Local EMS teams rally community to donate blood as trauma season and summer blood shortages loom
NEW YORK — As the nation celebrates the 50th anniversary of National EMS Week (May 18–24),New York Blood Center (NYBC) is teaming up with first responders and medical professionals to host a series of blood drives. The drives will honor the lifesaving work of EMS professionals while helping to shore up the blood supply during one of the most critical times of the year: trauma season.
National EMS Week was established in 1974 by President Gerald Ford to recognize the critical role of emergency medical professionals who are often first on the scene of accidents and first to deliver lifesaving care. This year’s national theme, “WE CARE. FOR EVERYONE,” highlights EMS workers’ commitment to delivering compassionate and equitable care across all communities.
But EMS providers can’t do it alone. In cases of trauma, car accidents, or mass casualty events, blood transfusions are often the difference between life and death, and must be available on the shelves before tragedy strikes.
“National EMS Week is a powerful reminder that a stable and robust blood supply is vital for first responders and emergency medical professionals when responding to traumas, accidents, and natural disasters,” said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior Vice President at New York Blood Center. “We hope these blood drives will encourage local residents to make an appointment to donate blood today and take the time to thank their local EMS professionals during this special week!”
Warmer months bring an increase in accidents and trauma-related injuries. Known as “trauma season,” late spring and summer see a rise in emergency room visits and transfusion needs. At the same time, blood donations typically decline due to travel, school breaks, and holiday schedules, creating a perfect storm for shortages.
This year’s National EMS Week blood drives and their locations are listed below. :
Patchogue Ambulance CompanySunday, May 19, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.336 West Main Street, Patchogue, NY 11772
New Windsor AmbulanceWednesday, May 22, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.555 Union Ave., New Windsor, NY 12553
Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance CorpsFriday, May 24, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.92-29 Metropolitan Ave., Forest Hills, NY 11375FDNY EMS Station 19 Wednesday, May 21, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.2285 Jerome Ave., Bronx, NY 10468
University HospitalThursday, May 22, 2025 from 10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.185 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07102
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit nybc.org or call 800.688.0900.
To make an appointment at a blood drive, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit this link. Walk-ins are welcome. Can’t donate blood? You can still make a lifesaving impact by supporting NYBC’s mission through financial contributions or volunteering your time. Click here to learn more.
Media Contact: Sophie Vardi, [email protected], (908) 267-0006
