New York Blood Center Wants To Trade You A Pint For A Pint

RYE, NY — After blood donors take the time to help replenish the region's lifesaving blood inventory, they will have a chance to recharge themselves while enjoying a beverage of their chioce.

The New York Blood Center (NYBC) has announced its third annual "Pint for a Pint" campaign to encourage blood donations during the critical late summer months.

From Aug. 1, to Sept. 1, blood donors will receive a voucher for a free beverage at a participating local brewery or pub.

New York Blood Center officials said that since its launch in 2021, the "Pint for a Pint" campaign has doubled in size, with more than 70 breweries and pubs across the region, including many in the Hudson Valley, participating.

All donor centers and most blood drives are participating in this initiative. Blood donors cannot redeem their vouchers on the day of their donation.

"New York Blood Center is grateful for the generosity of our local breweries and pubs for supporting us each year by raising awareness and donating beverages," New York Blood Center's Andrea Cefarelli said. "The 'Pint for a Pint' campaign is a favorite of many of our blood donors and we hope this fun incentive will inspire New Yorkers to make an appointment to give the gift of life this summer, support their favorite local businesses, and beat the summer heat with a refreshing pint of their favorite beverage."

August is a historically challenging time for the blood supply as summer travel, school breaks, and seasonal gatherings make blood donation less of a priority. NYBC recently issued an urgent call for type O+ and O- blood donations as the current inventory of type O blood is the lowest it’s been since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. This dangerous shortage is impacting local hospitals and is part of a disturbing national trend, with Type O shortages reported across the U.S.

"By joining forces with the New York Blood Center in the Pint for a Pint Promotion we can give back to our local community while also helping save lives," Great South Bay Brewery co-owner William Davis said. "We're inspired to be a part of this initiative because it aligns perfectly with our values of supporting our neighbors and promoting health and well-being. Here's to raising a glass for a cause!"

In some cases, this late summer blood drive has taken on a life of its own.

"We think it’s such a great cause that we offer a Pint for a Pint all year long," said Martin Whelan, President and Owner of Stout NYC Hospitality Group.

Other businesses in the region are taking things a step further and are hosting their own "Pint for a Pint" donation opportunities:

• Resorts World Hudson Valley: Thursday, August 1 – Sunday, August 4. Donors can sign up here.
• Resorts World Catskills: Saturday, August 3 from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Donors can sign up here.
• Stour NYC - FiDi: Monday, August 5 from 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (donors can sign up here) and Monday, August 19th from 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (donors can sign up here).
• Rab’s Country Lanes: Monday, August 12 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., donors can sign up here.
• Brooklyn Brewery: Wednesday, August 14 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., donors can sign up here.
• Riverhead Cider House: Thursday, August 22 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., donors can sign up here.

The full list of participating establishments can be found here.

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 the NYBC website or call 800.688.0900.

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