The campaign aims to create awareness about the need for diverse blood donations to sustain a healthy blood supply
All presenting blood donors during this timeframe will receive a free t-shirt and be entered into a sweepstakes to win a pair of Nike Air Force 1 “Bronx Origins” sneakers
BRONX, NY – New York Blood Center (NYBC) is partnering with the Universal Hip Hop Museum (UHHM) and Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson for their “One Blood, One Love” campaign to encourage the public to donate blood from Monday, August 7th – Friday, August 11th in various locations throughout New York City, the birthplace of hip hop. All blood donors during this campaign will receive a commemorative free t-shirt and will be entered into a sweepstakes for a chance to win a pair of Nike Air Force 1 “Bronx Origins” sneakers.
This campaign aims to bring awareness to the importance of diverse blood donations during this critical time for the blood supply. The summer months are a historically challenging time for the blood supply as school vacations and summer travel plans make blood donation less of a priority. Unfortunately, blood donations in the region have still not returned to pre-pandemic levels as fewer schools, businesses and organizations are hosting blood drives.
“New York City is not only the birthplace of hip hop, but it is also one of the most diverse places in the country. Diverse blood donors are essential to a robust and healthy blood supply, as conditions ranging from Sickle Cell Disease to different forms of leukemia require very closely matched blood products,” said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior Vice President of New York Blood Center. “We are grateful to the Universal Hip Hop Museum and Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson for their endless support in bringing this campaign to life. We strongly encourage all New Yorkers throughout the five boroughs to celebrate 50 years of hip hop by signing up to donate blood and saving a life.”
“Hip hop has contributed so much to our culture, borough, and society and now hip hop will help drive people to the Bronx for a good cause,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “Using the excitement around the 50th anniversary of hip hop, we are encouraging New Yorkers to join us at various locations throughout the city to sign up to donate blood. This is a call to action for our residents and families to support our neighbors in need and potentially save lives. Thank you to the New York Blood Center and the Universal Hip Hop Museum for their partnership on this important initiative and for bringing this event to our borough.”
“Partnering with the NY Blood Center and Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson for the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop is really meaningful and embodies the spirit of community that Hip Hop culture has created for millions of people globally. From Hip Hop’s birth in the Bronx, whether you “show love the Brooklyn way,” like Biggie or “you’re “lucky to have just one love” like Whodini, “Hip Hop is in your blood.” Let’s celebrate the 50th anniversary of the culture by donating blood to help a family member, friend, neighbor or stranger locally in our communities,” said Rocky Bucano, Exec. Dir. Of the Universal Hip Hop Museum.
“Blood donors are a lifeline for individuals like me, offering hope and the opportunity for a new lease on life. Their selfless act can make a profound impact on someone’s journey toward recovery and better health,” said Victor Sanchez, blood recipient and Bronx native. “Through the One Blood, One Love Hip Hop Initiative we can celebrate the vibrant culture of hip-hop while advocating for a stable and diverse blood supply that saves lives every day.”
There will be many opportunities to donate blood this week throughout New York City, a full list of participating blood drives can be found below.
To make an appointment at a blood drive near you, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit www.nybc.org/hiphop/. Can’t donate blood? You can still support NYBC’s mission by texting ‘NYBC’ to ‘20222’ to give $25.
