The New York Blood Center has declared its fifth blood emergency of the year.

The region's blood supply is currently at a 1 to 3-day supply.

Officials say the ideal blood supply level of 5 to 7 days hasn't occurred in two and a half year.

According to officials, if something doesn't change, it could be the difference between life and death for some people.

"It could be so bad that an emergency room could have a problem taking in patients. Doctors have to triage, but we don't want it to get to that," says Christine Foran, New York Blood Center.

 The blood center says it's encouraging younger Long Islanders to donate so that hopefully it becomes a lifelong habit.

In a few hours, there will be a major celebration at Stony Brook University.

The university will be celebrating 33,000 blood donations with the New York Blood Center. Organizers say that is 99,000 lives saved.