ICYMI: MTA Metro-North Railroad and New York Blood Center Partner to Host 14th Annual “All Aboard to Save Lives” Blood Drive at Grand Central Terminal

The MTA Metro-North Railroad Has Been a Dedicated Partner to NYBC For More Than a Decade, and This Year's Drive is Expected to Surpass 4,000 Total Blood Donations

MANHATTAN, NY- New York Blood Center (NYBC) and the MTA Metro-North Railroad will be hosting their 14th annual "All Aboard to Save Lives" blood drive on Thursday, May 14th, from 9:00am to 6:00pm in Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal. The MTA Metro-North Railroad has been a longstanding supporter and partners of NYBC's mission, hosting blood drives each year to strengthen the regional blood supply and provide New Yorkers with the opportunity to save lives through blood donation. This year's annual drive is expected to mark a significant milestone, surpassing 4,000 total blood donations and potentially impacting the lives of more than 12,000 New Yorkers.

Over the past 14 years, the "All Aboard to Save Lives" blood drive has grown from an internal employee event into a much larger community initiative held at one of New York City's iconic and busiest transit hubs. The blood drive reflects the ongoing partnership between MTA Metro-North Railroad and the New York Blood Center and their shared commitment to supporting patients in need across the region.

"We're grateful to the MTA Metro-North Railroad, which works tirelessly every day to keep New York City moving and has been an essential partner to New York Blood Center in helping us keep up with the region's demand for blood," said Jeannie Mascolino, Vice President of Blood Operations at New York Blood Center. "This time of year is critical for blood collection, as we work to build our inventory before the summer months when we typically see fewer blood donors. Congratulations on an outstanding milestone of 4,000 blood donations! We hope that partnerships like this will help encourage residents, MTA employees, and commuters to make an appointment to donate and save lives!

"Grand Central Terminal is an iconic institution that sees hundreds of thousands of people every day, making it the perfect place to host this crucial event," said Metro-North Railroad President Justin Vonashek. "I'm so proud that Metro-North has been a longtime supporter and partner of NYBC, hosting blood drives every year, saving the lives of thousands of New Yorkers."

Approximately 750,000 people pass through Grand Central Terminal's main concourse daily. This total includes commuters and visitors, which can rise to over 1,000,000 during the holiday season. It is considered one of the world's most visited tourist destinations in New York City.

The MTA invites its employees, commuters, and the public at large to give the gift of life by donating blood to help maintain the region's blood supply levels through spring. All presenting donors will receive a redeemable voucher for two tickets to a select 2026 New York Mets home game.

In light of recent updates to FDA guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to give. Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. To view current eligibility guidelines or make an appointment, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org.

WHEN: Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 9:00 a.m - 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Terminal, 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017

WHO: Blood Donors, Volunteers, and New York Blood Center representatives

To make an appointment at this blood drive, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit:

https://donate.nybc.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/331176

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.

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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.