Blood Drive Program
Blood Drive Program
Every day, patients rely on the generosity of blood donors to survive surgeries, recover from illness, and overcome traumatic injuries. For over 30 years, Columbia University has partnered with the New York Blood Center to host blood drives on our campuses, connecting willing donors with critical need, turning small acts of generosity into life-saving impact.
What We Do
Program leadership and coordination for the University’s Blood Drive Program are provided by the Operations Team, which oversees donor engagement, partnerships, and program delivery. We design and deliver donation initiatives that are accessible, impactful, and rooted in community. Our work includes:
• Blood drive planning and on-site coordination
• Partnership with an accredited collection organization, the New York Blood Center
• Donor education and awareness initiatives
• End-to-end program management and support
• Volunteer mobilization and engagement
Summer 2026 Schedule
Tuesday, July 21st
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Columbia Faculty House – 64 Morningside Drive
2nd Floor, Seminar Ballroom
(Enter via Wien Hall Gate on West 116th Street between Amsterdam Ave. and Morningside Dr.)
Fall 2026 Schedule
Check back soon for details about the fall schedule.
Our Volunteers and Partners
Behind every successful drive is a network of dedicated students, faculty, and staff volunteers, as well as departments, who bring this mission to life. Their willingness to step forward – time and time again – transforms each event into something more than a donation opportunity; it becomes a reflection of who we are as a community.
Our Impact
Through our five yearly campaigns, “Dr. Charles Drew Black History Month” (February); “New Beginnings” (April); “Communities that Care” (July); “New Student Orientation” (August/September); and “Breast Cancer Awareness” (October), we manage the full experience so donors can focus on giving and recipients can focus on healing. Every donor. Every drive. Every registration moves the needle.
• Blood donations that can help save up to three lives each
• Engaging employees, partners, and communities in meaningful service
• Building a culture of sustained giving, not just a one-time action.
Our recently held 2026 “New Beginnings” Spring Campaign generated 325 donations. From 1999 to 2024, Columbia University hosted 434 blood drives, collecting over 24,000 units of blood and positively impacting the lives of more than 72,000 individuals. Columbia University has been the recipient of several NYBC honors over the years, including a 2013-2018 “Platinum Award”; a 2017 “You Mean the World to Us” Award presented to Junior M. Benjamin for his above-and-beyond dedication as our blood drive Chairperson; a 2019 honor as one of the winners of the New York Mets College Blood Donation Championships; and the inaugural 2024 “Dr. Charles Drew Lifesaver Award” for bringing awareness to the need for diverse blood donors.
By increasing blood donations, we help close critical gaps and expand access to life-saving care. No matter how you participate, you are helping save lives.