NYC needs blood donations

NEW YORK, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- Despite a snowstorm that may leave more than a foot of snow in New York City, the New York Blood Center says it still needs 2,000 people a day to give blood.

The Sunday/Monday storm will cause blood donation cancellations and the blood donation losses for Sunday and Monday may amount to more than 1,000 units.

During the winter months, blood donations drop due to the holidays, travel schedules, inclement weather and illness. In addition, some 25 percent of regional blood collection comes from high schools and colleges, most of which are closed for recess this week.

New York Blood Center, which serves more than 20 million people in New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, New Jersey, and parts of Connecticut and Pennsylvania, is calling on the community to please donate blood and platelets, as the tri-state area braces for a winter snowstorm.

"O-negative and O-positive blood types are particularly needed, but healthy people of all blood types and ethnicities are encouraged to donate," the New York Blood Center says in a statement.

"Blood donors are being asked to give blood today and in the days ahead if they can, but please visit www.nybloodcenter.org before leaving home for the latest information regarding cancellations."