The New York Blood Center (NYBC)’s Pint for a Pint campaign partners with five bars across the borough to encourage residents to donate blood in exchange for a coupon for a free drink.
August marks the third year of the NYBC campaign, part of one of the largest and most nationally recognized independent blood donation centers. This year, the campaign is partnering with over 70 breweries and pubs across the state to meet the urgent need for blood donations.
The campaign runs from Thursday, August 1st to Tuesday, September 10th. Participating pubs in Queens this year include:
Andrea Cefarelli, senior vice president of the New York Blood Center, said the campaign has continued to produce great results for both the company and the blood banks that need specific blood types. She added that the campaign also offers New Yorkers a fun way to escape the summer heat and support local businesses.
“The New York Blood Center is grateful for the generosity of our local breweries and pubs who support us each year through awareness and beverage donations,” said Cefarelli.
According to NYBC, August is a historically difficult time for the blood supply. Summer travel, school holidays and seasonal gatherings make blood donations less important for families on the go.
As confirmed by blood donor organizations, the NYBC also recently issued an urgent call for group O+ and O- blood donations, as the current stock of group O blood is at its lowest level since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The lack of easy access to donated blood by local hospitals is also part of a nationwide trend of Type O blood shortages that concerns the NYBC.
Blood donors can donate every 56 days, and platelet donors can donate twice a month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several restrictions on blood donation. Current blood donation guidelines can be found at nybc.org or by calling (800)-688-0900.
To schedule an appointment at a blood drive near you, donors can call (800)-933-2566 or visit nybc.org/pint. Can’t donate blood? You can still support NYBC’s mission by texting “NYBC” to 20222 and donating $25.
