Here’s where you can donate blood on Staten Island in honor of 9/11 victims

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The New York Blood Center (NYBC) will be hosting a day of service to encourage New Yorkers to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11 by donating blood, volunteering at a blood drive or signing up to host a future blood drive.

Blood donations in the region have still not returned to pre-pandemic levels, as fewer schools, businesses and organizations are hosting blood drives. Currently, the blood supply in the region stands at a four-day level, with type O- especially needed, according to NYBC, a non-profit organization that is one of the largest independent, community-based blood centers in the world.

September 11 is a National Day of Service and Remembrance, and it is an annual tradition for communities across New York to honor the victims of the terrorist attacks through life-saving blood donations.

“New Yorkers always show up for their neighbors, rallying around each other, especially during times of tragedy,’’ said Andrea Cefarelli, senior vice president of New York Blood Center. “This September, we are calling on all New Yorkers to honor those who lost their lives 22 years ago by helping to ensure there are life-saving blood donations available for those who need it most. In the spirit of giving back to the community, we encourage all eligible donors to sign up to donate blood today, one hour of your time can save up to three lives.”

NYBC has 18 area donor centers and hosts numerous blood drives across the region, including several Staten Island locations. Blood donors can find their nearest donor center listed at nybc.org.

NYBC will also host the following Staten Island blood drives on Monday, Sept. 11, to honor the victims of the terrorist attacks:

• St. Sylvester Church (856 Targee St., Concord), from 3 to 9 p.m.
• JCC Staten Island (1466 Manor Rd., Sea View), from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted eligibility restrictions for individuals who lived in Europe during certain periods of time. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit nybc.org or call 800-688-0900.

To make an appointment at a blood drive near you, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org. Can’t donate blood? You can still support NYBC’s mission by texting ‘NYBC’ to ‘20222′ to give $25.