By Amanda Moses
New York City is currently facing an emergency blood shortage, and the New York Blood Center is imploring all potential donors to share just an hour of their time to give blood, one pint can save up to three lives. That’s why the NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA), Brooklyn Sports Club (BSC), and Starrett City Tenant Association (SCTA), in conjunction with the New York Blood Center, have held numerous blood drives in the lower level of the BSC.
Their latest endeavor occurred on November 18th and received 39 donations many of whom were returning donors.
Sabrina Montero has been donating blood for almost 20 years, ever since her mother was in desperate need of a blood transfusion. It was at that moment, she realized how significant the simple act of donating blood could be. Montero has instilled this effort into her two daughters, Berky Montero and Charinthia Pridgen—together the three women, who also all work for NYCHA, spent their Friday afternoon chatting together while donating a pint of blood.
“I feel good about myself. I know I can help somebody else,” Montero said.
Sitting adjacent from Montero was her daughter, Berky, who smiled, and shared that donating blood has become a tradition in her family—something that she has been doing since age 16.
“I do this to help people, and this is how I spend time with my mom too because I work so much. So, this was our quality time by helping out others and spending time with each other,” Berky said.
For Rayford Hooks, this blood donation was personal, since he has had two family members that were hospitalized. As an O positive donor, Hooks knows that his blood type (considered the universal blood donor) is provided to patients more than any other blood type.
“I recently had two family members that went to the hospital that needed blood. So, it kind of brought me back to the importance of it. I know that I’m O positive. It’s universal, so I can donate. So, I said the next opportunity I have to do so, I’m going to do it,” Hooks said.
“It’s all about reaping what you sow. You never know when you’re going to be in a position where you are going to need someone else’s blood, or your loved ones may need it. It made me think about health and being healthy enough to actually be a donor. Those who are healthy should definitely pay it forward,” Hooks added.
In addition to helping to save lives, all presenting donors received a day pass to the BSC fitness facility.
Photos by Amanda Moses
