9.24.24
/ Community
Manager of Events Julia Cordry gives blood
Every two minutes, someone needs blood. The New York Blood Center (NYBC) was founded in 1964 to provide a safe and reliable blood supply to serve and care for patients across our diverse communities. On Monday, September 23, God’s Love was proud to partner with NYBC for an on-site blood drive with staff and volunteers.
One pint of blood can save three lives. Only 3% of the eligible population actually donates blood, causing frequent blood shortages. And one in three people will need blood in their lifetime. The New York Blood Center are the primary blood supplier to over 200 hospitals throughout the tri-state area. The NYBC needs more than 8,000 donors each week to meet hospital demand.
Blood must be available 24/7 for emergencies, as well as for ongoing, life-sustaining needs of patients battling chronic diseases like cancer and sickle cell disease. Premature infants often require blood to survive. Cardiac surgery patients need life-sustaining blood transfusions. And since blood cannot be synthetically made, there is no substitute. Only volunteer donors can give the gift of life.
“God’s Love was thrilled to partner with the New York Blood Center by hosting a blood drive on-site at our Kors building,” said David Ludwigson, President & CEO of God’s Love We Deliver. “Our partnership will strengthen our communities. We were heartened by the staff, volunteers, and friends who showed up and rolled up their sleeves to help give the gift of life.”
When asked why volunteer donors generously give blood, they universally say because they “want to help others.”
President & CEO David Ludwigson, having just given blood, smiles with Director of Philanthropy, Individual Giving Nicole D’Andrea
The blood drive at God’s Love We Deliver, in partnership with NYBC, will help raise awareness for both organizations. And since the NYBC is intimately linked to over 200 area hospitals, the blood drive will provide an opportunity for our Business Development & Community Partners Team to make meaningful contacts with those in the healthcare field. God’s Love could also send our Business Development Team to one of the NYBC’s blood drives to distribute information about God’s Love to the participating doctors and nurses which they could take back to their respective clinics/hospitals.
“I felt hopeful and inspired to see two vital organizations team up to be of service, 1 meal and 1 drop at a time,” said Andria Ottley, Major Gifts Officer in the Philanthropy Department at God’s Love. “Our community is better off today because of our alliance yesterday!”
Individual Gifts Officer Nigel Finley gives blood
The month of September is National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month, which was a particularly meaningful time to hold the blood drive at God’s Love, given that sickle cell is a newly covered diagnosis for our program. Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States and affects approximately 100,000 Americans. The month aims to increase awareness of sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait, and to inspire funding for better treatments and cures. It also recognizes the strength of the community living with the disease and highlights the stories of children and families facing a diagnosis.
Donating blood through NYBC is a safe, simple, and satisfying experience. Donating blood takes about one hour, including a mini-physical and health interview. The actual donation time is typically only 10-15 minutes.
A staff member from NYBC shared, “We collected 26 lifesaving blood donations. You should be proud to know that those 26 units of blood have the potential to help save 78 lives in our community with 11 first time donors! Organizing a blood drive takes tremendous creativity and dedication and we thank you for your support to our mission.”
A donation helps give life to the millions of Americans each year who require blood transfusions. Thank you to the NYBC for partnering with us for such an important and life-saving event.
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God's Love sponsored a blood drive in partnership with the New York Blood Center.
