New York Blood Center

Let's hear it for our incredible phlebotomist, Jacqueline Aquino! With kindness, humor, and a calming presence, Jackie guided Rutgers' student-athlete AND first-time donor, Chris, through the blood donation process at the recent Rutgers Blood Drive! Jackie shows how our caring phlebotomists make every donation a positive experience for our donors. 🌟 We're proud to partner with the Abbott, Rutgers University, and Big Ten Network to encourage lifesaving donations on campuses around America through the #GiveBlood initiative. Together, we're inspiring the next generation of donors and building a healthier community, one donation at a time. 💪❤️ #BloodDonation #RutgersUniversity #Big10Network #AbbottGlobal #CommunityImpact #NYBloodCenter

🎃 Happy Halloween from New York Blood Center! Last week, we proudly supported Project Achieve's “Halloween-O-Licious” event, which the Columbia Research Unit hosted. This unique, spooky-themed gathering brought together performers, volunteers, and community advocates for a night of entertainment with an important purpose—raising awareness about HIV prevention strategies like PrEP and promoting the importance of MPOX and COVID-19 vaccines. We thank everyone for their dedication in making this event a memorable success and for supporting the search for an HIV vaccine. #HIVResearch #HIVPrevention #ProjectAchieve #HappyHalloween

🔬 Exciting News for New York's Future in Cell and Gene Therapy! Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled the plans for New York BioGenesis Park (NYBGP), a $430M initiative to position New York as a global leader in cell and gene therapy research and innovation. Comprehensive Cell Solutions, a division of New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe), is proud to be a key partner in this transformative project! The creation of the Long Island Center for Cell and Gene Therapy is a groundbreaking investment in the future of medicine. As Dr. Christopher Hillyer, President and CEO of NYBCe, shared, "New York Blood Center Enterprises and Comprehensive Cell Solutions are extremely proud to play a leading role in positioning New York as a global leader in life sciences, particularly in cell and gene therapy, offering new hope to patients facing diseases once thought untreatable." With the largest-ever state investment in this field, NYBGP will accelerate the development of cutting-edge therapies, create high-skilled jobs, and drive economic growth—all while revolutionizing patient care across New York and beyond. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eBAV5dQz #LifeSciences #CellAndGeneTherapy #Innovation #NewYorkLeadership #HealthcareAdvancement #CellTherapy #NYBCe Empire State Development, Northwell Health, The Albanese Organization, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute NYBC Ventures The State of New York

Last week, we hosted NYC Chairpersons and Volunteers Recognition Event to honor the dedicated blood drive chairpersons across New York City who tirelessly champion blood donation efforts each year and the volunteers who support our lifesaving efforts. Several New York City Council members and representatives from the Office of The Bronx Borough President were in attendance to show support for our volunteers and chairpersons. Rafael Gomez, Community Liaison, delivered a citation on behalf of Hon. Vanessa L. Gibson, MPA (She, Her, Hers, Ella): "Donating blood is not just an act of kindness; it is a lifesaving gift that can make a profound difference in our community." Another special moment came when Julia Tang, a childhood survivor of Beta Thalassemia, shared her powerful testimony of receiving over 450 blood donations. These donations supported Julia's life long enough for her to receive a cure. Today, Julia is a blood donor and plans to run the NYC marathon this year. Five outstanding blood drive leaders were honored for going above and beyond in their efforts: 🏆 Lya Montrella (New York Methodist Hospital) 🏆 Nicholas Sbordone & Peter Campbell (Battery Park City Authority) 🏆 The Staten Island Ferry 🏆 Juanita Salvidar (NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene) 🏆 Scott Laubner (Peter Cooper Village Stuyvesant Town) To all our volunteers and chairpersons—thank you for being lifesavers! 🙌 #ThankYou #DonateBlood #NYBC #SaveLives #VolunteerPower #Lifesavers

Last month, we had the honor of congratulating St. Martin of Tours Church for collecting 5,000 pints of lifesaving blood! Thank you to Account Manager Melissa Gatto and Team Leader Bonnie Marion for working so closely with the Chairperson and ensuring the continued success of this drive.

Ever been asked what happens to blood after it's donated? From the donation itself, to the rigorous testing and processing, all the way to delivering lifesaving blood to hospitals, each step taken by our dedicated staff ensures the highest safety and quality standards.

Meet Antonio Cruz, one of our dedicated New York Blood Center drivers. Every day, Antonio navigates the busy streets of NYC, delivering more than just blood and supplies—he’s delivering hope and care to patients in need. "I used to drive for a commercial service, but this is different. What we deliver could be the difference between life and death for someone," said Cruz. That responsibility motivates him on a daily basis, especially when rushing blood to hospitals. "One time, I had to deliver blood to a hospital in Staten Island for a patient. The slip said they were in surgery, so I had to get there fast. GPS said an hour—Luckily, I made it in 52 minutes," Cruz recalls, his face lighting up at the memory. "When I got there, the staff were so relieved. It felt really good knowing I played a part in helping save that person's life." Whether he's rushing blood to a hospital or setting up for a blood drive, Antonio knows the impact his work has. "It feels really good knowing I played a part in helping save someone’s life." #TeamHighlight #StaffHighlight #NYBCe #HealthcareWorkers #MakingADifference #NYC

Last month, we had the privilege of partnering with God's Love We Deliver, an organization that delivers nutritious meals to those living with chronic illnesses like cancer, HIV/AIDS, and, most recently, sickle cell disease. As one of our team members said, "Organizing a blood drive takes tremendous creativity and dedication,” and we couldn't agree more! Thank you to everyone who worked on this amazing partnership that is changing lives "1 drop and 1 meal" at a time!

Please join us in congratulating Account Manager Melissa Gatto and St. Joseph's University New York on their 5,000th milestone donation! Melissa had the privilege of presenting the certificate to Bryan Gill, the previous Chairperson, and Kerry Vall, St. Joseph's newest Chairperson. Melissa, thank you so much for your hard work over the years and to St. Joseph's for their incredible partnership! Because of your efforts, up to 15,000 lives have been saved since the start of these drives.

✨ Last week we honored our incredible Long Island O- blood donors at another unforgettable event! ✨ The evening was filled with inspiring stories and impressive milestones. The event's attendees have made more than 3,700 donations, and 25 donors were honored for achieving 50+ lifetime donations! Jaime Singh, our featured speaker, moved everyone by sharing their unique story as both an O- donor and an O- recipient—a testament to the power of giving back. We’re also grateful to Great South Bay Brewery for supporting NYBC’s Pint for a Pint and hosting blood drives. Together, we’re making a lifesaving impact! 💪❤️ #DonateBlood #OTypeHeroes #CommunityEvent #DonorRecognition