Special Blood Drive Will Honor Hudson Valley Organ Donation Advocate Lauren Shields

NEW CITY, NY — A Rockland County hero will be honored in the most fitting way possible this week.

New York Blood Center will host a blood drive in New City on Thursday, Oct. 15, in memory of Lauren Shields, a longtime advocate for blood and organ donation. The drive is scheduled for 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Howard Hanna Rand Realty, 268 South Main Street, New City.

Shields was a nationally recognized advocate whose life was extended through blood transfusions and multiple organ transplants. She received a heart transplant at age 8 for viral myocarditis and later underwent two kidney transplants. The announcement says she spent years helping others understand the importance of blood and organ donation through advocacy efforts in state and local government.

Shields was a key advocate for Lauren's Law, signed by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. The law requires New Yorkers to specify whether they would like to be organ donors when applying for or renewing a driver's license. The measure is intended to increase organ donor registration and raise awareness across the state.

Organizers describe Shields as a longtime partner of New York Blood Center. She used her story in speaking engagements, community events and blood drives to highlight the need for blood donations.

Shields died in June 2026.

New York Blood Center said the Oct. 15 event is being held to honor Shields' impact and give residents a chance to continue her legacy by donating blood. The organization is urging eligible donors of all blood types to give, with a particular need for Type O donors and younger donors.