KINGSTON, N.Y. – There's a growing need for blood donations across New York. According to the New York Blood Center, roughly 2,000 life-saving blood donations are needed daily in New York and New Jersey.

That's why New York Blood Center spokespersons in Kingston are partnering with local leaders to encourage others to give the gift of life.

“This is one of the easiest and best ways you, me as ordinary citizens can actually save lives," Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger said. "God forbid, we have a traffic accident and one of our community members is hit by car, rushed to a hospital and needs blood.”

Lake Katrine resident Michael Hinchey said he's made giving blood a habit since he was in high school. Now, every three months, he donates a pint of blood. He said the preparation process is fairly simple.

“I try to drink water during the morning hours," Hinchey said. When it comes to giving back, Hinchey said, "It feels good."

According to America's Blood Centers, more than 60% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood, yet roughly 3% participate.

Brian Harper, community and stakeholder relations manager for the New York Blood Center, said there's people in Ulster County in need of blood donations right now. 

“At our Kingston donor center, we’ve been seeing a pretty dramatic decline over the past several years at this time of year," Harper said. "We really need people to step up.”

Harper said just one blood donation can save up to three lives, and you never know when you will be the person in need.

"You step up to do it when you’re healthy and well," Harper said. "You never know when you or a loved one is going to be the one that needs that blood."