Rockwells Restaurant will host its first-ever blood drive in partnership with the New York Blood Center on June 19. In support of the drive, Rockwells will present each donor with a $25 gift certificate to the restaurant.
The event comes at a critical time as NYBC recently declared a blood emergency following a sharp and sustained drop in local blood donations. To meet hospital demand amid this decline, NYBC has had to depend on blood donations from other parts of the country – an unsustainable fix for a state with some of the busiest hospitals in the nation.
Despite a population of approximately 19.5 million, only 2% of New Yorkers donate blood, compared to the national average of 3%, according to NYBC. To meet patient needs, at least 4% of the population, or about 780,000 active donors, is needed in New York. Right now, the state is short by nearly 390,000 donors.
“We’re grateful to the Rockwells Restaurant team for their support in helping us keep up with the region’s demand for blood,” said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior Vice President at New York Blood Center. “The summer is a critical time for the blood supply, and we are currently in a blood emergency in New York. We hope that working together with invested community partners like Rockwell’s will help rally Westchester residents to make an appointment to donate blood today and enjoy a great meal!”
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit nybc.org or call 800.688.0900.
WHEN: Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 1:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: NYBC Busmobile parked outside Rockwells Restaurant, 105 Wolfs Lane, Pelham, NY 10803
WHO: Blood Donors, Volunteers and New York Blood Center Representatives
WHY: It only takes one hour to donate, and a single donation can save multiple lives. Roughly one in seven hospital admissions require a blood transfusion. Those in need include: cancer patients, accident, burn, or trauma victims, newborn babies and their mothers, transplant recipients, surgery patients, chronically transfused patients suffering from sickle cell disease or thalassemia, and many more.
To make an appointment at this blood drive, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit this link. Can’t donate blood? You can still make a lifesaving impact by supporting NYBC’s mission through financial contributions or volunteering your time. Click here to learn more.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the New York Blood Center. The Pelham Examiner publishes press releases as a service to the community.
