New York has a critical shortage of blood Blood shortage For nearly a year, blood drives were put on hold. And they still haven't resumed at workplaces, schools and other public places. NEW YORK - We're in a state of emergency when it comes to the country's bloody supply. "The pandemic has just created a chronic deficit," said Andrea Cefarelli, senior executive director of recruitment and marketing for the New York Blood Center. Blame the pandemic and the reopening. For nearly a year, blood drives were put on hold, and they still haven't resumed at workplaces, schools, and other public places.