NEW YORK, July 31 The inventory level of all blood types at the New York Blood Center is critically low and an emergency appeal for donations has been issued.
High temperatures throughout June and July forced the cancellation of several blood drives throughout the New York City metropolitan area.
All areas of the United States suffer from a shortage of blood in the summer because college students are away from campus, where many blood drives are held, and many other donors are on vacation.
"A shortage of donated blood represents a serious public health crisis for our area," Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, D-NY, said in a statement. "If you or anyone you know is medically eligible to give blood, I strongly encourage you to do so as soon as possible. Giving blood today may save the life of a child, parent, or grandparent tomorrow.
The percentage of people who give blood is very low generally and particularly low in New York City where only 2 percent of the population donates blood.
Nationally about 5 percent give blood, while it is estimated more than 60 percent of the population is eligible to donate.
One out of every three people in the United States will require a life-saving transfusion sometime during his or her lifetime.
Copyright 2007 by UPI
