not fully vaccinated.