The County Executive’s Corner: Honoring the Lifesaving Power of Blood Donation

January is National Blood Donor Month, and I am proud to officially proclaim January 2026 as a time for Rockland County to recognize and thank the everyday heroes who help save lives simply by rolling up their sleeves.

Blood donation truly is one of the greatest gifts a person can give. It costs nothing, takes little time, and yet it can mean everything to someone facing surgery, cancer treatment, trauma, or a medical emergency. Each donation can save up to three lives, and with someone in the United States needing a blood transfusion every two seconds, the need for donors never stops.

To mark National Blood Donor Month, I had the honor of presenting a proclamation to the New York Blood Center in appreciation of their tireless work. 

In 2025, nearly 5,000 blood donations were collected from 129 New York Blood Center blood drives – a 16% increase over 2024. An astounding number that we should be proud of, but with an ongoing critical blood shortage we hope to appeal to more of our residents to help.

New York Blood Center serves as a critical lifeline for hospitals and patients throughout our region, and their staff and volunteers work year-round to maintain a safe and reliable blood supply.

January is an especially important time to raise awareness about blood donation. The winter months often bring seasonal challenges such as inclement weather, flu season, and busy holiday schedules, all of which can lead to blood shortages. That’s why donations at the start of the year are so vital.

I encourage all eligible residents to consider donating blood this January. Whether you are a longtime donor or giving for the first time, your contribution can make a real and immediate difference in someone’s life.

Several blood drives are scheduled throughout Rockland County this month, including:

Town of Clarkstown

Friday, January 9 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

10 Maple Avenue, New City

donate.nybc.org

St. Catharine’s Church – Blauvelt

Sunday, January 11 | 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

517 Western Highway, Blauvelt

donate.nybc.org

St. Francis of Assisi

Sunday, January 25 | 8:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

128 Parrott Road, West Nyack

donate.nybc.org

Rockland County Courthouse

Friday, January 30 | 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

1 South Main Street, New City

donate.nybc.org

If you are unable to donate, you can still help by encouraging friends, family members, or coworkers to participate, or by hosting a blood drive in your workplace or community.

Together, we can ensure that Rockland County continues to be a place where compassion, service, and community truly save lives.