STATEN ISLAND — Supplies of "universal" blood for trauma patients have fallen so low they could run out in less than a day in New York City, the New York Blood Center said.
Due to high demand at hospitals and lower than expected donor turnout, the supply of O-negative blood — which can be used for any blood type — has fallen to critical levels, the NYBC said.
Supplies of blood types B-negative and A-negative are also very low, the NYBC said.
Staten Island Borough President James Molinaro joined the NYBC to call on more residents to donate during his annual 9/11 Blood Drive, which ends on Wednesday.
"Without increased donations, hospitals will no longer have the blood they need to treat their patients," Molinaro said in a statement.
"More blood donations are desperately needed, so I encourage all eligible Staten Islanders to be a part of the solution to this emergency and honor our fallen 9/11 heroes at the same time."
So far, Molinaro's drive has received 400 pints of blood, surpassing the goal of 275 — a pint for each Staten Island victim of the 9/11 attacks.
For those who want to give blood, centers on Staten Island will be open at Borough Hall until 3:30 p.m., and at Wagner College until 6 p.m. on Tuesday.
