The state is currently in a blood emergency, and the New York Blood Center is calling for people to go out and donate to make a change.

Right now, the state's blood supply level is even more dire than at the height of the pandemic, with the blood supply dropping from a five day to three day supply.

For the most crucially needed blood type - type O - there is only a one or two day supply left.

Fewer donors are making and keeping appointments to donate, and blood drives that the state could originally rely on are being canceled due to the delta variant, says Andrew Cefarelli, senior executive director of the New York Blood Center.

"The delta variant is impacting both those vaccinate and those not vaccinated, and I think the new restrictions being placed on our daily lives is impacting peoples' behavior and those willing to give blood," Cefarelli says.

Hospitals are using more blood than they were pre-pandemic, and need a constantly supply to meet that need, he says. New Yorkers can do their part by scheduling an appointment, walking into any New York Blood Center, or even organizing a blood drive on their own.

Blood center staff are taking precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID, and are practicing health self-assessments prior to arriving at work.

People are not eligible to donate if they're experiencing a cold, sore throat, respiratory infection, or flu-lke systems. Additional information on donor eligibility and COVID precautions can be read here.

Donors can schedule appointments by calling 1-800-933-2566 or visiting www.nybc.org.