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Visit nybc.org/sweepstakes for the full GiveBloodNYC rules.
By Forum Staff
Mayor Bill de Blasio on Tuesday joined the New York Blood Center to unveil GiveBloodNYC, a new campaign this holiday season to encourage New Yorkers to give the gift of life. GiveBloodNYC has a simple goal: to collect 25,000 blood, plasma, and platelet donations throughout the season of giving.
From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, New Yorkers will be eligible for one of 50 prizes after they donate blood. Donors are encouraged to post photos of themselves to spread the word at donor centers and blood drive locations with the hashtag #GiveBloodNYC.
“Giving blood makes a difference,” de Blasio said. “It’s an easy, meaningful way to give back to your community this holiday season, and I urge New Yorkers to join the fight this month to keep New York City healthy.”
“Throughout this pandemic, the people of this city have stepped up and done what was needed to keep each other healthy,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi. “Donating blood is one more way to quite literally give life to our fellow New Yorkers. Schedule an appointment today.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a chronic deficit in blood donations needed for patients in the hospitals served by the New York Blood Center. Since March, nearly all high schools, colleges, offices and other community groups have had to cancel their blood drives, which has jeopardized 75 percent of the incoming blood supply. New York Blood Center reports that, as of November 30th, the city is at a 3-day blood supply, down from its ideal 7-day supply. With the city amid another uptick of positive cases, it’s more important than ever that New York has an adequate blood supply to support healthcare facilities.
“Throughout the pandemic, we have experienced a chronic deficit in blood donations. We are launching this campaign with the hopes of getting New Yorkers into our centers and stabilizing the blood supply,” said Andrea Cefarelli, senior executive director of Recruitment & Marketing for New York Blood Center. “As the second wave looms, we are grateful to have the support of the City. This winter will not be an easy one, but we have been through difficult times before. When times get tough, New Yorkers always find a way to take care of each other.”
How You Can Enter
Schedule an appointment at nybc.org/donate to donate at one of New York Blood Center’s NYC locations before Dec. 31.
While you are at the donor center, we encourage you to take a selfie of your visit and tag New York Blood Center on social media with the hashtag #GiveBloodNYC.
Visit nybc.org/givebloodNYC to fill out your entry form.
Every Monday, NYBC will announce 10 winners and prizes on social media and their website. Participants who did not win that week will have their entry rolled over to the following weeks, until the contest is over. One entry per person. Visit nybc.org/sweepstakes for the full contest rules.
