Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1983. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
The New York Times - August 1, 1983
William R. Greer
The director, Dr. Johanna Pindyck, said her organization was no longer asking hospitals to postpone any nonemergency surgery because of a lack of blood for transfusions.
However, the supply of some types of blood is still at a "precarious" level, Dr. Pindyck said. "If in one day a very large use occurred, we would still be in a perilous position," she said.
Dr. Pindyck said the shortage had been eased by informing the public that giving blood did not pose any risk of contracting acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or AIDS, because the needles were used once and thrown away. Seasonal Drop in Donations
The misconception that AIDS can be contracted through donating blood, coupled with the normal decrease in blood donations in July and August, brought the supply of type O-negative blood to under a day's worth on July 15, Dr. Pindyck said. O-negative is used as a barometer of blood supplies because it can be given to anyone in emergencies, regardless of their blood type.
Blood donations decrease in the summer because there are no blood drives at universities and many of the employees who usually donate at work are on vacation, the director said.
But by yesterday, the New York blood program had collected enough O-negative blood to last two and a half to three days. This is 10 percent less than the program had last July, the director said, and a little over half of the ideal supply of four to five days' worth. Donations at Gracie Mansion
The New York blood program supplies blood to 262 hospitals in New York City, North Jersey and Long Island. Although most hospitals have their own blood banks, they rely on the program to keep them stocked.
Yesterday, the program's effort to attract more blood donors brought a mobile blood unit to Gracie Mansion. There, Mayor Koch wound his way through a field of cots set up in the Susan B. Wagner Ballroom, which is usually reserved for official receptions. He talked to people who had just given blood and encouraged those who were about to give. "It may insure you a place in heaven," he told one donor.
About 260 people gave blood at Gracie Mansion, compared with the 100 to 150 who usually donate at community blood drives, Dr. Pindyck said.
Ruth Domingo was among the donors the Mayor spoke to under the crystal chandeliers in the ballroom. She had brought four of her children and three grandchildren with her from the Bronx to see the Mayor's official residence. She was the only member of her family to give blood, she said.
"When the Mayor shook my hand, that was enough," Mrs. Domingo said. "But when he came back and started interviewing me - I haven't stopped smiling yet."
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