New York Blood Center’s Post

Last month, Project Achieve staff and collaborators from Columbia Collaborative HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Unit gathered for a National HIV Testing Day event in Union Square Park. There, they distributed educational materials and spoke with community members about HIV prevention, vaccine research, and intervention trials.

For over 23 years, Maureen Currlin has been a star at NYBC’s Human Resources Department, earning the respect of employees and union leaders alike. Last June, more than 70 guests, including employees, colleagues, and family, attended Maureen's retirement celebration to thank her for her help, friendship, and dedication through the years. Guests shared Maureen’s history with NYBC and expressed appreciation, highlighting her unwavering support for all in need. Best wishes to you, Maureen! Thank you for your many years of service. #Retirement #NYBC

Happy Pride NYC! We're so proud to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community today and one of our own – Grand Marshal DaShawn Usher. DaShawn's work with Project Achieve at New York Blood Center Enterprises laid the groundwork for founding Mobilizing Our Brothers Initiative (MOBI), an organization dedicated to fostering social connectivity and personal development for Black gay and queer individuals. "MOBI was birthed out of NYBC. While at Project Achieve, we identified a gap between research and reality, which inspired the creation of MOBI to provide lifesaving information and support to the community," DaShawn explained. Learn more about DaShawn's nearly 20-year career in healthcare advocacy, and don't forget to say "hi" if you see him at today's parade! *wave*

🌟 Exciting Collaboration Alert! 🌟 New York City Council Member Mercedes Narcisse and New York Blood Center have teamed up with longtime NYBC friend, Sickle Cell Warrior Stacey Sottile to emphasize the importance of blood donations for those with Sickle Cell Disease. Narcisse emphasized the vital role of blood donations for patients with sickle cell disease. "One in three Black and African American donors is a match for Sickle Cell patients, making these donations incredibly impactful," said Narcisse. Blood transfusions are essential for managing sickle cell disease, providing a crucial lifeline during sickle cell crises. Council Member Narcisse is actively involved in the legislative efforts of two NYC Council bills aiming to educate medical professionals about sickle cell disease and its treatment, and another hoping to provide the NYC Council with data on students with sickle cell disease. View Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse and Sickle Cell Warrior Stacey Sottile PSA on the importance of a diverse blood supply below. bit.ly/4cvJpxj

NYBC was proud to recently hold another Future Leaders in Science Symposium, which welcomes high school age students from the tri state area to tour our laboratory facilities and explore a career in research. At the event, students were invited to a series of presentations from LFKRI scientists Sara Lustigman , PhD, Divya Beri, PhD, Francesca Vinchi, PhD, and Daniel Mclaughlin, PhD, who presented on a variety of topics such as molecular parasitology and hematopoietic stem cell research. Participants also visited the Iron Laboratory to understand research bench work, explored the core facilities, and received hands on training in microscopy. NYBC takes great pride in our youth programs and is dedicated to supporting and educating the next generation of hema-scientists! #CommunityPartnerships #ResearchCareers #Hematology #StudentPrograms

Sickle cell disease is the most common hereditary disorder, and more than 100 Americans live with the disease. Blood transfusions are sometimes the only relief from debilitating pain associated with the disease. Give blood to help those living with sickle cell disease. Schedule a donation at bit.ly/3xriNhx

Today, as we at New York Blood Center celebrate Juneteenth it is essential to reflect on the profound significance of this day and its place in our nation's history. By understanding and honoring this day, we can foster a more inclusive and informed community. Happy Juneteenth to all!

The Springfield First Aid Squad provides emergency medical services to Springfield residents twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week—and they even make time to host a blood drive! Whether in the field or in the donor chair, this squad is seriously super!🦸

To all our amazing blood donors, thank you for saving so many lives! As a 3x Olympian and a fellow blood donor, Elizabeth Beisel knows firsthand how every second counts in the pool and in saving lives—you've turned those seconds into countless lives saved. This World Blood Donor Day, remember you are part of a very exclusive club of heroes, making an incredible impact in our community. 🩸 #WorldBloodDonorDay #BloodDonor #LifeSavers