Beisel is encouraging everyone to be a champion for blood donations this summer ahead of the games later this summer in Paris
NEW YORK – New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe) today announced a partnership with 3x Olympian and World Champion Elizabeth Beisel. The partnership aims to increase donations throughout the summer months, a typically challenging time for blood collection. Beisel made an appearance at NYBC’s Grand Central Blood Drive in New York City on May 9, 2024 in partnership with the MTA.
“Before my father’s courageous battle with cancer, he selflessly donated over 6 gallons of blood,” said Elizabeth Beisel, 3x Olympian. “His dedication to this cause has left an indelible mark on my heart and I’m proud to be joining forces with New York Blood Center Enterprises to honor my father’s remarkable legacy while making a profound impact on countless lives.”
As excitement builds ahead of the games taking place in Paris later this summer where Beisel will be providing commentary for the swim events, the Olympian is laying down a challenge to youth and first-time donors. Historically, donations from 16-24-year-olds accounted for 25% of the country’s blood supply; now, only about 10% of blood donations come from this group. Beisel challenges youth donors to roll up their sleeves this summer and become a champion for blood donation.
“Elizabeth knows first-hand how every second counts in the pool and that mindset also applies to the important work we do to save lives”, said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior Vice President at New York Blood Center Enterprises. “Blood is used to help patients in our community every day and it’s vital that young people make donating a life-long habit for the future stability of the blood supply.
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and up to 6 times a year. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, click here or call 800.688.0900.
To make an appointment at a blood drive near you, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org. Can’t donate blood? You can still support NYBC’s mission by texting ‘NYBC’ to ‘20222’ to give $25.