New York Blood Center (NYBC) is kicking off its fourth annual “Pint for a Pint” campaign to encourage blood donations during the critical summer months.  Starting July 27th at mobile blood drives and August 1 at donor centers through August 31, 2025, all who come to donate at NYBC’s mobile blood drives or donor centers will receive a voucher for a free beverage or frozen treat at a participating local brewery, pub, or frozen treat shop. 

Since its launch in 2022, the “Pint for a Pint” campaign has doubled in size, with more than 50 breweries, pubs, and frozen treat shops across the region coming together to support the critical need for blood donations. This year’s full list of participating establishments can be found here. 

“At Newburgh Brewing Company, we take enormous pride in being supportive of our community,” said Paul Halayko, President and COO of Newburgh Brewing Company. “By working with the NYBC through Pint for a Pint, we are thanking folks for doing something selfless and important: donating blood. It’s a way we can ask our community to be supportive of such an important cause… and then reward them with a delicious pint of Newburgh beer!”

Following a sharp drop in donations over the 4th of July holiday, the region’s supply of O- and O+ blood is currently at a critical 1-2 day level, and overall collections are nearly 25% below the level needed to meet hospital demands. Summer has brought an expected decline in donations, driven by vacations and school breaks, but combined with increased trauma cases, the impact on the local blood supply has been severe. 

Type O-negative is the universal blood type used when seconds matter and a patient’s blood type is unknown. Type O-positive, the most common type, is in constant demand for surgeries, childbirth, cancer treatments, and daily medical care.

“Every pint counts, especially in the summer, and we are so grateful to these local establishments for coming together to support the critical need for blood donations in the summertime,” said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior Vice President at New York Blood Center. “We hope this fun incentive will inspire returning and first-time donors to donate blood and enjoy a refreshing beverage or frozen treat on us. Blood donations are needed now more than ever.”

Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. In light of recent updates to FDA guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to give. To make an appointment, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org. Can’t donate blood? You can still make a lifesaving impact by supporting NYBC’s mission through financial contributions or volunteering your time. Click here to learn more.

*Blood donors 21+ years of age are eligible. Prizes hold no cash value and are non-transferable. Beverage and frozen treat type is at the venue’s discretion. Voucher must be redeemed on or before October 31, 2025, and cannot be used on the day of donation. Other restrictions may apply.

About New York Blood Center 

Founded in 1964, New York Blood Center (NYBC) has served the tri-state area for more than 60 years, delivering 500,000 lifesaving blood products annually to 150+ hospitals, EMS and healthcare partners. NYBC is part of New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe), which spans 17+ states and delivers one million blood products to 400+ U.S. hospitals annually. NYBCe additionally delivers cellular therapies, specialty pharmacy, and medical services to 200+ research, academic and biopharmaceutical organizations. NYBCe’s Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute is a leader in hematology and transfusion medicine research, dedicated to the study, prevention, treatment and cure of bloodborne and blood-related diseases. NYBC serves as a vital community lifeline dedicated to helping patients and advancing global public health. To learn more, visit nybc.org. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.