The New York Blood Center says it is facing a critical blood shortage, with the lowest inventory of O positive and O negative blood since before the pandemic.

Hospitals are urgently appealing for donors to roll up their sleeves and give blood to help those in need.

Each donation can save up to three lives.

Chantal Mehu, a team leader at the New York Blood Center, says, “Most of the donors aren't showing up the way they used to.” adding this time of the year calls for more concern, “We call summer like a trauma season because a lot more blood transfusions happen: there are more injuries, more people get into accidents, a lot of things happen during the summer.”

The current inventory of type O negative and positive blood in New York is the lowest since the pandemic began, making donations critical. Donating blood takes about an hour from start to finish.

Tristan Tapolcai who chose to donate blood Tuesday says, “I think it's a great way to give back. You are saving three lives by doing it, and I don't get anything for it but just knowing that someone is going to use my blood for the better.”

Greg Loftis, another donor sitting nearby says he comes often, “It's an easy way to volunteer your time, and do it while you watch TV or go through your emails.” Loftis said.

New York Blood centers are currently accepting donations.